Longest Vine Research Articles

Field Evaluation of the Efficacy of some Plant Oils for the Management of Aphis craccivora (Koch)

The Research was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Jatropha curcas (L.) and Azadirachta indica (A. Juss) for the management of Aphis craccivora (Koch) infesting cowpea. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design. The result indicated that, of the plant oils, 2 and 3 % concentrations of J. curcas and A. indica oil gave the highest reduction in A. craccivora population and the number of leaf curls per plant. Also, significantly (P≤0.05) longer vines, a higher number of pods and a higher of 100 seeds weight were obtained from cowpea plants with the application of J. curcas and A. indica respectively, compared with their respective control. The result also indicated that the application of 1, 2 and 3 % concentrations of A. indica oil led to an average of 8.42, 39.63, and 64.31 per cent increase in the total grain yield, respectively when compared with the control, while 1, 2 and 3 % concentrations of J. curcas oil resulted in 25.39, 47.27 and 69.66 % increases in the cowpea total grain yield, respectively when compared with the control. The application of Lambda-cyhalothrin led to a 69.74 per cent increase in grain yield. Jatropha curcas oil resulted in a higher grain yield than A. indica oil and compared favourably with that of Lambda-cyhalothrin. The results suggest that both oil extracts can be used by cowpea farmers for effective management of A. craccivora infesting cowpea.

English

An experiment to determine the effect of poultry manure (PM) application rates on growth and yield of S. senegalensis was conducted at the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The experiment was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) of four rates of poultry manure (0, 10, 20 and 30 t ha–1) replicated three times. Analysis of variance results indicated that PM significantly (p < 0.05) influenced most of the growth attributes measured with 20 t ha-1 having the longest vine (106.5 and 140.3 cm) at 4 and 5 MAT, respectively. It also produced more leaves (77.9, 132.1, 175.9 and 250) at 2, 3, 4 and 5 MAT, respectively and had the highest number of branches of 13.85, 22.70, 27.6, 39.2 and 61.1 across the months. Most of the phenological traits were positively influenced by PM rates. Earliest days to 60% (138.0 days) and 100% (167.0 days) flower bud formation, flower bud break (191.0 days) and fruit formation (194.3 days) were associated with 30 t ha–1 of PM. Poultry manure had no significant effect on all the yield components and yield measured. Although, PM applied at 20 t ha–1 had the earliest days (706) to harvest and had the tendency to increase S. senegalensis yield. Further increase of PM rate beyond 20 t ha–1 decreased growth and yield traits taken. The use of PM at 20 t ha–1 appeared optimum and could be recommended for the cultivation of S, senegalensis in the study area. Key words: Saba senegalensis, poultry manure, food insecurity, growth, yield.

Influence of Organic Amendments and Fertigation on Growth, Yield, Quality of Watermelon (CitrulluslanatusThunb.) and Available Nutrient Status in Their Land (Red Sand Dune) of Southern Tamil Nadu

The present investigation was carried out at Thirumaraiyur village, Sattankulamtaluk, Thoothukudi district, to study the effect of organic amendments with the recommended dose of fertilizers on the growth and yield of watermelon in Ther isoil (red sand dunes) during the year 2017 and 2018. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with Factorial concept (FRBD). There were three factors as organic amendments with 6 treatment combinations for each factor, which were assigned at random in each plot with three replications. The recommended dose of fertilizers in treatments was two levels 75 and 100 percent. Among the treatment combinations, the tank silt application @ 100 t ha-1 with 100 per cent recommended fertilizer as 200:100:100 kg of NPK ha-1 through Fertigation at 7 days interval (A1N5) produced the maximum number of branches (10.67), longest vine (362.0 cm), number of fruits plant-1 (2.57), the weight of fruit (5.27 kg), fruit yield (68.77 t ha-1), total soluble solid (TSS) 10.94%), ascorbic acid (8.08 (mg 100g-1), gross return ( 4,09,320/ha), B:C ratio (2.45), uptake of NPK 41.51, 3.93 and 31.94 kg ha-1, respectively) compared to other treatments. Significant built-up of organic carbon (0.52%), available N (253.47 kg ha-1 ), P (16.40 kg ha-1) and K (218.40 kg ha-1) were registered with the application of tank silt application @ 100 t ha-1 with 100 per cent recommended fertilizer as 200:100:100 kg of NPK ha-1 through Fertigation at 7 days interval (A1N5).

