Degradation of plastic film mulch affects root zone temperature and fruit yield of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
Juan C. Díaz-Pérez
Eggplant or brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is commonly grown on plastic film mulch. Plastic film mulches, however, may degrade before the end of the growing season. The objectives were to determine the effects of plastic film mulch degradation on root zone temperature (RZT) and fruit yield in eggplant. Eggplant ('Santana') plants were grown according to the recommendations of the Extension Service of the Univeristy of Georgia (USA). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications and 20 treatments [plastic mulches (black, transparent, and white)]. Film mulches showed significant differences in their degradation during the season. Some films showed degradation as early as 30 d after being laid. There were differences in degradation rating, RZT, early fruit yield (first four harvests), and total fruit yield among film treatments. The RZT under the film mulch decreased with increasing film degradation. Early fruit yield decreased with increasing mean RZT during the first 42 days after transplanting (DAT). Thus, the differences in early fruit yield among film mulches were associated with differences in RZT and film mulch degradation. Eggplants were negatively affected when exposed to high RZT conditions [mean seasonal RZT (soil depth 10 cm) > 28−29 °C]. In conclusion, black plastic film mulch degradation affected eggplant early fruit yield by influencing the mulch’s ability to warm the soil. The present report is based on a single fall trial. It is recommended to conduct further research on the effect of plastic film mulch degradation on crop responses with different plastic mulch colors, seasons, and locations.
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