Tomato Response to

Plastic Color

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Black plastic has been the traditional plastic color used for commercial tomato production. The popular clear plastic used for curbits may increase soil temperature beyond the maximum for high yields, about 86 F. In recent years several new colors have been evaluated by the east coast states for early tomato production - yellow, silver, green or IRT and red. Results have been inconsistent from year to year, especially with the red mulch. Red mulch is promoted as changing the ratio of reflected light energy in the red to far red range of the sun's spectrum. This change or ratio reduction affects the plant's phytochrome system resulting in early yield enhancement. The exact reason is unknown - affect on flower development, fruit set, or carbohydrate shunt to fruit. For detailed results of this project refer to recent research progress reports located at the commercial vegetable extension website. Also, if weed growth under clear plastic mulch could be controlled the clear mulch offers the best opportunity for early production.