Production Performance of Squash (Cucurbita moschata D.) with Different Biodegradable Mulches

The use of non-biodegradable plastic mulching materials has become more and more widespread on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). At the end of their useful life, they become a source of pollution when disposed of improperly or require a subsequent removal and recovery process by waste managers that increase costs, especially in island conditions. The use of degradable mulch may be a solution, although there is practically no experience of its use in horticultural crops under the agro-climatic and soil conditions of Tenerife. In this trial, the productive behaviour of a crop of squash cv. ‘Largo de Nápoles’ was studied using two papers (Agropaper and Mimgreen), two biodegradable plastics (Mater-Bi and Cylplast Bio), a commercial polyethylene and a control without mulch. No significant differences were observed between the biodegradable materials and polyethylene in commercial or total yield or in the average weight of harvested squashes. The costs of biodegradable plastics were lower than the total cost of using polyethylene. Material costs and logistics are especially important in relatively remote island areas, such as Tenerife.