The effect of biodegradable direct covers on the root development, yield and quality of cucumber

The results of three years (2009-2011) of field studies using two types of biodegradable nonwoven covers (aromatic polyester IBWCH 75 g m^-2 and polylactic acid PLA 54 g m^-2) on the yield, quality and root development of cucumber are presented. Seeds of parthenocarpic cucumber (‘Mirabelle’ F₁) were sown directly into the field at the beginning of May/June and covered with nonwoven field covers. A plot that remained uncovered served as the control. The covers were kept in place until the first flowers appeared. Cucumbers were harvested every three days for 5-6 weeks. Fruits were evaluated for dry matter, soluble sugars and nitrate content. After the last harvest, whole plants were harvested and evaluated for weight, surface area, total length and average diameter of the roots. The experiment showed that the covers increased the marketable yield of cucumber in 2009 and 2010 (regardless of the type of polymer), but did not influence the yield in 2011. In 2011 the fruits from the covered plots had higher levels of soluble sugars and dry matter in comparison to the control. The covers did not influence root development.