Row Cover Research Articles

Performance of Row Cover with Mulch on Early Sowing of Watermelon in Semi-Arid Region

The experiment was conducted during the months of January to March in the year 2023 at Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat). A field experiment was conducted to assess the performance of mulch and row covers in early watermelon cultivation with the primary aim on strategically removing row covers days after sowing. Randomized Block Design was employed with featuring of three treatments (mulching without row cover, mulching with row cover for 30 days and mulching with row cover for 45 days). Various yield and yield attribute parameters were recorded and analysed. The research findings indicated that the removal of row covers 30 days after sowing significantly influenced main vine length (2.72 m), number of nodes per main vine (36.40), number of fruits plant-1 (2.53), yield plant-1 (4.21 kg) and yield ha-1 (62.32 t ha-1). Removal of row covers 30 days after sowing exhibited higher net returns (Rs. 4, 85, 419 ha-1) and higher benefit-cost ratio (4.52). Removal of row cover 45 days after sowing significantly reduced the watermelon yield. The results unveiled that mulching with a row cover aster 30 days of sowing is the optimal approach for increasing watermelon yield and net returns in early watermelon cultivation.

Intercropping organic broccoli with Rhododendron tomentosum and Fagopyrum esculentum: a test of bottom-up and top-down strategies for reducing herbivory

Brassicaceous plants are attacked by a wealth of specialist herbivores that include the Diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), control of which requires novel biocontrol strategies. DBM is a cosmopolitan pest causing damage that varies yearly in Finland depending on the timing and extent of their migration. Intercropping with companion plants can hamper host location by herbivores or attract their natural enemies. We tested two sustainable companion plant-based protection strategies on field-grown broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), which comprised 1) aromatic and repellent-releasing Rhododendron tomentosum (RT) (bottom-up strategy), and 2) nectar-producing buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum (FE) (top-down strategy) combined with an early-season floating row cover (mechanical control) (MC + FE). In addition, a control (no companion plant or cover) and mechanical control (MC) without FE were included. DBM adults on yellow sticky traps and larvae on plants were counted, and feeding damage on leaves was quantified. Volatile organic compounds emitted by broccoli plants in control and RT plots, and emitted by boundary RT plants in RT plots, were identified and quantified. There was a mass outbreak of DBM in early summer with a population peak in mid-July when the second adult generation emerged. DBM adult densities were significantly lower in RT and MC + FE than in control plots. Broccoli in RT plots had a lower larval density and lower damage intensity than in control plots in the early-season. Larval densities and damage intensities were the highest in the latter half of July. Control plots had the highest number of larvae followed by RT, MC, and MC + FE plots. Damage intensities in control plots were significantly higher than in all other treatments throughout the season. Damage intensity was lower in MC and MC + FE plots than in RT plots at the end-of-July. R. tomentosum emitted two characteristic sesquiterpene alcohols, palustrol and ledol, but no evidence of adsorption and re-release of these compounds from Brassica plants grown in RT plots was found. We conclude that incorporating RT as a boundary plant and using a mechanical row cover reduces DBM damage on broccoli, but further multi-year trials under varying degrees of pest pressure are needed.

Effect of Plastic Mulch and Row Cover in Vegetable Crops

Effect of Plastic Mulch and Row Cover in Vegetable Crops

Use of Insect Exclusion Row Cover and Reflective Silver Plastic Mulching to Manage Whitefly in Zucchini Production.

The challenges that sweet potato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) creates for vegetable production have increased in the southeastern U.S. Growers must use intensive insecticide spray programs to suppress extremely high populations during the fall growing season. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a reflective plastic mulch and an insect row cover as alternative methods to the current grower practices to manage whiteflies in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) production. Field experiments were conducted with a two-level factorial experimental design of cover and plastic mulch treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design, with four replications in Georgia in 2020 and 2021, and in Alabama in 2021. Cover treatments consisted of an insect row cover installed on zucchini beds at transplanting and removed at flowering and a no-cover treatment, while plastic mulch treatments consisted of reflective silver plastic mulching and white plastic mulching. During all growing seasons, weather conditions were monitored, whitefly populations were sampled weekly, zucchini biomass accumulation was measured at five stages of crop development, and fruit yield was determined at harvesting. Warm and dry weather conditions early in the growing season resulted in increased whitefly populations, regardless of location and year. In general, the reflective silver plastic mulching reduced whitefly populations compared to the conventional white plastic by 87% in Georgia in 2020, 33% in Georgia in 2021, and 30% in Alabama in 2021. The insect row cover treatment reduced whitefly populations to zero until its removal. Consequently, zucchini plants grown with the insect row cover and reflective silver plastic mulching had an increased rate of biomass accumulation due to the lower insect pressure in all locations. Zucchini grown using silver reflective plastic mulch and row covers had an overall increase of 17% and 14% in total yield compared to white plastic mulch and no-cover treatments, respectively. Significant differences in yield among locations were likely due to severe whitefly pressure early in the fall season, and total yields in Georgia in 2020 (11,451 kg ha-1) were 25% lower than in Georgia in 2021 (15,177 kg ha-1) and in Alabama in 2021 (15,248 kg ha-1). In conclusion, silver plastic mulching and row covers reduced the whitefly population and increased biomass accumulation and total yield. These treatments can be considered ready-to-use integrated pest management practices for growers.

