Reflective Mulch Research Articles

Evaluation of Virus Resistant Squash and Interaction with Reflective and Nonreflective Mulches

A 3-year study to evaluate mulch type (reflective and black) and new virus resistant summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) varieties was undertaken. In the first year of the study (1996), in Shorter, Ala., under slight virus pressure, silver painted mulch suppressed virus symptoms through the final evaluation 2 months after planting. In addition, virus symptoms were significantly more prevalent on `Dixie' compared to `Supersett', `Tigress', `HMX 5727', `Jaguar', `Destiny III', and `Prelude II'. In the second year (1997), two different experiments were conducted in Savannah, Ga., where there was no virus pressure. In the first experiment at the Savannah location, `Tigress' and `HMX 6704' had significantly higher yields than `Destiny III', `Prelude II', `Puma', `Jaguar', `Meigs', `Dixie', and `Supersett'. In the second Savannah experiment, `Prelude II' and `Destiny III' had significantly higher yields than `Zucchini Elite', `Supersett', `HMX 6704', and `Jaguar'. In 1998 at Shorter, there was no difference in virus incidence based on mulch used. Although there were differences in virus incidence among varieties, the lowest incidence was 70% of plants infected for `Prelude II'. In addition to field evaluations, these varieties were evaluated for resistance to zucchini yellow mosaic virus under greenhouse conditions. Varieties HMX 7710, HMX 6704, Puma, Tigress, Prelude II, Jaguar, and Destiny III were significantly more resistant compared to varieties Zucchini Elite, Meigs, Supersett, and Dixie. In conclusion, reflective mulch was effective only under slight virus pressure.

011 Reflective Mulches and Yellow Sticky Tape Control Whiteflies in Greenhouse Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Greenhouse Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum) and Silverleaf Whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii) are the most serious insect pests of poinsettia. Most growers rely on the use of foliar insecticide applications before bract coloring and an application of a single soil application of imidicloprid (Marathon) subsequently. This research was undertaken to investigate the use of reflective mulches or bench covers, which have been shown to be effective in outdoor applications for control of whitefly in the greenhouse. In an early trial, silver painted pot spacers and silver polyethylene mulch were placed between pots and both nymphs on leaves and adults caught on yellow sticky cards were monitored. Nymph populations were reduced by ≈35% and adults caught on sticky cards increased by ≈40% when compared with the control. In a subsequent trial, reflective bench covers were combined with the use of yellow sticky tape placed above the canopy of the crop and compared with sticky tape alone, reflective mulch alone, and no treatment. The combination of sticky tape and reflective mulch significantly reduced whitefly populations after 6 weeks and performed better than either of the other treatments alone.

The potential of reflective mulching in combination with insecticide sprays for control of aphid‐borne viruses of iris and tulip in Tasmania

SummarySilver coloured plastic mulches and weekly insecticide sprays were examined individually and in combination for efficacy in reducing spread of tulip breaking potyvirus (TBV) in tulip, and these plus mineral oil treatments, alone and in combination with insecticide and mulch, were evaluated for their effect on iris mild mosaic potyvirus (IMMV) spread in bulbous iris. In the iris trial, significant reductions in virus spread were noted for all treatments, with the combined treatment of mulch and insecticide giving the best virus control. However, with little virus spread there were no significant treatment effects on TBV spread in tulips. Reduced numbers of aphid vectors were trapped over unsprayed mulched than non‐mulched plots. Mulch treatments had no effect on stem length or harvested bulb weight while the insecticide treatment (tulips only) and treatments incorporating mineral oil significantly reduced both stem length and bulb weight. This work suggests that enhanced virus management in flowerbulb production may be achieved by incorporating reflective mulches in current virus control strategies.

