EFFECTS OF SALINE IRRIGATION AND PLASTIC MULCH ON PHYSIOLOGY AND YIELD OF BELL PEPPER

摘要

The effects of saline irrigation (0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 dSm~(-1)) in combination with plastic mulches (IRT, black, bare ground) on the growth and development of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) were investigated under greenhouse conditions. Photosynthetic rates at fruiting were significantly lower when plants were irrigated with 3.5 or 4.5 dSm~(-1) than with all other treatments. Salinity levels above0.5 dSm~(-1) significantly reduced total and marketable yield Higher rates reduced water uptake and water efficiency. Salinity affected Mulched plants had higher rates of photosynthesis than the non mulched control. Plants grown with plastic mulch used significantly less water to produce significantly more marketable yields than their bare ground counterparts. No interaction was observed between the level of salinity and the use of mulch.