Use of row cover on zucchini production to manage whitefly and Cucurbit leaf crumple virus

Use of row cover on zucchini production to manage whitefly and <i>Cucurbit leaf crumple virus</i>

Life cycle assessment of different strawberry production methods in Germany with a particular focus on plastic emissions

PurposeUsing plastic for strawberry cultivation (so-called plasticulture) is widespread to extend cultivation, reduce weed stress and water and nutrient demand, and protect plants. We assess the environmental impacts of different plasticulture methods, including possible impacts caused by the (accidental) emission of plastics. The goals are to help farmers determine the most environmentally friendly cultivation technique and to test the inclusion of plastic pollution in life cycle assessment (LCA).MethodsAn LCA is conducted for a baseline scenario without plasticulture and 11 plasticulture scenarios. The scenarios are modeled using the regionalized ecoinvent 3.8 cut-off database. The functional unit is 1 kg of strawberries of marketable quality at the farm gate produced in the year 2021. The amounts of fertilizer, irrigation, and strawberry output of the scenarios are adapted depending on the plasticulture method based on an extensive literature review. The environmental impacts are assessed using the life cycle impact assessment methods of the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) recommended by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, which is extended to account for plastic-related impacts. The impacts are normalized, weighted, and aggregated, resulting in one single impact score per scenario.Results and discussionThe scenarios using either a combination of conventional mulch film and row cover or biodegradable mulch film have the lowest total impacts; a macro tunnel or greenhouse causes the highest impacts. There seems to be no trade-off between maximizing productivity and lowering environmental impacts: the scenario with the highest yield also has one of the lowest overall impacts. Only direct emissions are considered regarding plastic pollution. Besides, the plastic pollution impact category is currently limited to the persistence of plastic in the environment and is extendable to but is not yet accounting for exposure and effect of plastic emission on humans and ecosystems.ConclusionPlasticulture can increase the yield and reduce environmental impacts for strawberry cultivation compared to open field cultivation. With the used normalization and weighting factors, plastic pollution makes up a considerable share of the overall environmental impact of strawberry cultivation, supporting the recent efforts of different research groups to include plastic emissions in LCA by developing suitable characterization factors.

Comparison of Row Cover Systems for Pest Management in Organic Muskmelon in Iowa

Organic growers of cucurbit (Cucurbitaceae) crops in the midwestern United States have difficulty managing bacterial wilt—a fatal disease with a pathogen (Erwinia tracheiphila) that is transmitted by striped and spotted cucumber beetles (Acalymma vittatum and Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, respectively). Registered organic insecticides lack effectiveness, and host plant resistance is rare in commercial cultivars of many cucurbit crops. Row covers are widely used as barriers to minimize pest access, but the spunbonded polypropylene fabric covering traditional low tunnels must be removed at bloom to prevent overheating and facilitate pollination, thereby exposing the crop for the rest of the season. “Mesotunnels”—nylon mesh fabric covering 3.5-ft-high hoops—provide more space than low tunnels and mitigate overheating. In field experiments at Iowa State University (Ames, IA, USA) during 2016–18, two variations of mesotunnels—full-season tunnels [with purchased bumble bees (Bombus impatiens) added for pollination] and part-season tunnels (with covers removed for 2 weeks during bloom to provide pollinator access)—were compared with low tunnels and a noncovered treatment for organic ‘Athena’ muskmelon (Cucumis melo) production. Based on scouting results, full-season mesotunnels required no insecticides and part-season mesotunnels averaged 0.6 spray per season compared with 1.0 and 5.0 sprays per season for the low-tunnel and noncovered treatments, respectively. Incidence of pest and disease damage was zero for the full-season mesotunnels, 5% to 22% for the part-season mesotunnels, and 37% to 70% for both of the other treatments. Marketable yield for the full-season mesotunnel treatment exceeded the noncovered treatment significantly each year, and mean marketable yields were greater numerically than for the other treatments. Both mesotunnel treatments had a marketable yield that averaged more than twice that of the noncovered treatment in each year. Economic analysis (partial budget and cost-efficiency ratio) indicated that mesotunnels were likely to be more profitable in Iowa, USA, than either the low-tunnel or noncovered systems, but also that the year-to-year differential among treatments in profitability could be substantial. Additional experiments are needed to evaluate the efficacy of these integrated pest management practices and their profitability at spatial scales representative of commercial farms.

