EFFECT OF DIFFERENT MULCH COLORS ON CUCUMBER PRODUCTION

The increased use of colored plastic mulch is a better approach to control weeds and improvement in agricultural production. Plastic mulches affect plant microclimate by modifying the soil energy balance and restricting soil water evaporation, thereby influencing plant growth and yield. A field study was conducted on 5 mulching colors (black, blue, red, silvery-grey, yellow) and wheat straw as control. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of different colors of plastic mulch on growth performance and yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus). The microclimate condition improved by the mulches have provided a suitable condition for producing superior branch characteristics, number of fruits/plant, fruit size and total yield in the plants. Marketable fruit yield significantly improved by the use of a silvery-grey colored plastic mulch (37.9t/ha) compared to the blue colored mulch (15.3t/ha) and wheat straw mulch (26.4t/ha). Also, the significant results were observed in growth parameters by mulching with silver-grey colored mulch. Fewer insect pests (thrips, aphids, cucumber moths and whiteflies) were noted on plants on Silvery grey colored mulch compared to other colored mulches. The effectiveness of the colored mulches to suppress both aphids and cucumber moth after the peak period was non-significant due to the increased vine/plant size which covered the colored mulches. In areas where thrips and cucumber moth are likely to infest cucumber, Blue colored mulch is not suggested. Where aphids and whiteflies are high, yellow colored mulches should be discouraged. This study explored the possibility of improving yield of cucumber by using the plastic mulches in which silvery-grey gave the most effective influence as compared to other color mulches.