scholarly journals Frost/Freeze Protection of Strawberries Grown on Black Plastic Mulch

HortScience ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.B. Poling ◽  
H. Pat Fuller ◽  
K.B. Perry
Keyword(s):  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Spring Frost ◽  
Time Of Application ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Overhead Irrigation ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Spring Frosts ◽  
Eastern North Carolina ◽  
Freeze Protection

Floating rowcovers composed of extruded polypropylene, spunbonded polypropylene, and polyester were used in 1987-88 in eastern North Carolina for cold protection of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) growing in annual hill culture on black plastic mulch. Treatments consisted of floating rowcovers in either winter, spring, or both with and without overhead irrigation for spring frost/freeze protection, in addition to irrigated and nonirrigated unprotected plots. Winter rowcovers increased air temperatures by 1 to 2C without advancing bloom or harvest date. Significant blossom temperature differences relative to rowcover materials (≈ 1.5C) and irrigation use (≈ 1.5 to 3.0C) were detected over the course of six spring frosts. Time of application of covers (winter or spring) and irrigation in spring interacted in their effects on early yields (25 Apr.-5 May). However, rowcover and irrigation treatments did not have a significant effect on total marketable yield, yield per plant, or berry mass. In the absence of higher prices for early than late-season fruit or of more severe environmental extremes than experienced in the current study, it would be difficult to justify the added expense of rowcovers.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF SOIL FUMIGANTS (METHAM SODIUM VS. METHYL BROMIDE) AND PLASTIC MULCH ON YIELD OF TOMATOES

HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1171b-1171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Kovach ◽  
James Brown ◽  
Walter Hogue ◽  
Larry Curtis ◽  
William S. Gazaway
Keyword(s):  
Methyl Bromide ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Marketable Fruit ◽  
Soil Fumigants ◽  
Metham Sodium

Drip-irrigated tomato (`Sunny') plants were treated with five levels of fumigant in combination with three levels of mulch. Fumigants were metham sodium at two rates, 475 and 950 L/ha, a 67% methyl bromide + 33% chloropicrin formulation (164.5 kg/ha, and a 98% methyl bromide + 2% chloropicrin formulation (329 kg/ha). Mulching levels were 1.25 mil silver on black polyethylene (plastic), blue-black latex mulch sprayed over the plant beds, and no mulch. Plants treated with metham sodium (950 L/ha) had a significantly higher number of marketable fruit than plants treated with no fumigant or the 98% methyl bromide + 2% chloropicrin formulation. Marketable fruit weight was not significantly affected by the five fumigation levels. Plants grown with black plastic mulch had a significantly higher marketable yield than plants grown with no mulch, 58,100 kg/ha vs. 50,800 kg/ha, respectively. The level of mulching did not significantly affect the marketable number of fruit.

scholarly journals Strawberry Plasticulture in North Carolina: II. Preplant, Planting, and Postplant Considerations for Growing `Chandler' Strawberry on Black Plastic Mulch

1993 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 383-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.B. Poling
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Drip Irrigation ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Irrigation System ◽  
Southeastern United States ◽  
Sprinkler System ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Spring Harvest ◽  
Freeze Protection

North Carolina is experiencing a revitalization of the strawberry industry due to the adoption of plasticulture technologies and the California cultivar Chandler, which produces excellent yields and fruit quality on black plastic mulch. With this system, berries can be harvested in just 7 to 8 months after planting. The spring harvest season can last up to 6 weeks in most years. Strawberry plasticulture growers in North Carolina typically experience yields of 17,000 to 18,000 lb/acre (19,054 to 20,174 kg·ha-1). Cash expenses for the system are about $4345/acre ($10,736/ha). The system requires both an overhead sprinkler system for blossom and bud frost/freeze protection, and drip irrigation for supplying water and fertilizer in the prebloom, bloom, and fruiting periods. Sandy loam and clay loam soils are ideal for forming the lo-inch-high (25.4-cm) beds with bedding machines. Usually, 33% of the N, 50% of the K, and all of the P is applied preplant, with the remaining N and K applied through the drip-irrigation system. Problems associated with the plasticulture system include higher initial investment relative to matted-row production, and only one fruiting season is possible with the anthracnose-susceptible `Chandler' in the southeastern United States.

