Wavelength-selective mulches and tomato production in Fairbanks, Alaska

摘要

The selective reflecting mulch, SRM-Red~(TM), has been shown to increase yield of first quality early market tomatoes when compared to tomatoes grown through black plastic mulch (Fortnum and others 1997, Csizinszky and others 1995, Heacox 1995). SRM-Red~(TM) increases yield by reflecting far-red wavelengths of light into the plant canopy which promotes shoot growth, and flower and fruit development (Kasperbauer and Hunt 1998). This product has engendered interest in Alaska where field cultivation of high quality tomatoes is difficult, and yields may be quite low. In the Interior, many people grow tomatoes through clear plastic or infra-red transparent (such as IRT-100~(TM)) mulch in order to warm cold soils. Clear mulches are the most effective atwarming the soil, but IRT mulches eliminate weed growth beneath the mulch by blocking the radiation used for photosynthesis. During most seasons, yield of temperature-sensitive crops such as sweet corn are comparable when grown through clear or infra-red transparent (IRT) mulches (Matheke and others 1991). The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effects of SRM-Red~(TM) on yield of field-grown tomatoes in Fairbanks, Alaska and to compare yield with the standard IRT-100~(TM) mulch.