M. D. Orzolek, W. J. Lamont and L. Otjen
Dept. of Horticulture, Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pa 16802

Keywords: cantaloupe, plastic mulch, reflected light.

Abstract: Since muskmelons grow rather vigorously under high day/night temperatures, production of this crop in the Northeast has primarily been accomplished with the use of plastic mulch and drip irrigation.  Black plastic mulch has been used for the production of muskmelon for many years.  However, with the availability of red, blue, thermal and reflective silver mulches, the question one might ask is will mulch color affect the yield and/or quality of the fruit.  Replicated field trials on mulch color have been conducted at the Horticulture Research Farm, Russell E. Larson Research Center, Rock Springs, PA since 1996.  Initial research with growth of muskmelon on either black, red or blue mulch indicated that plants grown on both red and blue mulch produced significantly higher yields of fruit compared to black mulch.  In addition, it was observed that fruits harvested from plants grown on blue plastic mulch had a higher soluble solids content and firmer fruit compared to fruit harvested from plants grown on black mulch.  Highest quality and yield of market cucumbers were harvested from plants grown on blue and red mulch compared to plants grown on black or yellow mulch.  Subsequent field trials with colored plastic mulch has confirmed initial work that muskmelon plants grown on both blue and thermal plastic mulches produced the highest yields and quality of melons.  This paper will discuss the advantages of using blue and thermal plastic mulches for the production of muskmelons.

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