scholarly journals Performance of Sweetpotato Varieties Grown Using Black Plastic Mulch in Pennsylvania

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 797-802
Author(s):  
Luis O. Duque
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Yield Components ◽  
Ipomoea Batatas ◽  
Northeastern United States ◽  
Storage Roots ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Rock Springs

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) production in Pennsylvania and the northeastern United States has been increasing steadily. The performance of eight commercially available sweetpotato varieties and two unreleased accessions grown on raised beds and covered with black plastic mulch in Pennsylvania was evaluated. All varieties and accessions were evaluated in 2 successive years (2018 and 2019) at Rock Springs, PA. There were statistically significant differences in total marketable yield (TMY), but not in all yield components in both years. ‘Orleans’, ‘Beauregard’, ‘Averre’, and ‘Covington’ consistently produced high marketable yields and suitable U.S No.1 grade storage roots. ‘Bonita’ (tan skin/white flesh) and ‘Carolina Ruby’ [red skin/orange flesh (OF)] produced consistent yields in both years (range, 330–430 bushels/acre; 50-lb bushel). NC413 [purple skin (PS)/purple flesh (PF)] produced the lowest yield in 2018 and was discarded for future trials. In 2019, NCP13-0030 (PS/PF) produced good yields and shapes comparable to OF varieties. Overall total yields (TYs) measured in this study compared satisfactorily with average nationwide yields, with several varieties producing more than 500 bushels/acre.

scholarly journals Effects of Mulch Type and Planting Date on Tomato Earliness within a High Tunnel

HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 867A-867
Author(s):  
Lewis Jett* ◽  
Andrew Read
Keyword(s):  
Great Plains ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Tomato Production ◽  
High Tunnel ◽  
Row Covers ◽  
High Tunnels ◽  
Clear Plastic ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Growing Conditions

High tunnels are passive solar greenhouses that are used to extend the traditional growing season for many horticulture crops. Growing conditions within a high tunnel are significantly different from growing conditions encountered in field production. Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) are wells suited for high tunnel culture having an upright growth habit and a significant economic premium for precocious harvest. The objective of this research was to investigate three planting dates (15 Mar., 30 Mar., and 10 Apr.) and three mulch types (black plastic, bareground, and clear plastic) with or without row covers, for early tomato production within a high tunnel in the Central Great Plains. High tunnels increased the average daily temperature by ≈6 °C. Early planting (i.e., mid- to late March) resulted in significantly earlier yield (i.e., early July). Using clear plastic mulch increased total marketable yield, but was not significantly different from black plastic. Row covers and plastic mulch are necessary for early tomato production. Row covers are specifically necessary for frost protection, but can be removed when the risk of frost has decreased.

scholarly journals Effect of Prohexidione-Ca and IBA on Establishment and Yield of Green-Top Bare-root Strawberry Transplants

HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 848C-848
Author(s):  
John R. Duval* ◽  
Elizabeth Golden ◽  
Julia Reekie ◽  
Peter Hicklenton
Keyword(s):  
Growth Regulator ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Growth Yield ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Bare Root ◽  
Block Experiment ◽  
Growth Regulator Treatment

Bare-root transplants received from high latitude nurseries for Florida production have limited root systems, very long petioles and wilt soon after planting. Further dessication occurs when leaves come in contact with black plastic mulch used in the annual production system. Conventional irrigation practices for the establishment of bare-root transplants of strawberry consist of overhead water application for at least 8 hours/day for 10-14 days after planting. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) have been used to modify the growth characteristics of many plants species. A split-block experiment was implemented at the GCREC-Dover, Dover Fla., to determine the effect of the use Prohexidione-Ca (PC) and IBA [(indole-3) butyric acid] on growth, yield and establishment of strawberry. Main blocks consisted of over head establishment irrigation for 4, 8, and 12 days, and sub-plots consisted of treatments of PC applied in the nursery at a rate of 62.5 mg·L-1 2, 4, or 6 weeks before digging, PC applied in the nursery at 31.25 mg·L-1 2 weeks before digging, a root dip of transplants in 100 mg·L-1 IBA just prior to transplanting. The experiment was conducted for four growing seasons. Data were recorded for marketable yield, number of marketable berries (>10g), and disease incidence. Significant differences were detected for duration of establishment irrigation and growth regulator treatment. No interaction was shown between establishment irrigation and growth regulator treatment.

