Effects of mulching materials on the growth, development and yield of white yam
1994
Osiru, D.S.O. (makerere Univ. Kampala (Uganda) Dept of Crop Science) | Kahn, S.K. (IITA, Ibadan (Nigeria))
Two similar experiments are described in which the effects of different mulching materials and staking on the growth, development and yield of white yam Minisets were studied. The TDR 131 cultivar was used and the treatments were: black and white embossed polyethylene plastic (visqeen 38mu) with either black or white surface up; light weight black polyethylene plastic; rice straw; staking but no mulch, and no staking and no mulch. Experiments were laid down in randomised complete block design with four replications. Polyethylene plastic with mulch white surface up was superior to all other treatments. Total dry matter and total fresh tuber yield were all consistently higher in plants grown under this. In 1985 mean tuber yield was 34 larger than traditional staking system and nearly double the value obtained with no staking no mulch treatment. In 1986 it was larger with the white plastic surface up mulch but not significantly different from those of the staking and rice straw. Plants in all expts. attained peak leaf area index (LAI) about 100 days after planting and those in white polyethylene gave larger LAI and LA duration which ensured high bulking rate over longer period. This means that in tropical conditions farmers could obtain better yield by use of white surface polyethylene plastic mulch
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