Effect of Different Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Phenological Parameters of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cv. Punjab Naveen

An experiment was conducted during the season from March 2018 – June 2018 at the Horticulture farm of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (Punjab). The three replications of the experimental trial used a randomized block design. Eleven alternative approaches were used in the trial. Based on the findings of the experimental trial, it was possible to concluded that the treatment T8 GA3 (100ppm) had a significant impact on the growth and phenological parameters of the cucumber, including the number of branches, leaf area, days to the first flowering, and days to 50% flowering. However, the longest vine and the greatest internodal distance were seen in treatment T7 GA3 (50ppm).

Plant density due to intra-row spacing on growth, weed control, and yield of Golden melon

ABSTRACT Appropriate density of Golden melon (Cucumis melo L.) in the field is arrived at by correct spacing between, and within rows, a factor that can impact on weed incidence and crop yield. A field experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in the tropical rainforest/savannah transition zone of southwestern Nigeria, to assess the effects of intra-row spacing on growth and yield of golden melon and determine the weed control ability. Treatments were plant densities of: 50,000, 25,000, 16,667, 12,500, or 10,000 plants∙ha−1 produced by establishing plants at 20, 40, 60, 80, or 100 cm intra-row with a constant inter-row spacing of 100 cm. Data were collected on number of leaves, vine length, number of branches, days to flowering, days to 50% flowering, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, total fruit yield, weed density, weed fresh weight, and weed dry matter content. More leaves, branches, and longer vines were obtained from plants grown at 10,000, 12,500, and 16,667 plants∙ha−1. Number of fruits per plant increased as plant density increased. Planting at 25,000 and 50,000 plants∙ha−1 produced smaller fruits compared to planting at 10,000 and 16,667 plants∙ha−1. Planting at 10,000 and 16,667 plants∙ha−1 produced more fruits per plant and had larger fruits compared to other plant densities. Planting golden melon at a population density of 25,000 or 50,000 plants∙ha−1 was efficient in controlling, and reducing, weed interference. Planting at a population of 25,000 plants∙ha−1 provides efficient weed control; a population of 16,666 plants∙ha−1 provides increased growth and yield of golden melon. Planting Golden melon at a population of 16,666 plants∙ha−1 (100 cm inter-row, 60 cm intra-row spacing) appears to be best to improve yield. Knowledge of the best plant density obtained through intra-row spacing can impact efficiency and cost of production of Golden melon.

Influence of Different Fertilizer Types on the Growth and Yield of Two Varieties Cucumber (Cucumis melo)

The growth, yield and nutritional quality of Poinsett and Marketmore varieties of cucumber in response to compost and NPK fertilizer application were evaluated at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. The six fertilizer combinations are T1 (0 kg N), T2 (100% NPK, 600 kg NPK 15:15:15), T3 (100% Tithonia compost (TC), 5 tons/ha), T4 (75% NPK + 25% TC), T5 (50% NPK + 50% TC) and T6 (25% NPK+ 75% TC). The treatments were arranged as 6 × 2 factorial scheme in Randomised Complete Block Design with three replicates. Data were collected on growth parameters, fruit yield, calcium content and iron content. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and difference among treatments means was computed using Least Significant Difference at 0.05 probability level. The results revealed that at the point of maximum growth Poinsett cucumber variety produced significant longer vine (173.78cm); higher number of leaves (23.56) and more robust stem girth (3.01 cm) than the other variety. At 8 weeks after sowing (WAS) the longest vine length (216.67cm) and number of leaves (29.33) were obtained from cucumber plants treated with 5 tons/ha. Varietal effect was not significant (p≤0.05) on cucumber fruit yield and firmness. The vine length, fruit girth, stem girth, number of leaves were significantly influenced by the application of 5 tons/ha. At 8 WAS, the longest vine 216.67cm and highest number of leaves (27.33) were recorded from 5 tons/ha, while the widest stem girth (2.10cm) was gotten from 50% NPK + 50% TC treated cucumber. Fruit yield was significantly improved by the application of different combination of fertilizer. Plant that received fertilizer had significant better fruit yield compared with non-fertilized one. However, the use of 50% NPK + 50% TC gave the highest fruit yield. The study concluded that combine application of 300 kg NPK + 2.5 ton/ha TC would be sufficient for production of the two varieties tried in this study. Keywords: Cucumber; farmyard manure; inorganic fertilizer; growth; yield. DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-14-03 Publication date :July 31 st 2019

