Mulch and planting method on quantitative traits of cucumber

Water deficiency and broomrape (Orobanche spp.) infestation are important limitations for cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production in Iran. Effects of mulch type (clear polyethylene mulch, black polyethylene mulch, hydro flume mulch, and no mulch), and planting method (seeded and transplanted) were tested to determine effects on cucumber, cv. Super Dominus. The interaction between mulch and planting method affected the number of days to flowering, plant length, number of days to harvest, and earliness. Early yield and yield per plant was highest (186.42 and 183.12 g/plant, respectively) when transplanting was with clear and black polyethylene mulch. Black mulch produced the highest total yield, 1671.75 g per plant. Clear mulch was most effective in controlling broomrape. Using polyethylene mulch (black and clear), and transplanting produced the highest early yield and mulch alone produced the highest yield and control of broomrape.