Utilization of different mulch materials on strawberry (Fragaria x Ananassa Dutch.) Cultivation under open condition in Mizoram

A study was conducted to make use of different mulch materials and its effects on various growth parameters of strawberry (Fragaria x Ananassa Duch.) var. Sweet Charlie at N. Vanlaiphai, Mizoram. Mulch materials used were - Straw (T₁), Saw dust (T₂), Wood shaving (T₃), Leaf litter (T₄), Pine needle (T₅), Cut grass (T₆), Rice husk (T₇), Black polythene (T₈), Silver on black polythene (T₉) and Control (T₁₀). The strawberry plants were cultivated under open condition provided with sub-surface irrigation. The maximum plant height (26.89 cm), maximum plant spread (33.16 cm) (N-S), maximum plant spread (31.23 cm) (E-W), maximum no of leaves (26.33) was recorded with black polythene mulch (T₈) up to 90 days after planting. Maximum number of flower (43.2) and fruit formation (38.5) were obtained with black polythene mulch (T₈). Also, highest record of fruit length (4.23 cm), fruit width (3.52 cm) and runner formation (6.8 nos.) were again obtained in black polythene mulch (T₈) along with maximum fruit weight (20.24 g). Highest record of anthocyanin content (38.53 mg/100g) and TSS (8.28 Brix) was again obtained under black polythene mulch (T₈). On the other hand, minimum record of weed intensity (1.33) was in black polythene mulch while maximum record of weeds intensity (15.93) was in control (T₁₀). Thus, black polythene mulch showed superior plant performance among various mulch materials tried in the experiment.