Impact of floating row cover and sensor placement on strawberry anthracnose and Botrytis fruit rot risk assessment

AbstractDuring the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 growing seasons, six trials at four sites in Maryland and Virginia, USA were conducted, with leaf wetness and temperature sensors placed at 2 m height at the edge of the field (elevated sensor placement) or at the canopy level (0.5 m) on strawberry beds (canopy sensor placement). Temperature and leaf wetness duration (LWD) data from these sensors were used as input for anthracnose fruit rot (AFR) and Botrytis fruit rot (BFR) infection risk models, and fungicide spray trials were conducted to evaluate the ability of these predictions to control AFR and BFR. On average, the canopy level sensors reported significantly (p &lt; 0.05) longer LWD and higher temperature than elevated sensors during the fruit ripening period. The AFR and BFR risk calculated from the canopy sensors was also significantly higher than that from the elevated sensors. Fungicide spray programmes based on data from either canopy or elevated sensors resulted in fewer applications than weekly spray programmes, but the increased estimated risk based upon conditions within the canopy led to more applications than the elevated sensor treatment in four trials. In one trial with considerable incidence of BFR, plots that were sprayed based on the canopy sensor data controlled BFR significantly better than the elevated sensor spray programme. Springtime temperature, LWD, AFR risk and BFR risk were largely unaffected by autumn row cover deployment. The difference in temperature, LWD and AFR and BFR risk based on sensor placement warrants careful consideration of sensor placement when implementing a disease warning spray programme.

Repeated runner removal after harvest and floating row cover during fall affect carbohydrate status and yield potential of strawberry cvs. Polka and Wendy in the Northern climate

We investigated the impact of repeated runner removal after harvest and row cover during fall on strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cvs. Polka and Wendy cropping potential in the joint project of the University of Helsinki and the Rural Advisory Services Finland. Field trials were carried out in 2017 to 2019 on strawberry farms in Southern Ostrobothnia, Finland, at 62°49′N. The treatment effects on the crown carbohydrate reserves, flowering, and yield were recorded. Runner removal three times in three-week intervals after harvest decreased the crown starch reserves but increased the length of the apical inflorescence initials as observed through flower mapping in November, and the numbers of inflorescences and flowers in cv. Polka. Floating row cover after flower induction in September to October hastened floral development in the fall and increased the numbers of inflorescences, flowers, and fruit in cv. Wendy. Although the effects may depend on a cultivar and weather conditions during fall, repeated removal of runners after harvest and covering plants with a floating row cover after flower induction are recommended to increase strawberry yield potential in the Northern climate.

Combining Cultural Tactics and Insecticides for the Management of the Sweetpotato Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci MEAM1, and Viruses in Yellow Squash

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and the complex of viruses it transmits are major limiting factors to squash production in the southeastern United States. At this time, insecticides are extensively relied upon for the management of whiteflies and, indirectly, whitefly-transmitted viruses. The development of a multi-faceted, integrated pest management (IPM) program is needed to increase the sustainability and profitability of squash production. Experiments in 2018 and 2019 evaluated the effects of insect exclusion netting (IEN) in combination with selected pesticides on whitefly population dynamics and virus incidence in greenhouse-grown squash seedlings. Field experiments from 2018 to 2021 evaluated the effects of mulch type (UV-reflective mulch, live mulch, and white plastic mulch), row covers, and insecticides on whitefly population dynamics, silver leaf disorder (SSL) intensity, virus symptom severity, and marketable yield. IEN significantly reduced whiteflies and virus incidence on squash seedlings in the greenhouse study. In the field mulch study, lower whitefly abundance and SSL intensity, as well as reduced virus symptom severity, were observed in plots with reflective mulch compared with white plastic or live mulch. In the insecticide/row cover study, whitefly abundance, SSL intensity, and virus symptom severity were lowest in the row cover and cyantraniliprole- and flupyradifurone-treated plots. Field plots with row covers and those with UV-reflective mulch consistently produced the greatest marketable yields. These findings demonstrate that growers can reduce whitefly and virus pressure and preserve yields in squash production in the southeastern United States by combining cultural and chemical tactics, including row covers, UV-reflective mulch, and select insecticides.

