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

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.

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Effects of Silver Reflective Mulch, White Inter-row Mulch, and Plant Density on Yields of Pepper in Maine

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.17.2.214 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 214-219 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Mark G. Hutton ◽

David T. Handley

Keyword(s):

New England ◽

Plant Density ◽

Row Spacing ◽

Plastic Mulch ◽

Marketable Yield ◽

Double Row ◽

Growing Seasons ◽

Yield And Quality ◽

Bell Peppers ◽

Black Plastic

Bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) are an economically important yet difficult to grow crop in northern New England. Yields of bell peppers can be increased through the use of plastic mulches; however, refinements are needed to make bell peppers a more viable crop in regions with short, variable growing seasons. The objectives of this study were to (1) compare the effects of black mulch with white inter-row much, reflective silver mulch, and standard black plastic mulched beds on bell pepper yield and quality and (2) compare the effects of two in-row plant arrangements [single rows at 12-inch within-row spacing (7260 plants/acre) and double rows spaced 18 inches apart with 18-inch in-row spacing (9680 plants/acre)] on pepper yield and quality. Treatments were factorial combinations of three mulch treatments and two within-row planting arrangements. Double rows produced more fruit by number and weight than single rows; however, fruit harvested from the double-row plots tended to be smaller than fruit harvested from the single-row plots. Mulch treatments significantly influenced total marketable yield and yield of cull bell peppers grown in Maine. The plots receiving the inter-row white mulch or reflective silver mulch treatment produced significantly greater yield than standard black plastic mulch treatment. The reflective mulch treatment produced significantly more cull fruit per acre compared with the white inter-row mulch and black plastic.

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

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.27.11.1171b ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 27 (11) ◽

pp. 1171b-1171 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

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Performance of Sweetpotato Varieties Grown Using Black Plastic Mulch in Pennsylvania

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech04689-20 ◽

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.

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

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.39.4.867a ◽

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.

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Origin of Multiple Trunks Affects Crapemyrtle Posttransplant Establishment

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.13.1.0120 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 120-127

Author(s):

Michael A. Arnold

Keyword(s):

Substrate Surface ◽

Adventitious Shoots ◽

Growth And Survival ◽

Growing Seasons ◽

Nursery Production ◽

Black Plastic ◽

Bare Root ◽

Survival Differences ◽

Marketable Size ◽

Plastic Containers

Bare-root 17.5-inch-tall (44.45-cm) `Sarah's Favorite' crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica L.) liners were grown in #3 [2.75-gal (10.4-L)] black plastic containers and trained to one, three, or five trunks by one of two methods. Half of the plants were established from multiple liners with each trained to form one of the trunks. The others were established by planting a single liner in each container, pruning them back to within 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the substrate surface, and then training elongating buds or adventitious shoots to the desired number of trunks. Once plants reached a marketable size they were transplanted to a landscape for two growing seasons to determine the effects of the treatments on trunk survival or growth uniformity in the landscape. The study was replicated in time with containerized `Basham's Party Pink' crapemyrtle liners, but only grown in the field for 1 year. Growth and quality differences were minimal at the end of nursery production for either clone, thus favoring recommendation of whichever treatment would be most economical to produce the desired growth form. However, in the landscape phase, survival of `Sarah's Favorite' crapemyrtle and growth and uniformity of `Basham's Party Pink' crapemyrtle were greater for several growth measures when multiple trunks were produced by training stems of the same plant as opposed to planting multiple liners. Trunk survival was generally good for three or fewer trunks, but significant losses often occurred when the planting units had five trunks, especially when grown from multiple liners. Growth and survival differences among treatments were more pronounced with increasing trunk number and the longer the planting units were in the field (landscape).

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Planting Method, Plastic Mulch, and Fumigation Influence Growth, Yield, and Root Structure of Watermelon

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.43.5.1410 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 43 (5) ◽

pp. 1410-1414 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Daniel S. Egel ◽

Ray Martyn ◽

Chris Gunter

Keyword(s):

