EFFECT OF PLASTIC MULCHES ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF CUCUMBER IN A TROPICAL REGION

Research was conducted to evaluate the use of plastic mulches in the p roduction of cucumber under micro-irrigation in tropical conditions. C lear (C) plastic mulch installed on beds increased the fruit number an d the yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Fanci Pack) in compari son to unmulched (U) soil, during 1992-1993. White (W) and black (B) p lastic mulches showed a moderated effect. Marketable yields of 63.3, 4 6.2, 44.8 and 21.6 t/ha were achieved under C, W, B and U treatments r espectively (P < 0.05). The plastic mulches reduced the number of days to flowering and to first harvest and increased the fruit number. It is concluded that clear plastic mulch is more adequate for tropical co nditions than black or white plastic mulches.