Evaluation of the use of polyethylene mulches in the production of organic flue-cured tobacco

Abstract

Weed and insect pest management in organic flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is challenging due to lack of effective and affordable approved control options. Polyethylene plastic mulches are used in vegetable and berry production to manage in-row weed populations, buffer soil temperatures, limit rain-induced soil loss, and maintain soil moisture. Mulch color can affect plant growth, soil temperature, and insect pest populations in vegetable crops. Field trials were conducted in Kinston, NC, in 2019 and 2020 and Whiteville, NC, in 2020. Red, white, black, and silver polyethylene mulch (with drip irrigation) and bare ground with and without drip irrigation were compared to evaluate effects on tobacco yield, quality, and pests. Tobacco yields were elevated by at least 290% in mulch treatments compared with bare ground with irrigation in 2020 (p