The efficiency of using different mulch films in the cultivation of yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea L.) in Serbia

Abstract

Field trial with Yellow gentian was established (11.1 plants per m2) at 1004 m a. s. l., in order to test the influence of black PE (bPE), silver PE (sPE), and black permeable biodegradable (bPB) mulching films on the root yield and development during six-year period. The highest crop density measured prior to the root harvest (6th year), was obtained in the plot with bPB film (84 %), while in the plot with bPE and in control (without mulch) number of plants was reduced by 34.2% and 45%, respectively. In addition, application of the bPB film proved to be the most effective treatment; in the 5th and 6th vegetation, root yields per m2 increased by 92.3% and 106.0%, respectively, in comparison to the bPE, and by 78.9% and 69,2%, respectively, in comparison to sPE, and by 184.4% and 169.6%, respectively, in comparison to control. Application of bPE had the lower positive impact on YG root yield compared to control (-18.6% –54.95%), whereas the impact of sPE was stronger than both, the bPE and control; the achieved root yields were higher, 29.7% and 70.6%, respectively.