DOI: https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/27.3.4792
Original scientific paper
Plastic film mulch color affects leaf gas exchange, plant growth, and fruit yield of papaya (Carica papaya L.) in the southeast United States
2026, 27 (3) p. 659-666
Juan DÍAZ-PÉREZ, Md. Yamin Kabir
Abstract
Papaya is a widely grown tropical fruit. In the subtropical US, therefore, relatively little work has been done on its production. The purpose of this one-year study was to ascertain how the color of plastic mulch affected papaya plant growth and fruit yield. Using a randomized complete block design with four replications, greenhouse-grown papaya seedlings were moved into the field. Raised beds equipped with drip irrigation and covered with black and silver plastic film-mulches were used to establish the plants. Papaya plants on silver mulch had lower root-zone temperatures and higher leaf net photosynthesis than those on black mulch. Silver-mulched plants were taller and had thicker trunks than black-mulched plants. The total number of fruit and fruit yield per plant were 49 and 34 kg, respectively, with silver mulch, and decreased to 26 and 16 kg, respectively, with black mulch. Thus, silver mulch increased fruit number and yield by 86% and 116%, respectively, compared to the black mulch. In conclusion, silver mulch was associated with enhanced photosynthesis and increased papaya plant growth and fruit yield compared to black mulch.
Keywords
plasticulture, heat stress, root zone temperature, soil temperature, photosynthesis
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