Resumo

RISSEL BOLIVAR, Shtefani et al.   Evaluation the effect of the mulch on three varieties of chard (Beta vulgaris var. Cicla) La Paz, Bolivia. Apthapi [online]. 2017, vol.3, n.3, pp. 702-712. ISSN 0102-0304.

Abstract        The present research work was carried out at the Cota Cota Experimental Center within a green house, in the área that bears its ñame, in the department of La Paz. The objective was to evalúate the effect of the mulch on three varieties of chard with the purpose of presenting an alternative production that increases the yield of this vegetable. The plant material of the experiment were three commercial varieties of chard; The variety Large White that is characterized by its smooth leaves, the Fordhook Giant variety, that has crisp leaves and the variety Magenta Suset, the latter is of cherry leaves, is usually used only for salads. In these varieties the effect of plástic mulch or also known as polyethylene was studied. After preparing the experimental área, the mulch was placed; the sowing was direct form, with a distance between rows of 35cm and between plants 30cm. At a density of 10-11 plants m^-2. Harvest was performed at 52 days, the study variables were phenological variables (days at emergence and days at harvest), agronomic variables (leaf length, leaf number, stem diameter, crop yield) and economic analysis. For the leaf length and the numberof stemsthere was no significant difference in any factor. However, for the variable stem diameter and yield the use of mulch had a greater response, respect to the varieties Large White and Fordhook Giant. The economic analysis the treatment that reached the best response in the benefit cost ratio was the combination of the use of mulch with the variety Fordhook Giant.

Palavras-chave : Varietés of chard; mulch; green house.