Performance of cowpea varieties under zero tillage conditions in rice-wheat cropping system

The present experimentation was undertaken during pre-kharif season of 2013 and 2014 to study the varietal performance of cowpea in rice-wheat cropping system at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibai, Cooch Behar, West Bengal after harvesting of wheat under zero tillage conditions and before rice sowing. Experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications by using eighteen varieties of cowpea. The result of pooled data revealed that all the growth, yield parameters and quality parameters varied significantly with respect to different varieties of cowpea. The longest and lowest vine length was noticed in Lafa Sundari Bangla (112.10 cm) and VU-5 (32.64 cm), minimum and maximum days for flowering, first harvesting and last harvesting was recorded in Kaberee and Pusa Phalguni Gold. Variety Girija and Deshi Lafa produced longest pod (45.40 cm), highest individual pod weight (14.29g). For number of pods per plant Triguna (31.07) was found highest which was statistically at par with Kanak (30.70), Kashi Kanchan (29.33). Maximum yield of 18.51 t/ha was obtained from Kashi Kanchan followed by Triguna (17.07 tonnes/ ha) and Kanak (16.69 tonnes/ha). Lafa Sundari Bangala recorded with highest beta carotene content (1037 IU/100g fresh pod), ascorbic acid content (20.17 mg/100g fresh pod) as well as highest protein content of 4.69 per cent. Hence, it is concluded that the cowpea variety Kashi Kanchan, Triguna and Kanak may be recommended for commercial cultivation in rice-wheat cropping system under terai zone of West Bengal as they produced higher yield (34.52 %, 24.06 % and 21.29 %, respectively) over the check variety Lafa Sundari Bangla.

Agronomic performance and adaptability of three varieties of watermelon (<i>Citrullus lanatus</i>) on sandy loam soil in derived savanna

Amidst tropical vegetables, watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus ) is increasing popular for its numerous health benefits. In Nigeria, this vegetable crop is still under-produced in the relatively more humid southern part where it is heavily consumed. This situation is partly due to lack of empirical data on existing exotic and local varieties particularly in the southeastern region of the country. In this study, field trials with three watermelon varieties [Lagone (exotic), Koloss (exotic) and Charleston gray (local) serving as control] were conducted on a sandy loam acid soil at Nsukka in southeastern Nigeria typifying Derived Savanna. They were evaluated for agronomic performance including vegetative growth and fruit yield. Koloss took less time (~ 10 days) to emerge compared to Lagone (15 days) and Charleston gray (14 days). Lagone attained first and 50% flowering earlier (36 and 39 days, respectively) than the others. Charleston gray had the longest vine (196.42 cm) nine weeks after planting but showed fewer fruits (3.33) than the others, while Koloss showed largest fruit width (15.66 cm). Fresh fruit yield indicated nominal differences but tended to be highest in Koloss (1.95 kg/plant); Lagone and Charleston gray had 1.85 and 1.74 kg/plant, respectively. For enhanced production of watermelon, Koloss is recommended to farmers in Nsukka agro-environment and similar climate-soil zones in the savanna. In the future, this exotic variety could be hybridized with the local Charleston gray and the hybrid seeds evaluated against the pure lines. Keywords: watermelon ecology, exotic varieties, vegetative growth, fruit yield

Analysis of Leaf Yield Components in Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) Grown in Derived Savannah Agro-ecology

High yield has become one of the major objectives of breeders and growers over the recent decades. Eighteen accessions of Telfairia occidentalis were studied in a randomized complete block design experiment replicated three times to determine the relationship among selected traits and their contribution to leaf yield. The following yield traits were studied: length of the longest vine (LLV), number of leaves plant-1 (LP), number of leaves per 40 cm of vine length (LVL), number of vines (NOV), length of the central leaflet (LCL), width of the central leaflet (WCL), vine diameter (VD) and leaf yield by weight. The correlation coefficient was estimated and the values partitioned to show the direct and indirect effects to yield using path coefficient analysis. LP showed the highest positive and significant correlation (r=0.72**) with leaf yield. WCL and LP had the highest direct positive effects on leaf yield. The study revealed that increased number of wide leaves plant-1 with long and higher number of branches will increase the leaf yield of T. occidentalis.

