Study on change in microenvironment under different colour shade nets and its impact on yield of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)

Abstract

Field experiment was undertaken at research farm of IARI, New Delhi to study the effect of change in the microenvironment under different colour shade nets during summer and rainy season, of 2012 on yield of spinach. Spinach crop was sown under different colour shade nets such as red, green, black, white along with control (without shade net) during summer and rainy season. Crop duration from sowing to harvesting was 62 days in summer and 58 days in rainy season. Different weather parameters were measured at regular interval in each treatment. Results showed that the light intensity, incoming radiation, canopy temperature, air temperature, soil temperature were found to be lower under different colour shade nets compared to the control. However the relative humidity, soil moisture were found to be higher under colour shade nets compared to control.