Weed control of tomato crop

An important first step in planning a weed control programme is to know the types of weeds and their density in the field where the tomatoes will be planted, in order to prepare a weed map.

Chemical soil weed control is a normal practice for field grown tomatoes. Methyl bromide is one method used for sterilizing soil.

Pre- and post planting weed control chemicals can be used, depending in which weeds occur. In very case the residual effect of herbicides that were used for the previous crops have to be considered when planting tomatoes.

Although herbicides can be effective in controlling weeds, cultural practices such as crop rotation, tillage practices and seedbed preparation are equally important means of control.

With the used of improved cropping methods, including chemical weed control, certain common weeds associated with the crops are becoming scarce and even disappearing. Therefore, a combined strategy of nonchemical and chemical techniques can effectively control most weed problems.

Crop ration can reduce some weed problems. Maize can used advantageously in rotation with tomatoes because several herbicides are available for use then that cannot be used selectively in tomatoes.

Some of these maize herbicides control weeds such as nightshades, field bindweed and nutsedge that are tolerant to tomato herbicides.
Weed control of tomato crop