Seasonal Growth, Biomass Allocation, and Invasive Attributes Manifested by Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Air-Potato) Plants Generated from Bulbils in Florida

Dioscorea bulbifera is a serious invader of various ecosystems in Florida, where plants generated by its two morphotypes climb aggressively and smother supporting vegetation. There is a dearth of published research on its invasive biological attributes including vine growth and biomass production by plants generated from bulbils. Herein, we assessed these parameters in common garden studies by planting bulbils from four biomass categories (PBBCs I–IV) of both morphotypes. Vine lengths, longevity-based growth rates (VLGR), biomass, and quantities of leaves and daughter bulbils in both morphotypes showed positive correlation with the biomass of planted parental bulbils. This indicated similarity between corresponding attributes in two morphotypes. Total vine length showed strong positive correlation with VLGR, biomass, and quantities of leaves and bulbils. Overall vine longevity among plants from PBBCs I–IV did not significantly differ whereas the total vine lengths, VLGRs, number of branches, and quantities of leaves and bulbils increased with the biomass of the parental bulbils. Plants recruited by smaller bulbils allocated more biomass to leaves and tubers compared to stems and bulbils, whereas the plants recruited by larger bulbils allocated more biomass to leaves and bulbils compared to tubers and stems. Higher proportion of biomass allocation to leaves and bulbils presumably ensures immediate faster growth, longer vines, and a greater number of daughter bulbils for future recruitment of new plants. Vine length (associated with faster growth rate, capable of blanketing supporting structures and producing large quantities of bulbils) has been noted as the primary invasive biological attribute that facilitates D. bulbifera's status as a noxious exotic weed in Florida. Control measure that can reduce vine length should reduce or eliminate the invasive behavior of D. bulbifera in Florida.

The usefulness of apricot gum as an organic additive in grapevine tissue culture media

The growth and morphogenesis of cultured plant tissues can be improved by small amounts of some organic elements. In addition to being a natural source of carbon, organic additives may contain natural vitamins, phenols, fiber, hormones and also proteins. Hence, the physiological effects of apricot gum on the regeneration capacity and growth rate of three different plant species i.e. carrot (as a model plant), stevia (as an herbaceous plant), and grapevine (as a woody plant) were examined. The proliferated callus cultures of carrot and in vitro-derived microcuttings of stevia and grapevine were inoculated on their respective standardized proliferation media supplemented with 2.0-6.0 g/l apricot gum. The growth parameters of treated samples were measured and compared to gum-free medium. Earlier callus initiations with greater fresh weight, volume, as well as improved pigmentation were recorded in media fortified with apricot gum. The usefulness of gum application was also obvious in both stevia and grapevine with respect to better shoot multiplication and rooting parameters. Due to positive effects of apricot gum, longer vines with a higher number of lateral shoots, internodes and leaf area were achieved. Overall, the gum at the rate of 4.0 g/L was found to be a logical concentration with respect to encouraging response in all three species. Owing to promising results evolved in the present research, the application of gum in commercial tissue culture protocols is highly recommended. However, further studies are needed to exploit plant derived gums as an alternative carbon source in plant tissue culture media.

Responses of selected bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina Standly)] landraces to water stress

Bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standly] is a neglected underutilized species that is available only as a landrace in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to evaluate responses of bottle gourd landraces to water stress compared with pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) and cucumber (Cucurbita pepo), the closest relatives. For this purpose, two bottle gourd landraces and one green pumpkin cultivar and a cucumber cultivar were grown under controlled conditions at three levels of water stress. Landraces had longer vines than hybrids while hybrid varieties produced more leaves than landraces at all levels of water treatments. The responses of landraces and hybrids to water stress were similar in that they all showed lower chlorophyll content index, stomatal conductance and plant growth in response to decreasing water availability. However, the landraces showed better stomatal regulation indicating better acclimation to water stress. The comparable performance of landraces to the exotic pumpkin and cucumber varieties and their water stress tolerance suggests that bottle gourd could be promoted as an alternative food security crop in rural communities.

