Integrated crop management of hot pepper ( Capsicum spp.) under tropical lowland conditions: Effects of rice straw and plastic mulches on crop health

The effects of mulch on health of hot pepper crops were investigated in nine trials comparing various mulch treatments. Mulch materials consisted of rice straw and white or silvery plastic foils. Regular observations were made on anthracnose fruit rot, blossom mould, cercospora leaf spot, oriental fruit fly, thrips, viruses and yellow tea mite. Rice straw mulch had variable effects on crop health. White and silvery plastic mulch reduced thrips injury and delayed virus epidemics. The overall positive effect of plastic mulch on crop health contributed to improved crop production. Mulching is therefore recommended as a component within an integrated crop management (ICM) programme for hot pepper.