Temporal and Spatial Factors Influence Native Forb Emergence More Than Sowing Depth

Seed-based restoration of native forb species, in the Intermountain region of the western United States, is challenged by a limited understanding of conditions that contribute to establishment success. This study evaluated the differential effects of row cover and a range of sowing depths, which influence soil microclimate, on 20 common native perennial forb species across three sites and 2 yr with and without row cover.Seedlings were counted the spring and fall following the planting year. We hypothesized that larger-seeded species would be more tolerant of deeper seeding depths while small-seeded species would establish better at the shallowest depth increment and that emergence would be better under the row cover. Overall, emergence was low with rates between 0.2% and 1.0% for 16 of the 20 species. Three species emerged between 1% and 2.4% while barestem biscuitroot (Lomatium nudicaule [Pursh] J.M. Coult. & Rose) averaged 6.9%. Environmental factors related to site and seeding year had greater effects on emergence than row cover or seeding depth. Row cover led to generally higher emergence. Deeper seeding depths within the range for rangeland seeding equipment tended to have detrimental effects on emergence, though the effects of seeding depth varied by site, year, and species. Emergence for large-seeded species (2.3%) was significantly greater than small-seeded species (0.5%), but neither were different than medium-seeded species (0.62%).This outcome highlights the challenges restoration practitioners face in the intermountain region. While using the best techniques and most appropriate plant materials improve the chances of successful restoration, largely uncontrollable and often unpredictable factors represented by site and weather variability will continue to be driving factors in semiarid regions.

Low Tunnels inside Mediterranean Greenhouses: Effects on Air/Soil Temperature and Humidity

The main objective of this work was to analyze the microclimate generated inside a low tunnel (floating row cover) installed in an Almería-type greenhouse. Low tunnels are commonly used in the open field to protect plants against insect attack and to improve the production of muskmelon and strawberry. Floating row covers can also be used inside greenhouses during the first few weeks after the transplantation of muskmelon and watermelon crops in spring-summer cycles. This work was carried out during the first weeks of a watermelon culture (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) growing with a polyethylene row cover inside an Almería-type greenhouse (2115 m2). Air temperature and humidity, plant temperature and soil temperature and humidity were measured in the greenhouse inside and outside the row covers. During the three days of measurement, all greenhouse vent openings were closed. The use of the low tunnels increased average air temperature around plants from 24.0 ± 9.0 °C to 26.9 ± 9.7 °C. A maximum difference in air temperature of about 5.9 °C was observed at noon. The average daily temperature of the crop was 28.2 ± 11.8 °C inside the row cover and 24.6 ± 8.9 °C without it. Similarly, the absolute humidity of air was clearly higher inside the low tunnel (0.0201 ± 0.0098 g/g) than around the plant rows without floating cover (0.0131 ± 0.0048 g/g). The soil temperature was also higher inside the low tunnel compared to the area without this second plastic cover. The effect of the tunnel decreased with depth, with average temperature differences of 1.2 ± 0.5 °C on the soil surface and 0.6 ± 0.5 °C at 20 cm depth.

Effects of Cover Methods and Nitrogen Levels on the Growth and Yield of Tomato

To study the effects of cover methods and nitrogen (N) levels on the growth and yield components of tomato Cv. Pear F1, field experiments with a 4x3 factorial design were conducted in the 2019 spring and winter seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The cover methods included four treatments: bare soil (BS), black plastic mulch (BPM), transparent polypropylene row cover (RC), and a combination of BPM and RC (BPMRC) with the RC removed approximately 30 days after transplanting. Nitrogen (N) was applied at three levels (150, 180, and 210 kg N ha-1). Using BPM and RC generally led to an increased air temperature, air humidity, soil moisture, and soil temperature compared to the BS treatment. Higher N rates (180 and 210 kg N ha-1) did not result in different tomato fruit sizes and fruit weights but positively increased fruit yield and quality (Brix values and fruit dry weight) as compared to the 150 kg N ha-1 addition. The cover methods positively affected the yield components and fruit yield of tomato as well as the fruit characteristics compared to the BS treatment. Using cover materials (BPM and RC) combined with a higher N application significantly increased the yield attributes and fruit yield. The highest fruit yield was achieved under the mulching treatment by black plastic (BPM treatment) combined with a 210 kg N ha-1 application, resulting in 50.90 tons ha-1 in the spring and 58.27 tons ha-1 in the winter.