scholarly journals PERFORMANCE OF DAY-NEUTRAL STRAWBERRIES IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 891d-891
Author(s):  
J.R. Ballington
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Plant Spacing ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Planting Dates ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Western North Carolina ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
Commercial Sources ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Main Effects

Day-neutral strawberries have the potential to fruit throughout the growing season as long as maximum air temperatures do not exceed 32.2 °C for extended periods. Appropriate temperatures for season-long production of day-neutrals occur in the southern Appalachians at 900 m elevations and above. Replicated studies were conducted at Laurel Springs (900 m elevation) in northwestern N.C. in 2002–04 to determine the most promising combinations of mulch types, planting dates and cultivars. Plasticulture establishment recommendations were followed and white/black plastic mulch compared to black. Dormant plants were established 15 Apr., 1 May, or 15 May at 12 × 12 inch spacing in 2002; plug plants on 30 Oct. 2002 at 12 × 12 inches and overwintered under rowcovers for 2003; and plug plants on 25 Sept. 2003 or 23 Oct. 2003 at 18 × 12 inches and overwintered under rowcovers for 2004. Plants came from commercial sources. Aromas, Diamante, Everest, and Seascape were included in 2002; Diamante, Everest and Seascape in 2003; and Everest and Seascape in 2004. Harvest season lasted 11 weeks in 2002, 12 weeks in 2003, and 10 weeks in 2004. Only main effects were statistically significant. White and black plastic mulch yields were significantly higher than black two years out of three. Fall planting resulted in earlier onset of production and higher yields in most cases. Planting date was important; for fall planting, midto late September was superior to October planting, and for spring planting, middle to late April was superior to mid-May. A plant spacing of 18 inches between plants in rows and 12 inches between rows was important to avoid crowding when planting in fall. Everest and Seascape had the best overall performance.

scholarly journals Response of Japanese Privet to Plastic Mulch Applied over Nonspaced Containers

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-65
Author(s):  
Shawn T. Steed ◽  
Allison Bechtloff ◽  
Andrew Koeser ◽  
Tom Yeager
Keyword(s):  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Overhead Irrigation ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Over The Top

Mulches have many positive benefits for the production of plants, ranging from weed suppression to water conservation. In this study, a novel method of using plastic film mulch for container-grown plants was evaluated. Plots of 25 japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) in #1 (2.5 qt) nonspaced containers were wrapped with 1.25-mil white or black plastic mulch over the top and sides of containers. Small plants were planted through the plastic and grown for 22 weeks with overhead irrigation. Water application amount was determined by moisture sensors placed in the substrate of each treatment. Plant growth, dry weights (DWs), weed fresh weights, weeding time, substrate electrical conductivity (EC), substrate temperature, total water applied, and mulch costs were determined. Black plastic (BP) and white plastic (WP) mulch reduced water applied by 82% and 91%, respectively, compared with the nontreated control (NT). Nontreated control plants grew faster and had greater DW at the end of the experiment. Mulched containers had fewer weeds and required less labor to remove weeds than the NT treatment. Substrate EC level was greater in BP and WP treatments than for the NT after 20 weeks, and plastic mulch did not result in different substrate temperatures. Plastic mulch added $4.94/1000 containers ($2.24 input cost and $2.70 removal cost) to production costs, not including disposal costs. This novel method of mulching nonspaced plants reduced irrigation water, herbicide applications, and weeding labor, but probably added 2–3 weeks to finish time.

scholarly journals Plastic Mulch Enhances and Conserves N03-N in Bell Pepper

HortScience ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 882D-882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Otho S. Wells ◽  
James R. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Soil Samples ◽  
Bell Pepper ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Overhead Irrigation ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Mineral Soils

