Response of surface mulching of potato (Solanum tuberosum) on SPAD value, Colorado potato beetle and tuber yield.

Effects of surface mulching on the SPAD values, Colorado potato beetle and yield of ware potatoes were studied in three years (2009-2011). Increased production of tubers was assured by the use of grass mulch compared with variant without mulch (from the perspective of optimal production can be recommended of grass mulch before full germination). This application is characterized by a lower incidence of Colorado potato beetle larvae and higher yield of tubers by 3.2% comparison with application immediately after planting. Grass mulch also affected the SPAD readings. Yield of ware potatoes significantly correlated with SPAD readings of mulching plants – grass mulch after planting (r 2 = 53.7%), grass mulch before full germination (r 2 = 41.6%) and mulch textile (r 2 = 54.6%). © 2013 Friends Science Publishers