Growth response and weed control in slicing cucumbers under row covers
1988
A:PS
Details
Title
Growth response and weed control in slicing cucumbers under row covers
Publication Date
1988
Call Number
A:PS
Summary
The objectives of this study were: a) to compare the efficacy of the standard herbicide program for cucumbers with hand cultivation and black polyethylene mulch when used in conjunction with row covers, b) to evaluate the effectiveness of the contact herbicide paraquat when applied through porous row covers, and c) to evaluate the response of parthenocarpic, gynoecious slicing cucumbers to mulch and two row covers in western Oregon. Five weed-control treatments (unweeded; hand-weeded; bensulide and naptalam; bensulide, naptalam, and paraquat; black polyethylene mulch) were combined factorially with three row-cover treatments (no cover, spunbonded polyester, highly perforated polyethylene) in a 2-year experiment. Slicing cucumbers (cucumis satius L.) were transplanted 26 (1985) or 23 (1986) days after application of the bensulide-naptalam. This combination of herbicides provided weed control for up to 4 weeks after transplanting, but was less effective in 1986 than in 1985. Row covers reduced herbicide efficacy. Spraying paraquat through the covers 2 to 3 days before setting transplants significantly improved weed control and cucumber yield. Soil crusting was reduced, and earliness and total yield were enhanced by mulch and row covers. Greatest yields and estimated net economic return in both years occurred with row covers with mulch followed by mulch alone n 1986 and by mulch alone or hand-weeding with row covers in 1985. Weed control, earliness, and yield were not affected significantly by type of row cover in either year. [AS]
Journal Citation
v.113(1):41-45, AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE, JOURNAL
Contact Information
harvest@worldveg.org
Record Appears in
Research > Published Articles