Effect of reflective mulches and floating row covers on the spread of viral diseases and the production of squash in the United Arab Emirates

Plastic mulches in combination with polyethylene floating row covers were evaluated under the hot weather conditions of United Arab Emirates as a method of controlling aphid-borne mosaic viruses damaging squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). The total fruit yields and the yield of marketable fruits increased significantly with the use of mulch-cover combination. The mulch-cover treatmentssignificantly decreased the population of colonizing aphids on plant leaves and also the number of plants showing mosaic symptoms. Aluminum painted plastic mulch reduced mosaic symptoms the most followed by white, yellow and black plastic mulches. Serological tests indicated the presence of watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and squash mosaic virus (SqMV)

METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVES IN FRESH MARKET TOMATO PRODUCTION

Pest management is of primary importance to the vegetable industry in our nation. In recent years producers have undergone much scrutiny concerning their pest control strategies, which often include the use of chemical pesticides. Due to the detrimental effects of many fumigants, growers are being forced to incorporate more environmentally sound agricultural practices while still producing a healthy, marketable commodity. The effects of three different fumigants and reflective mulches on plant growth and development were studied in field-grown, staked tomatoes. Methyl bromide, Telone II, or Telone C-17 were used in fumigation of plots. The establishment of mulch color was done via applications of exterior enamel paint, white or red in color, to the surface of black polyethylene mulch. With the exception of total marketable yields, no interactions existed between mulch color and fumigant. Red mulch and Telone II treatments resulted in the highest total marketable yield. Telone II application increased early marketable yield. White mulch color increased preharvest yield and black mulch color decreased early marketable yield. Low initial populations of nematodes may be the cause for lack of response due to fumigation.

Benefit of Chemical and Cultural Control in Managing Pumpkin Viruses and Vectors

Pumpkins rank third in acreage among Ohio's fresh market vegetables. Recently, increasing incidence of insect-vectored viruses have threatened the economic potential of this crop. Studies were initiated in 1992 to obtain information on abundance of insect pests, to evaluate the effect of insecticides, reflective mulch and row covers on pest density and yield of marketable fruit. In 1994 and 1995, statewide virus surveys were conducted to determine virus types infecting the pumpkin crop. In 1992 the greatest insect injury of concern was cucumber beetle feeding on fruit rinds, Insecticides lowered pest density, but there was no effect on marketable yield. In 1993, yield of virus-infected fruit was lower were reflective mulch was used than where rowcovers or foliar insecticides were used. Marketable yield and virus incidence in 1994 were not affected by reflective mulch, rowcovers or stylet oil due to the late arrival of the virus. In 1995, aphid infestations at three locations were significantly lower on plants on reflective mulch than on plants on bare ground. Results of the 1994 virus survey showed that watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) was the most common virus in Ohio pumpkins. The watermelon mosaic developed late in the season and fruit deformity was not severe enough to affect marketable yield. There was some incidence of cucumber mosaic and squash mosaic virus but zucchini yellow mosaic virus was not detected in 1994. Results of ELISA testing of samples collected in August/September 1995 at 27 farms were 18 farms positive for watermelon mosaic virus, 5 sites positive for squash mosaic, 4 sites positive for papaya ringspot and 1 site positive for zucchini yellow mosaic.

Control of aphid‐borne papaya ringspot potyvirus in zucchini marrow(Cucurbita pepo)with reflective mulches and mineral oil‐insecticide sprays

Abstract Plastic mulches and mineral oil plus insecticide sprays were evaluated for control of papaya ringspot potyvirus (PRV‐W) in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo cv. ‘Blackjack') in two field experiments in Queensland, Australia. Treatments were compared using a proportional hazards survival model. Mulches with a reflective (silver) surface reduced the hazard ratio (Hr) from 1 in the controls to 0.32, while mineral oil plus insecticide sprays (Hr 0.33) were as effective as reflective mulches used alone (?>0.05). A combination of reflective mulch and oil plus insecticide sprays was the most effective treatment (Hr 0.16). Black mulch alone (Hr 0.66) was partly effective and significantly better than control (? 0.05). Albarol® (Hr 0.26) p...

Delay in Mosaic Virus Onset and Aphid Vector Reduction in Summer Squash Grown on Reflective Mulches

Silver reflective plastic mulches were compared with conventional bare-ground culture of yellow crookneck summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L. var. melopepo Alef.) for reducing aphids and the following mosaic virus diseases: cucumber mosaic, watermelon mosaic I and II, zucchini yellows mosaic, and squash mosaic. Plants grown on silver plastic mulch produced higher marketable yields than those grown on bare ground. Other colors (white, yellow, and black with yellow edges) of plastic mulch were intermediate in their effects on aphid population and virus disease reduction. Silver reflective mulch alone and silver reflective mulch with insecticide were superior to other colors of plastic mulch in reducing aphid populations. Silver reflective plastic mulch, with or without insecticide, resulted in 10 to 13 days delay in the onset of the mosaic diseases noted.

