From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Ireland

Anyone think by placing perforated white polythene under part or all of the leaf canopy a good idea?
Its used for strawberry production here so could it be used on big pumpkins?
Micheál

11/18/2014 5:43:30 PM

Belgium

why would you do that?

11/19/2014 9:03:37 AM

Ireland

to reflect light

11/19/2014 11:34:30 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

They have a reflective mulch that is supposed to be good for cucurbits

11/19/2014 1:53:03 PM

Belgium

yeah I know, but since the most photosynthesis is on top of the leaf why bother? strawberry growers use it to cool down and delay harvest but not for growing purpose itself, has been tested several times and had very litle effect or this might be you goal(cooling down)? don't know
just saying the experience I had with it in strawberry growing

11/19/2014 2:39:30 PM

Ireland

it increases photosynthesis rate by 33% when done with tomatoes. I understand Rhonny.
Micheal

11/19/2014 3:11:11 PM

Ireland

I wouldnt intend on using it for cooling down.

11/19/2014 4:07:47 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

Instead I was thinking of using black weed fabric to RAISE the soil temp....

11/19/2014 4:16:59 PM

Newcastle, CA

I don't recall where but I read about reflective mulches help control the spread on mosaic virus. Apparently aphids that spread the virus don't like the light reflected back up under the leaves. I had mosaic issues in 2013 and that is something I read or was told.

11/19/2014 4:24:37 PM

Piqua, Ohio

I use red mulch for maters... They seem to like it. They get alot bigger not sure why someone told me to try it a few years ago.

11/19/2014 6:56:37 PM

Anchorage Alaska

up here clear plastic for soil warming and black for weed killing. the aphid part was interesting never heard that before

11/19/2014 11:38:37 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

White around here attracts the Asian lady bug beetles, which would eat the aphids. It also attracts box elder bugs. Sometimes they turn my garage doors almost black.

11/20/2014 9:21:36 AM

Ireland

Maybe a trial should b set up when growing tomatoes next season

11/20/2014 1:40:47 PM