[CH] FYI Plastic Mulches

Byron Bromley (Byron.Bromley@gsd-co.com)
Fri, 5 Feb 1999 16:47:26 -0500 

CH
Just returned from Seminar by Dr. Otho Wells, UNH Plant researcher
for 33 years.
Bottom line Red Reflective mulch works better some years
                 Normal NE Summer
                 Black reflective mulch works better some years
                 Cold NE Summer
                 Silver reflective mulch works better some years
                 Hotter than normal summer

Dr. Wells also mentioned while buying red or silver look for statement
on the box "color fast", Some brands the color seperates after a month or
so.

Per Cathy Thomas, U. Penn
    Blue mulches attracts thrips
    Yellow mulches attracts Aphids and whiteflies

Per Dr Michael Orzolek, U. Penn reseacher, Studing plastic mulches
for 7 years, a green mulch works better. than silver or black.

But neither Wells nor Orzolek compared green to red.

Mulchly confused
Byron