Fluid Mulch Sprayed on the Field and Overlaid with Pigmented Latex : Influence on Growth and Yield of Eggplant in California

To study the effect of reflecting mulches on growth pattern and yield components of eggplant (Solanum melongena L., cv. 'Millionaire'), beds were treated with synthetic latex film as a mulch base. Colored pigments derived from oil-based paints in black, white, red, blue, yellow and silver were sprayed on the mulch base to provide differential coloration. Each experimental unit included three rows of 7.3 meters with eight plants per row. Each treatment was replicated in four blocks at two separate locations. Plants grown on silver-pigmented beds produced significantly greater fruit numbers and total fruit weight than other treatments. After eight harvests, up to 236% yield increase was observed in silver plots compared to the control. Initial flower and fruit set formations before harvest were significantly higher in silver plots compared to other treatments. Non-significant differences were observed with measurements of plant height and total dry weight of shoot and root within the treatments. It is assumed that altering microenvironment around the plants by mulch surface color is responsible for this variation.