Tomato performance and incidence of tomato yellow leaf curl (TYLC) virus as affected by type of mulch

Abstract

Five mulch types, i.e. silver plastic, black plastic, paper, white/black plastic and black/white plastic, were evaluated in terms of their effect on tomato growth, yield, fruit quality and incidence of tomato yellow leaf curl (TYLC) virus. Highest early marketable yields were obtained from the silver, white/black and black/white plastic mulches. Total marketable yields were significantly increased by all the mulch treatments. Both the silver and white/black plastic mulches were superior to other treatments in early and total fruit counts. Average weight per fruit was similar for all treatments and was acceptable in the Jordanian market. While incidence of sunscald increased significantly, blossom end rot (BER) incidence, seasonal cracking and shoot dry weight were not affected by the mulch treatments. Incidence of TYLC virus was reduced by the silver plastic mulch.