USE OF REFLECTIVE MULCHES FOR CONTROL OF MOSAIC VIRUS DISEASE AND REDUCTION IN APHID VECTOR IN SUMMER SQUASH

Silver reflective plastic mulches were compared with conventional bare ground culture for the reduction of aphids, and mosaic virus diseases as follows: Cucumber Mosaic, Watermelon Mosaic I and II, Zucchini Yellows Mosaic, and Squash Mosaic. Silver plastic mulch produced higher marketable yields than the bare ground treatments. Other colors (white, yellow, and black plastic with yellow edges) of plastic mulch treatments were intermediate in their effects on aphid population and virus disease reduction. Silver reflective mulch alone and silver reflective mulch with insecticide were superior to other colors of plastic mulch in reducing aphid populations. Silver reflective plastic mulch, with or without insecticide, resulted in 10-13 days delay in the onset of the above mentioned mosaic disease.

Influence of Endosulfan Sprays and Aluminum Mulch on Sweetpotato Whitefly Disorders of Zucchini Squash and Tomatoes

Sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) (SPWF) is a major pest throughout the southern USA. It is associated with the economically important disorders tomato irregular ripening (TIR) and squash silver leaf (SSL). Two possible components of SPWF management are the insecticide endosulfan (6,7,8,10,10-hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahyde-6,9-methano-2,4,3-benzodioxathiepin 3-oxide) and aluminum reflective mulch. This study was conducted to determine the effect of these control procedures, separately or in combination, on SPWF populations, the TIR and SSL disorders, fruit quality, and fruit yield of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). These parameters were evaluated in field plots during both the spring and fall of 1990. Tomato fruit yield increased (13 000 to 39 000 lb/acre), culls decreased (45 to 7%), and the percentage of TIR fruit decreased (52 to 22%) in the spring experiment as a result of endosulfan spray applications. Endosulfan sprays had no detectable effect on tomato fruit quality or yield in the fall experiment, and aluminum reflective mulch had no effect during either season. Zucchini squash yields were not affected by aluminum reflective mulch or weekly endosulfan spray applications in either experiment. Endosulfan reduced the percentage of plants with symptoms of squash SSL from 54 to 22% in the spring experiment. No SSL occurred in the fall planting. The increase in SPWF population in the squash and tomato plots was not affected by the aluminum reflective mulch or endosulfan sprays during either season. Our data suggest that environmental or physiological factors in combination with SPWF influence the incidence of SSL on squash and TIR on tomatoes. Research Question Sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) can cause damage on squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) and tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) by both direct feeding and the viruses it transmits. This study compares the influence of endosulfan (6,7,8,10,10-hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahyde-6,9-methano-2,4,3-benzodioxathiepin 3-oxide) sprays and reflective aluminum mulch on whitefly populations and the whitefly-induced disorders squash silver leaf and tomato irregular ripening. Literature Summary Several insecticides, including endosulfan, are known to reduce sweetpotato whitefly populations. Various colored mulches, including aluminum, also have been shown to reduce whitefly populations. Study Description Tomatoes and zucchini squash were grown in the field in the spring and fall of 1990 in Ft. Pierce, FL. Each of the plantings was divided into plots, which were treated with a weekly spray application of endosulfan, aluminum reflective mulch, both endosulfan and aluminum mulch, or neither endosulfan nor aluminum mulch. Sweetpotato whitefly populations, the incidence of tomato irregular ripening and squash silver leaf, and tomato and squash yields were monitored throughout the growing season. Applied Question Do endosulfan sprays and/or aluminum reflective mulch influence tomato or squash yields, tomato irregular ripening or squash silver leaf, or sweetpotato whitefly populations? Tomato yields were significantly increased in plots with weekly applications of endosulfan in the spring experiment, but not the fall experiment. The percentage of tomato irregular ripening also was reduced significantly by the endosulfan spray treatments in the spring experiment. Marketable squash yields were not affected by any of the treatments. In the spring experiment, however, weekly endosulfan spray applications reduced squash silver leaf symptoms. There were no significant differences in the mean weekly adult sweetpotato whitefly populations for any of the treatments in either the spring or fall experiments. In addition, aluminum painted mulch had no effect on tomato or squash yields, fruit quality, sweetpotato whitefly induced diseases, or adult sweetpotato whitefly populations. Table 1. Influence of endosulfan sprays and aluminum reflective mulch on tomato and squash yields, tomato irregular ripening and squash silver leaf, and sweetpotato whitefly populations. Tomatoes* Squash* Spring Fall Spring Fall Treatment Yield† TIR SPWF Yield† TIR SPWF Yield† SSL SPWF Yield† SSL SPWF Endosulfan + + - - - - - - - - NA - Reflective mulch - - - - - - - - - - NA - Endosulfan plus + + - - - - - + - - NA - reflective mulch * A plus sign indicates that the yield or incidence was significantly greater (P = 0.05%) than that of the untreated control. A minus sign indicates the yield or incidence was not significantly greater. NA indicates no squash silver leaf was present in the plots. † Yield was measured in both number and weight of marketable fruit per acre.