べたがけ被覆がラッカセイ「おおまさりネオ」の生育およびゆで豆用収量に及ぼす影響

べたがけ被覆がラッカセイ「おおまさりネオ」の生育およびゆで豆用収量に及ぼす影響

The Impact of Plant Essential Oils and Fine Mesh Row Covers on Flea Beetle (Chrysomelidae) Management in Brassicaceous Greens Production.

Simple SummaryThe popularity of brassicaceous leafy greens has grown in recent years due to health benefits and the local food movement. However, for many producers and especially organic producers, flea beetles represent a major challenge to production because they chew small holes in the leaves reducing quality and appearance. The goal of our project was to assess the efficacy of row covers and essential oils in controlling flea beetles as an alternative to organic and conventional insecticides. We grew Arugula and Mizuna mustard greens in replicated experimental plots in the spring and fall of 2019. We found that in most cases, plants within the Agribon and ProtekNet row cover treatments had the least amount of flea beetle damage and the highest yields, while plants within the essential oil treatments and organic insecticides did not differ from unsprayed, uncovered control plots. Conventional insecticides had an intermediate level of control against flea beetles, but did not perform as consistently as row cover treatments. We believe that row covers could provide a strong management method for all growers of brassicaceous leafy greens, especially where quality standards are high.Brassicaceous leafy greens are an important crop for small growers but are difficult to produce due to damage by flea beetles. Flea beetles are problematic for growers as they chew many small holes through leaves rendering produce unmarketable. We tested the efficacy of several essential oils, the woven-mesh row cover ProtekNet, and the spunbonded row cover Agribon, compared to organic and conventional insecticides and no spray controls in the spring and fall of 2019. We found that the two row cover treatments (Agribon and ProtekNet) provided the best control of flea beetles and associated damage. Thyme oil was highly phytotoxic and killed the crop entirely and rosemary and neem essential oils caused mild phytotoxic burns. Organic insecticides rarely performed better than the no spray control. While conventional insecticides controlled most flea beetles, the crop was often still too highly damaged to sell. The results of our study suggest row covers offer producers an effective method of flea beetle control that reduces their dependence on insecticides for conventional and organic production.

Season, sowing date, and row cover influences the production of cool season vegetables in movable high tunnels

Moveable high tunnels offer the possibility of increasing the number of crops harvested from a given piece of ground in northern latitudes where there is a short growing season. In an effort to expand crop scheduling options, three leafy greens and three root vegetables were grown in the spring in a movable high tunnel, and in the fall were sown outside and the tunnel was moved over the crops in late September. The effects of seeding date and addition of row cover were further explored on fresh weight and days to harvest. Using row cover within the high tunnel increased growing degree hours (GDH) by an average of 29% in the spring and 17% in the fall over a high tunnel without row cover. Soil degree hours (SDH) in the high tunnel with row cover increased an average of 9% in the spring and 12% in the fall over the high tunnel without row cover. The addition of row cover increased yield of leafy greens and turnip by an average of 35% in spring 2018 when the outside air temperature was considerably below average. Early-seeded fall leafy greens out-yielded late-seeded by 52% due to the ability to make a second harvest. Using row cover within the high tunnel increased GDH and SDH during both spring and fall seasons and increased the yield of cool season vegetables when outside air temperatures were considerably below average.

Evaluation of row covers for yield performance of the leafy green vegetables in organic management system

Row covers are gaining interest in crop production for their potential to protect crops from insect pests, frost, increase soil as well as air temperature, and extend growing season, thus producing higher crop yield. However, research on the performance of green leafy vegetables grown under row cover in organic management system is scarce. This paper reports result of field trials conducted on the growth and yield responses of leafy greens in row covers grown in organic production system at the Tennessee State University organic farm. Performance of three row covers, including insect net, Agribon cloth, and plastic, was evaluated relative to control (without row cover) in four leafy greens; lettuce, kale, swiss chard, and collard in spring 2018 and 2019 seasons and data were collected on soil temperature, insect damage, plant height, leaf number, and fresh weight. Results showed that fresh weight per plant significantly (P < 0.05) increased under Agribon cloth in kale, swiss chard, and collard, while lettuce produced significantly higher yield under insect net relative to control (open) in 2018 research trial. In 2019, there were significantly (P < 0.05) higher fresh weight per plant of swiss chard and collard under plastic, while lettuce produced significantly higher under Agribon cloth and kale under insect net compared with control. These results suggested that row covers enhanced crop yields due to increased plant growth associated with reduced insect damage and favorable microclimate. Thus, row covers is a viable option in sustainable production of leafy greens for organic vegetable growers.

