Effect of different coloured plastic mulches on growth, yield and quality of drip fertigated bell pepper (Capsicum annum var. grossum)

Among the different coloured mulches applied in bell pepper maximum rise in soil temperature was recorded under black/black plastic mulch in April (3.6oC). It was followed by silver/black mulch with soil temperature rise of 3.3oC as compared to no mulch application in respective month. The maximum increase in fruit yield (54.9%) was observed in bell pepper grown on silver/black polyethylene mulch as compared to no mulch plots. It was closely followed by black/black mulch. The maximum reduction in weed dry matter and maximum ascorbic acid content in fruit was recorded in black/black coloured plastic mulches.