ISHS Acta Horticulturae 729: III Balkan Symposium on Vegetables and Potatoes
EFFECTS OF MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI AND COLORED MULCH IN SWEET POTATO PRODUCTION |
| Authors: | B. Novak, I. Zutić, N. Toth |
| Keywords: | Ipomoea batatas, arbuscular mycorrhiza, Glomus mossae, colored PE-films, mulch, tuberous roots, yield |
| Abstract:
In Croatia a three years preliminary research has already been conducted to explore the possibilities of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivation and introduction into our growing areas. For the purpose of achieving the highest possible yield during a relatively short vegetation period of this crop, and by applying available methods consistent with principles of ecological vegetable production, a trial with endomycorrhizal cultivation of the batata with mulch of differently colored poliethiylene (PE) films has been set up. Positive effects on the yield were expected from the endomycorrhiza application according to the new growing technologies close to organic-biological production, as well as from mulching with differently colored polyethylene (PE) films. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus mossae was used as inoculants. A significant positive effect of mycorrhiza on the yield of thick tuberous sweet potato roots, as well as on the average root mass, however not on the number of roots/plant, was recorded. Mulching with differently colored PE-films had a significant effect on the yield and average mass of roots as well. After 130 days the highest yields were achieved by the application of black PE-film (5.3 kg/m2), while no significant effect on the number of thick roots/plant was recorded. Interaction of mycorrhiza and black PE-film mulch provided the significantly highest yield of thick roots per plant. | |
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