Growth Yield ◽

Direct Seeding ◽

Growth And Yield ◽

Root Structure ◽

Plastic Mulch ◽

Vine Growth ◽

Tap Root ◽

Direct Seeded ◽

Black Plastic ◽

Planting Method

A 2-year field study was conducted to determine the influence of planting method, i.e., transplanting or direct seeding, black plastic mulch, and soil fumigation on the vine growth, yield, and root structure of diploid hybrid watermelon. The experiment was a split-plot design with fumigation as the main plot and there were four replications. Methyl bromide (337 L·ha−1) was applied to the soil, which was then tarped. Black plastic mulch, 0.61 m wide × 2 mil (Visqueen 4020™) was applied to appropriate rows. Vine growth was measured during the season and yield was determined by the number and weight of fruit from each treatment. After fruit harvest, plant roots were excavated so that root structure was maintained with minimal damage and roots were photographed. Root systems were scored for tap root dominance and overall root distribution. Direct-seeded watermelon had more vine growth and higher yields in both years than transplanted watermelon. The advantage of direct seeding was likely the result of the growth and root expansion that occurred for these plants while the transplants were still in the greenhouse. Direct-seeded plants also displayed greater tap root dominance in each year than transplanted watermelon. Roots of both direct-seeded plants and transplants had a greater range in size distribution in both years under plastic mulch than those grown on bare ground. In late-planted watermelon, direct-seeded plants had more favorable vine growth and yield without the aberrant roots systems produced by transplants.

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Growth and Yield of Six Medicinal Herbs in Response to Mulch Type

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.39.4.779c ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 39 (4) ◽

pp. 779C-779

Author(s):

Jeanine M. Davis* ◽

George B. Cox

Keyword(s):

Weed Control ◽

Echinacea Purpurea ◽

Medicinal Herbs ◽

Growth And Yield ◽

Bare Ground ◽

Plastic Mulch ◽

Echinacea Angustifolia ◽

Ground Treatment ◽

Growing Seasons ◽

Black Plastic

Weeds are a major concern in the production of many medicinal herbs. Weeds can interfere with the growth of the herb, reducing yields of foliage, flowers, and roots. The presence of weeds in the harvested herb can lessen the value of the herb or render it unmarketable. Weed control on medicinal herbs is difficult because there are few herbicides cleared for use and many herbs are organically grown. In this study, we examined the use of white and black plastic mulches to control weeds in the production of six medicinal herbs in the northern piedmont region of North Carolina. The herbs were grown for 2 years on raised beds with drip-irrigation. The beds were left bare or covered with black plastic mulch or white plastic mulch. The herbs grown were Arnica chamissonis, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Leonurus cardiaca, Scutellaria lateriflora, and Spilanthes oleracea. Transplants were field set in May and June. Depending on the particular herb, foliage, and flowers were harvested during both growing seasons and roots were harvested at the end of the second season. Both plastic mulches provided excellent weed control compared to the bare ground treatment. A. chamissonis flower yields were reduced when plants were grown with either plastic mulch. Growth and yield of E. angustifolia, L. cardiaca, and S. lateriflora were unaffected by any mulch treatment. In contrast, total season yields of E. purpurea tops (stems, leaves, and flowers) and roots were higher with both plastic mulches than with the bare ground treatment. Root yields of S. oleracea were higher with the bare ground treatment than with either mulch, but top yields were unaffected by treatment.

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Frost/Freeze Protection of Strawberries Grown on Black Plastic Mulch

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.26.1.15 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 15-17 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

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.

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

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.33.3.475a ◽

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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Production System and Cultivar Effects on the Development of Skin Separation or “Silvering” in Bell Pepper Fruit

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech03144-16 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 37-44 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Christian A. Wyenandt ◽

Wesley L. Kline ◽

Daniel L. Ward ◽

Nancy L. Brill

Keyword(s):

Drip Irrigation ◽

Production System ◽

Production Systems ◽

Bell Pepper ◽

Crown Rot ◽

Plastic Mulch ◽

Marketable Yield ◽

Pepper Fruit ◽

Bell Peppers ◽

Black Plastic

From 2006 to 2008, four different production systems and five bell pepper cultivars (Capsicum annuum) with either no resistance (Alliance and Camelot), tolerance (Revolution), or resistance (Paladin and Aristotle) to the crown rot phase of phytophthora blight (Phytophthora capsici) were evaluated for the development of skin separation or “silvering” in fruit at a research facility and four commercial vegetable farms in southern New Jersey. Cultivar, production system, and year, each had a significant effect on the total percentage of fruit with skin separation and marketable yield. The percentage of bell pepper fruit with skin separation was higher in both phytophthora-resistant cultivars compared with the phytophthora-susceptible cultivars across all four production systems. Marketable yield was highest when bell peppers were grown in double rows on raised beds with black plastic mulch and drip irrigation compared with bell peppers grown on single rows on raised beds with black plastic mulch and drip irrigation and bell peppers grown on single rows on raised, bare ground beds with buried drip irrigation. Marketable yields were lowest when bell peppers were grown in single rows on high, ridged beds with overhead irrigation. Results of this study suggest that the development of skin separation or “silvering” in fruit is more closely associated with genotype than type of production system.

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