Leaf and Fruit Yield Performance of <i>Telfairia occidentalis</i> Hook F. (Fluted Pumpkin) as Influenced by Fruit Size

An experiment to ascertain the influence of fruit size on the yield of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.) was conducted in 2011 and 2012 at Nsukka. The mature fruits of T. occidentalis were graded into three length groups: large (more than 50 cm), medium (34-50 cm) and small (less than 34 cm). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with six replications. The following data were collected: length of the longest vine, number of leaves/plant, vine diameter, marketable leaf and fruit yield. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance while Genotype by Genotype x Environment interaction biplot was used to show which-won-where among the groups. Significant means were separated using Fisher’s least significant differences. Medium sized fruits gave the highest marketable leaf yield that was significantly higher than the small sized fruits in both years. Small sized fruits were significantly (p<0.05) lower in total leaf yield, fruit weight/hectare, fruit circumference (33.9 cm) and length (22 cm). The biplot explained 100% of the variation in the fruit sizes. Large sized fruits were the best performer in fruit length, while medium sized fruits performed better in total marketable leaf yield, average fruit weight, number of fruits/hectare and total fruit weight/hectare. The highest Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.2 and 2.6 in 2011 and 2012, respectively were obtained from medium sized fruits Medium sized fruit are recommended in favour of small sized fruit for leaf and fruit production, having higher economic returns.

Variation in Field Pea (Pisum sativum) Cultivars for Basal Branching and Weed Competition

Field pea cultivars often differ in weed competition. In several crop types branching has been cited as one of the characteristics conferring competition with weeds. The objective of this study was to determine the difference in weed competition among field pea cultivars differing in basal branching and other characteristics. Ten field pea cultivars with divergent basal branching ability were seeded at 50 plants m−2 under weedy and weed-free conditions to evaluate their competition with weeds. Branching did not differ greatly between cultivars and was not associated with the weed competiveness of the field pea cultivars. The forage pea cultivars, which were leafed and had longer vines, were much more competitive than the semi-leafless grain cultivars. As a result, the forage cultivars were better able to suppress weeds and maintain their yield under weed presence. However, the absolute seed yield of the forage pea cultivars was low, making them a poor choice for seed production. Vine length and the leafy characteristic may be important genetic characteristics associated with competition in field pea cultivars.

Patterns of vegetative propagation of stem cuttings of three physiological ages of <i> gongronema latifolia</i> benth over two seasons in Nsukka

Investigations into the vegetative propagation pattern of stem cuttings of three physiological ages of Gongronema latifolia Benth were undertaken during two seasons in Nsukka. Stem cuttings of the three physiological ages (hardwood, semi-hardwood and soft wood) were taken from a clone in a forest in southeastern Nigeria. The study showed significant variability in shoot development and growth of shoots of the three physiological ages over the two seasons. Softwood stem cuttings recorded fewer days to opening of first bud and shoot initiation (9 and 12, respectively) during wet season as well as higher percentage of rooted cuttings of 75% and 56% in dry and wet seasons respectively. Similarly, hardwood and semi-hardwood cuttings showed fewer days to opening of first bud and shoot initiation in the dry season. Hardwood cuttings also had lower percentage of rooted cuttings (44%) during the wet season. However, it had longer vines in both seasons as well as higher number of shoots and leaves/cutting during the dry season. Vegetative stem cutting propagation of a selected clone of G. latifolia can thus be achieved with any of the physiological ages in both seasons at varying levels of success. Meanwhile, their propagation during the dry season when each (physiological age) gave more than seventy per cent (70%) rooted cuttings is more reliable.