Postharvest quality implications of preharvest treatments applied to enhance Ambrosia™ apple red blush colour at harvest

Two approaches for enhancing red blush in Ambrosia™ apple were evaluated: (i) reflective row covers or (ii) application of foliar phosphorus-rich sprays, both applied several weeks before anticipated harvest. Two experiments were conducted, the first to evaluate a white reflective row cover versus foliar phosphorus spray, and the second to evaluate two types of reflective row cover, one made of a woven white polyethylene sheet and the other a solid silvered Mylar®. The comparative effects of these preharvest treatments on at-harvest fruit quality and quality after storage were assessed in both experiments. It was determined that foliar phosphorus sprays or one of the two types of reflective row covers resulted in similar enhancement of red blush colour, with no negative effects on at-harvest quality. However, in the first experiment it was found that after 8 mo of controlled-atmosphere storage (1 kPa O2 + 1 kPa CO2 at 0.5 °C), apples from the phosphorus foliar spray treatment developed greasiness and sooty blotch compared with those from the reflective row cover or control treatments. In the second experiment, after 5 mo of air storage at 0.5 °C, the apples from the silvered Mylar® reflective row cover treatment developed severe soft scald and soggy breakdown compared with the control and white reflective row cover treatments, which developed lower or very slight incidence of soft scald, respectively, and no soggy breakdown. These results indicate that when preharvest treatments are applied to apples, post-storage quality effects should be evaluated.

Evaluating Row Cover Establishment Systems for Cantaloupe and Summer Squash

Abstract.Use of row covers offer an alternative to pesticide application for management of insect feeding and disease transmission and can be beneficial for extending the growing season. Unfortunately, labor required to establish cover is significant (particularly for single rows) and larger pieces of multi-row cover are subject to fatigue from wind and sun. Development of a mechanized single-row cover system or a durable multi-row cover system advances potential for use of covers. Field tests of a commercial semi-mechanized cover implement were conducted. Successful wire insertion ranged from 74% to 100% and depended on careful adjustment of the implement. Success was unaffected by soil type, but partially improved with wetter soil (R2 = 0.37). Keywords: Cucurbit, Disease, Horticulture, Insects, Supports, Tunnels.Costs of a single-row mechanized system using spunbond polypropylene or polyethylene mesh as row covers were compared to those of a conventional chemical application strategy without cover. Total costs of the spunbond polypropylene system were $1620 to $5290 ha-1 ($650 to $2140 acre-1) greater than the conventional system depending on operational size. Smaller production areas were more costly due to machinery costs. The polyethylene mesh system was $1500 ha-1 ($600 acre-1) more costly than using spunbond polypropylene due to material costs. In addition, a multi-row cover system using either of the two types of cover material was investigated including evaluation of support structure during mid-summer field conditions (wind and sun). Sagging cover material over time suggested limiting distance between single supports to 2 m (7 ft) or less. Tennis balls atop single supports avoided cover damage better than rebar caps. Spunbond polypropylene had more tears and damage than polyethylene mesh. Wire hoops spaced 2.3 m along the row avoided cover damage while keeping material off the crop Keywords: Cucurbit, Disease, Horticulture, Insects, Supports, Tunnels.

The impact of tillage regime and row cover use on insect pests and yield in organic cucurbit production

AbstractControl of cucurbit pests, such as striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum), spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi) and squash bug (Anasa tristis), in organic systems is difficult due to a lack of effective insecticide options. This has led to the development of many integrated pest management techniques, such as use of row covers, crop rotation and cover crops. This study explored the novel use of strip tillage and row covers to reduce pest pressure in summer squash (Cucurbita pepe) and muskmelon (Cucumis melo) production systems. Results showed that although strip tillage reduced striped cucumber beetle and squash bug numbers, there was a yield reduction in both crops compared with the plasticulture system. Row cover increased marketable yield in both systems, with the highest yield being in the plasticulture system. Unmarketable fruit directly attributed to insect damage was higher in the plasticulture systems, but was not significantly different when compared with the strip tillage system. Although there are many documented positive attributes of strip tillage, results from this study indicate that a combination of plasticulture and row cover may be a superior system for organic cucurbit production.