Effects of different mulching practices on the photosynthetic characteristics of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in a greenhouse in Northwest China

Mulching is considered a desirable management technology for improving and stabilizing agricultural crop production. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different mulching practices on hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) performance in terms of leaf photosynthetic capacity, photosynthetic light response (PLR) curves, and growth parameters, under greenhouse conditions. Consequently, field experiments were conducted during the 2011 and 2012 growing seasons in Northwest China using four types of mulching practices (without mulch; wheat straw mulch; plastic film mulch; and combined mulch with plastic film and wheat straw). The results showed that mulching increased the leaf net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance to water vapor, intercellular CO₂ concentration, water-use efficiency, and transpiration rate. Mulching significantly affected the PLR curves, and important parameters (such as the apparent quantum yield, maximum net photosynthetic rate, light compensation point, and light saturation point) were all improved under combined mulching conditions when compared with other mulching practices. Therefore, it is inferred that hot pepper leaf photosynthetic capacity and light-use efficiency were significantly improved under combined mulching, and thereby the combined mulching is recommended for hot pepper cultivation in greenhouses due to working well to facilitate soil condition (moisture and temperature), plant growth, and marketable photosynthetic characteristics.