Mulch Cover Management for Improving Weed Control in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Production

Abstract

In this study we evaluated the effects of two different types of mulches (black mulch, silver/black) on weed control and yield in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production. Field studies were carried out during 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. The treatments consisted in the study were planting methods (raised bed/flat bed), polythene mulching applications (black mulch, silver/black and unmulched plots) and training systems (two stem and three stem). Tomato seedlings were transplanted in the plots, where mulch application had already been done prior transplanting.The results indicated thatmarketable tomato yield from the treatments consisting of black mulch, was higher compared to the other unmulched plots for both the years of study. In unmulched plots there was reduction of tomato yield. Mulch treatments reduced the number of weeds, weed intensity, and above ground biomass (fresh weight and dry weight of weeds) as compared to control plots. At tomato harvest weeds were well suppressed by black mulch above the entire where black mulches have been used. In mulch plots there was consistent reduction in weed intensity also. The black mulch seems to be a suitable for assuring an effective weed suppression and high yield in tomato grown in raised beds compared to the plants grown on flat beds without using any mulch material.