Abstract
The influence of several types of plastic mulches in enhancing earliness, maximizing production, and reducing insect infestation of strawberries grown in a tunnel greenhouse in a mild Mediterranean climate was evaluated in two growing seasons. In 1996-1997, yield of ‘Oso Grande’ during the first three weeks of harvest was the highest on the black on white mulch (B/W), followed by black (B) white (W), and clear (C). Total yield was comparable among all mulches. Mite infestation (mites being the main pest of strawberries in the region), and the heaviest weed growth occurred under C, resulting in weaker plants. In 1998-1999, yield of ‘Camaros’a was consistently higher on reflective mulch (R) in comparison to C, B, and green (G). We observed a high degree of resistance to mite infestation in ‘Camaros’a, where mites appeared only during the last week of harvest. The R mulch had the lowest count of mites, thrips, aphids and whiteflies at all sampling dates. The highest counts of those pests were on C mulch. We recommend the R mulch, for its enhancement of yield, reduced insect and mite infestation, and weed control properties in a mild winter-spring growing climate.
