Abstract:

The aim of the research conducted in 2016-2018 at the University of Agriculture in Krakow was to assess the effect of the direct covering of ʻPartenonʼ F1 zucchini plants with polypropylene nonwoven fabric (PP 20 g/m-2) and polyethylene netting (HDPE 38 g/m-2). While the covers were in place, measurements of environmental factors were taken. The air temperature and humidity during that period were on average by 2.1 °C and 13% and by 1.4 °C and 7.9% higher on the plots covered with the nonwoven and the net, respectively, compared to the control. Uncovered plants formed the smallest number of leaves and produced the lowest marketable yield. Weed infestation was greater on the plots with the covers by 43% and 56% for the HDPE net and the PP nonwoven, respectively, compared to the control. Laboratory analyses of the zucchini fruit did not show any significant differences in its chemical composition.