Reflective mulch decreases the spread of two non‐persistently aphid transmitted viruses to narrow‐leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius)

SummaryTrials were done in 1987–1989, to investigate the effect of a reflective aluminium painted polythene mulch in protecting rows of narrow‐leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) from infection with two non‐persistently aphid‐transmitted viruses, bean yellow mosaic (BYMV) and cucumber mosaic (CMV). The mulch greatly decreased the rate and extent of spread of BYMV from external sources into mulch‐protected rows in two trials, but was somewhat less effective in a third. The rate and extent of spread of CMV from an adjacent external source into reflective mulch‐protected rows was also greatly decreased in one trial in which the mulch also decreased spread within rows and was effective even when the primary infection source was only 2.5 m away. In a trial sown with CMV‐infected seed (c. 2% seed transmission), the mulch decreased CMV spread from primary foci within rows. Reflective mulch can be used to protect breeders' single row plots of lupins from infection with CMV and BYMV.

Painting Aluminum Strips on Black Plastic Mulch Reduces Mosaic Symptoms on Summer Squash

(...) This study was undertaken to determine the repellency and cost effectiveness of various combinations of painted aluminum stripping on standard black embossed mulch film and other reflective mulches, as measured by the reduced incidence of mosaic symptoms on squash fruit (...)

Reflective Mulches Influence Plant Survival, Production, and Insect Control in Fall Tomatoes

Abstract Aluminum mulches lowered soil temperatures and reduced heat stress for young tomato transplants, increasing their survival and height. Yields were improved in all mulch treatments. Greatest yields of large and extra-large fruits were obtained from plants grown on aluminum alone, on aluminum in combination with black plastic, and on black plastic alone. Aphids were repelled by the aluminum mulches, while fruit injury increased due to tomato pinworm and tomato fruit worm feeding in these plots.

Measurements of the heat balance under plastic mulches. Part I. Radiation balance and soil heat flux

Measurements of the radiative heat fluxes between plastic sheet mulches and the soil surface are related to the radiation balance above the mulches. Black and reflective mulches may reduce the diurnal amplitude of soil temperature, and always reduce the radiant heat gain by the soil. In contrast, transparent mulches produce a relatively large net radiation at the soil surface. Though the energy supply to the soil depends primarily on the radiative properties of the mulch, the magnitudes of the temperature differences it produces depend also on the processes of energy exchange across the mulch—air layer.

Reduction of Greenbug (Homoptera: Aphididae) Populations by Surface Residues in Wheat Tillage Studies1

The use of minimum tillage in small grain production is becoming more common, yet little is known about its influence on insect populations. Wheat tillage plots (15 by 30 m) were established at three Oklahoma locations: Altus (SW), Woodward (NW), and Stillwater (NC). Four tillage treatments were studied: moldboard or bottom plow (no surface residue), disc (minimum residue), V-blade (moderate residue), and no-till (maximum residue). Other plots were monitored at El Reno, Okla. (C), and a surface-straw versus no-straw study was established at Still water. In all cases, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) populations were substantially reduced in plots where surface residues were moderate to high, compared to conventionally tilled plots where residues were low. Wheat surface residues may serve as a reflective mulch that either repels the settling aphids or masks the existing attractancy of conventionally tilled plots.