N03-N is readily leached from mineral soils with rain or overhead irrigation. To determine the amount of N03-N conserved with plastic mulch, `Northstar' bell pepper was grown with and without 2-mil black plastic mulch, with 0, 80, and 160 lbs/acre of preplant N. One treatment consisted of unplanted rows. At 1, 2, 3, and 5 months after planting on 26 May 1994, soil samples for N03-N analyses were taken at 0–6” and 6–12”. Not only was N03-N conserved under the mulch, but it was also enhanced. N03-N levels increased up to 595 ppm in plots with mulch, no crop, and 160 lbs N/acre. The pepper crop utilized about one-third of the nitrogen under the mulch. After 5 months, nitrate levels averaged about 6 ppm in all plots without mulch, whereas, in plots with mulch, nitrate levels averaged about 97 ppm. For most of the season nitrate were higher at 0–6 inches than at 6–12 inches, but, nearer the end of the season, nitrates in plots without mulch were nearly the same or greater at 6–12 inches than at 0–6 inches. Yields were highest with mulch and 80 lbs N/acre.

scholarly journals Comparing Overhead versus Drip Irrigation for Production of Three Cultivars of Romaine Lettuce on Biodegradable Plastic Mulch

2022 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-46
Author(s):  
Jenny C. Moore ◽  
Brian Leib ◽  
Zachariah R. Hansen ◽  
Annette L. Wszelaki
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Drip Irrigation ◽  
Irrigation Treatment ◽  
Biodegradable Plastic ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Romaine Lettuce ◽  
Irrigation Systems ◽  
Overhead Irrigation

Growers seeking alternatives to traditional polyethylene plastic mulch may use biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs). However, plasticulture systems typically also use plastic drip tape underneath the mulch, which must be removed from the field and disposed of at the end of the season, making tilling the BDM into the soil more difficult and expensive. A potential solution to this dilemma may be to use other irrigation methods, such as overhead sprinklers, that could be more easily removed from the field and reused from year to year. At Knoxville, TN, in 2019 and 2020, we grew three cultivars of romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa) on BDM with two irrigation systems (overhead sprinklers above the mulch and drip irrigation tape under the mulch) to compare water use, disease, and yield in these two irrigation systems. Water use was higher in overhead vs. drip irrigation in both years; however, the difference in water use was much smaller in 2019 due to higher rainfall amounts during the time period the lettuce was growing in the field (March to May). Disease incidence and severity were very low both years for both irrigation systems. There were no differences in marketable yield (number of heads) between irrigation treatment in 2019. In 2020, marketable yield by number was greater in the drip vs. overhead irrigation treatment. Unmarketable yield in 2019 was due to heads that were too small; in 2020, unmarketability was predominantly due to tipburn in overhead irrigated ‘Jericho’. Overall, marketable lettuce yield did not differ between irrigation treatments in 2019 and was similar for ‘Parris Island Cos’ in 2020. Although quantitative weed counts were not made, observations of weed pressure between rows showed that weed pressure was higher in overhead irrigated compared with drip irrigated subplots. This highlights the need to have a between-row weed management program in place. The results of this study suggest that with attention to cultivar and weed management, overhead irrigation could be a viable alternative to drip irrigation for lettuce production on BDM, especially for early spring lettuce when rainfall is historically more plentiful.

Effect of Planting Method, Mulch, and Rowcover Combinations on Yield and Fruit Quality of `Earliqueen' Muskmelon

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 475a-475
Author(s):  
David T. Handley ◽  
Sheri I. Koller ◽  
James F. Dill
Keyword(s):  
Total Yield ◽  
Growth Period ◽  
Direct Seeding ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Early Maturity ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Marketable Fruit ◽  
Planting Method

Three techniques to enhance the development and yield of `Earliqueen' muskmelon, including transplanting, plastic mulch, and rowcovers, were applied in all combinations to determine which practice or practices offered the most beneficial effects on early maturity, and total marketable yield. Using transplants (two true leaf stage) as opposed to direct seeding had the greatest effect on increasing early yield. Black plastic mulch also significantly increased early yield. Rowcovers did not provide an overall increase in early yield, although the highest early yield was achieved from the transplant/mulch/rowcover combination. Black plastic mulch had the greatest effect on total marketable yield. Transplanting also significantly increased total yield. A slight increase observed for rowcover treatments was not significant. The combination of transplanting/plastic mulch/rowcover produced the highest marketable yield of any treatment. Direct seeding combined with no mulch produced the lowest yields and the lowest percent of marketable fruit. Under the conditions of a prolonged, cool, cloudy spring, followed by a hot, dry summer, the use of transplants and black plastic mulch provided significant increases in marketable yield of `Earliqueen' muskmelons. Rowcovers did not provide significant yield effects, probably due to low light levels during the early growth period.

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