The influence of different mulching materials on Tomato?s vegetative, reproductive, and yield in Dhankuta, Nepal

Dhankuta is considered a high-tomato production area in Nepal. The types of mulch recommended by govern-ment bodies and research stations are based on blanket recommendations. Research is carried out to identify the effect of different mulching materials like rice husk and silver on black plastic, straw, sawdust, and control on performance of tomatoes. It was investigated in a one-factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replications and 5 treatments in a farmer's field, Patlekhola, Dhankuta. This study focused on plant growth and yield characteristics. The data were analyzed with R stat software at a 5% level of significance. Mulch application did not affect the number of leaves, stem diameter at 30, 45, or 60 days after planting, height to first truss initiation or reproductive characteristics. Mulch treatments had an effect on plant height and the number of leaves between two trusses at 60 DAT, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, and total fruit yield (Mt/ha) when compared to the control. The result revealed that a plot mulched with rice husk generated the most fruits per plant around 20 and the highest fruit output (45.69 Mt/ha) with a 5.46 cm fruit diameter. This study will provide the farmer with a cost-effective selection of mulching practices and commercial cultivation of tomatoes in the upcoming days.