Identification of Weed-Suppressive Tomato Cultivars for Weed Management

Weed-suppressive crop cultivars are a potentially attractive option in weed management strategies (IWM). A greenhouse study was conducted at the R. R. Foil Plant Science Research Center, Starkville, MS, to assess the potential weed-suppressive ability of 17 tomato cultivars against Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats), yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.), and large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis L.). The experiment was a completely randomized design, with four replications, and was repeated twice. The height, chlorophyll, and dry weight biomass of the weeds were measured 28 days after sowing. Weed suppression varied greatly among tomato cultivars. The most significant effect of tomato interference was recorded on Palmer amaranth, and the least reduction was observed with yellow nutsedge plants. Cultivars 15 and 41 reduced Palmer amaranth height and biomass by about 45 and 80%, respectively, while cultivar 38 reduced 60% of the chlorophyll percentage. Large crabgrass plants were 35% shorter in the presence of cultivar 38 and had a biomass reduction of 35% in the presence of cultivar 38. Under tomato interference, a minimal effect was observed in chlorophyll, height, and biomass of yellow nutsedge seedlings. Factoring all parameters evaluated, cultivars 38 and 33 were most suppressive against Palmer amaranth and large crabgrass.