EFFECTS OF POSTAPPLICATION HALOSULFURONMETHYL AT VARIOUS PERCENTS OF VINE COVERAGE ON WATERMELON YIELDS

Most seedless watermelons are grown on black polyethylene mulch to aid crop establishment, growth, yield, and quality and weed control. However, nutsedge is a persistent problem in this production system, as it can easily penetrate the mulch. Halosulfuron-methyl is registered in some crops and provides excellent yellow nutsedge control. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of reduced halosulfuron-methyl contract to the watermelon plant on fruit yield and quality. The seedless watermelon cultivars, Tri-X-313 and Precious Petite, were transplanted into black polyethylene mulch and sprayed 16 days later. Halosulfuron-methyl at 35 g a.i./ha plus 0.25% (v/v) nonionic surfactant was applied at 187 L·ha–1 with a TeeJet 8002 even tip nozzle. Treatments were no spray, 25% of the vine tips, 25% of the crown, and over the top (entire plant). Plants in each treatment were rated (0% = no damage, 100% = fatality) for herbicide injury and the longest vine was measured on four plants. The no-spray treatment had the longest vines (156 cm). The topical halosulfuron treatment resulted in the shortest vines (94 cm) and the highest visual damage rating (63%). The herbicide caused foliage to yellow, internodes to shorten, and stems to crack. Treatments receiving halosulfuron-methyl applied to 25% of the vine (tip end) or 25% of the vine (crown end) resulted in reduced injury compared to the topical application. Generally, the 25% vine tip application was the safest halosulfuron treatment. The total yield (kg·ha–1) and number of watermelons/ha were similar among treatments. The no-spray treatment produced 4450 kg·ha–1 and 8300 watermelons/ha. The over-top treatment produced 3500 kg·ha–1 and 7300 watermelons/ha. Watermelon in the no-spray treatment weighed 4.4 kg, while watermelons weighed 3.9 kg with the over the top treatment. Halosulfuron-methyl is registered to apply to middles between watermelon rows; however, topical applications are prevented due to the possibility of crop injury. This research suggests that reduction of topical application to only 25% contact of the crop may improve crop tolerance. Thus application to nutsedge patches where limited contact to watermelon occurs may be a possibility in the future.

(184) Effects of Colored Plastic Mulches on Muskmelon Growth and Yield

Colored plastic mulches can influence muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) growth and yield. A study was carried out at the St. Charles Horticulture Research Center, St. Charles, Ill., to compare the effects of different colored plastic mulches on vine length and yield of muskmelons. An experiment was carried out with 10 treatments, namely, control (bare ground), and plastic mulches (black smooth, red, black embossed, blue, olive, yellow, clear, white, and reflective) in a complete randomized block and replicated four times. Muskmelon variety `Athena' seeds were started in the greenhouse in late Apr. 2004 in flats filled with Jiffy Mix, and transplanted in mid-May 2004. Seedlings planted in black embossed, olive, red, blue, and white plastic mulches had longer vines than seedlings transplanted in black smooth, reflective, clear, and yellow mulches by 24 July. Seedlings planted on the control (bare ground) had much shorter vines compared to seedlings in other treatments. The cumulative fruit number and weight was higher in blue, olive, red, and black embossed plastic mulches than in plants grown in clear, yellow, and reflective plastic mulch treatments. Plants grown in white and reflective mulch treatments had larger fruits than plants in other treatments. In comparison with black embossed plastic mulch, plants grown in blue, olive, and red plastic mulches had higher fruit number and yields.

Colored Plastic Mulches Influence Cucumber Beetle Populations, Vine Growth, and Yield of Watermelon

Colored plastic mulches were evaluated for their effect on the production of a triploid (`Honeyheart') and a diploid (`Sangria') watermelon cultivar during the spring growing season. Colored mulches affected cucumber beetle populations; the SRM-Red (Selective Reflective Mulch) and yellow plastic mulch plots had among the highest cucumber beetle populations recorded in both cultivars while the silver-reflective and the silver-on-black plastic mulches had among the lowest. In general, most mulched plots had longer vines than the bare-ground treatment, with few differences in vine length among treatments by 4 weeks. There were no differences among mulch treatments in first and total `Honeyheart' harvest while the IRT-100 (infrared transmitting; green), PST (photosynthetic reduced transmitting), and silver-on-black plastic mulches had the highest first `Sangria' harvest and among the highest total `Sangria' harvest. Plants in plastic mulch treatments had higher yields as a result of higher fruit number per area. Fruit weight, length, and diameter and total soluble solids for both cultivars were not affected by colored plastic mulch treatments.