Soil temperature and the energy balance of vegetative mulch in the semi-arid tropics. I. Static analysis of the radiation balance

Planting crops into chemically killed pasture protects seedlings from high soil temperature. In this paper the radiation balance and convective heat loss of such dead vegetative mulch canopies are analysed mathematically for windless conditions, and maximum soil temperatures are calculated, together with their sensitivities to mulch and soil parameters. An approximate expression for soil heat flux, and assumptions about rates of change of radiation and other inputs with time, allow calculations where actual data are unavailable. A simplified analysis regards the mulch as a radiation filter which acts independently of the soil surface. Agreement with experimental data is good. The results show that energy losses by reflection, conduction, convection, radiation and evaporative cooling are all important in balancing incoming radiation and determining soil surface temperature, so that quantitative analysis is essential for a proper understanding of the system. .Mulch can reduce soil surface temperature by up to 20�C by intercepting incoming radiation; it dissipates this intercepted energy quite efficiently by free convection without concomitant increase in the temperature of the underlying soil surface. Penetration of radiation through the mulch is its most important characteristic. Forward scattering of shortwave radiation from the mulch to the soil surface has a big effect on soil temperature, but backward scattering has little effect, hence lighter-coloured more reflective mulches may be less efficient than darker ones. Evaporation of soil water is very efficient in reducing soil temperature, and the mulch prolongs the process of slow evaporation from the soil surface. The resulting higher soil water content also decreases soil surface temperature through its effects on soil thermal properties.

The use of reflective mulch to reduce the incidence of watermelon mosaic virus in Western Australia

Watermelon mosaic virus has caused losses in cucurbits in the last 8 years in the Gascoyne River district of Western Australia. Neither insecticides nor oil sprays have reduced the incidence of this disease. In three trials, plants mulched with reflective (aluminium) polythene were less infected (by 21%, 30% and 72%) than were those given a control treatment; yield increases of watermelons ranged from 77% to 270%. Black polythene mulch also reduced the incidence of virus and increased yield, but to a lesser degree. In all experiments the disease incidence rose more slowly in the mulch plots: this effect contributed greatly to the observed increase in yield.

Response of Sweet Peppers to Solar Reflectors and Reflective Mulches1

Abstract Sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Midway) were grown in field plots with diffuse solar reflectors and/or white polyethylene mulches. Solar reflectors significantly increased photosynthetically-active radiation (PAR) levels over the season. The reflective flux in PAR of mulched ground surfaces was 3 times as large as the bare soil plots. Plants grown with a white mulch were shorter, fruited earlier, and produced higher overall yields than unmulched plants. Solar reflectors did not affect earliness to fruit and increased the overall yield of fruit to a lesser extent than mulched plants. Stem diameter and fresh and dry weights were unaffected by any treatment. Solar reflectors minimally affected plant growth and yield. The beneficial effect of reflective mulches could not be ascribed to solar enhancement, to soil moisture conservation, or to other microclimatic factors.

Reflective Mulches and Foliar Sprays for Suppression of Aphid-borne Viruses in Lettuce

Field tests indicated that reflective mulches repelled alate aphids and reduced incidence of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in late-planted lettuce but did not adequately suppress wingless aphids. Acephate, pirimicarb, demeton, and to a lesser extent, parathion, controlled apterous aphids but did not significantly reduce virus transmission. Oil sprays (2.5%) did not reduce CMV incidence or suppress aphid populations. Yellow pan water traps showed that peak aphid flights occurred in August and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) was the predominating vector on the lettuce. CMV and trace amounts of broad bean wilt virus and lettuce mosaic virus were detected in infected lettuce by using either differential symptoms produced on the host range indicator, visualization of virus particles in an electron microscope, or serology.

Repellent Mulches for Control of the Gladiolus Thrips 1

Reflective mulches reduced the aphid-borne cucumber mosaic virus in gladiolus by repelling the vectors, winged aphids (Aphididae) (Johnson et al. 1967) and also reduced the number of flower thrips, Frankliniella tritici (Fitch), and their damage to outdoor roses (Ota and Smith 1968). Therefore, experiments were conducted at Beltsville, Md., in 1970 and 1971 to test the repellency of aluminum and black-plastic soil mulches against the gladiolus thrips, Taeniothrips simplex (Morison), which damages the flowers.