Effect of a Plastic Row Tunnel and Soil Mulch on Tomato Performance, Weed Control and Herbicide Persistence
Year: 1989
Type: article
Abstract: Incorporated trifluralin (0.75 kg ha−1) and pre-emergence applications of metribuzin (0.5 kg ha−1) and diphenamid (6.0 kg ha−1) provided effective weed control in transplanted Springset tomatoes grown with early-season supported row tunnels and a full-season clear unperforated polyethylene mulch. This plastic system influenced the weed flora by enhancing or inhibiting the germination and early growth of certain weed species. However, after 5 or 6 wk the clear plastic mulch severely limited further weed growth and competition. This may account for lack of tomato yield or fruit quality response to varying levels of weed control on mulched plots whereas there was a yield response related to levels of weed control on unmulched plots. The plastic mulch also reduced the loss of all three herbicides from soils compared with unmulched plots.Key words: Row tunnels, plastic mulch, trifluralin, metribuzin, diphenamid, herbicide persistence
DOI: 10.4141/cjps89-127
Institution: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2082265385