Effect of mulch on Total yield
Total yield was similar for all mulches, which were higher than with no mulch. (Table 2). Mulching increased yield due to increased plant length and number of fruit per plant (Table 2). Kashi et al. (2004) reported that total yield in watermelon using black polyethylene increased compared to treatment without mulch, due to higher soil temperature, sufficient moisture and weed control. El-Nemr (2006) reported that black and clear polyethylene mulches increased total yield of cucumber. Sari et al. (1994) reported that using clear plastic mulch increased total yield of cucumber compared to no mulch. According to Ekinci and Dursun (2009) melon total yield increased using black or clear polyethylene mulches compared to no mulch control. Farias-Larios and Orozco-Santos (1997) reported that total watermelon yield using black and clear polyethylene increased compared to no mulch. Ibarra-Jimenez et al. (2008)