Estimating Yield Losses of Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) Caused by Nightshade (Solanumspp.) Interference

Abstract

Reductions in yields of processing tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentumMill. ‘H2653’ and ‘Earlirouge′) caused by interference from eastern black nightshade (Solanum ptycanthumDun. # SOLPT) and hairy nighthsade (S. sarrachoidesSendt. # SOLSA) were estimated for transplanted and seeded tomatoes at two locations in southern Ontario. Tomato yield losses were significantly greater in seeded than in transplanted tomatoes. Stomatal conductance and transpiration rates of seeded tomatoes decreased more rapidly with increased nightshade density than did those of transplanted tomatoes. Percent yield losses also differed between sites. Seeded tomatoes grown at high density in twin rows (33 300 and 45 000 plants/ha) had higher yields and lower percent yield losses than did tomatoes grown at low density in single rows (12 500 to 22 500 plants/ha). Nightshade dry weight and seed production decreased per plant but increased per unit area with increasing nightshade density. Nightshade dry weights and seed production did not vary with site or method of tomato establishment. A hyperbolic model provided an excellent fit to data on both tomato yield losses and nightshade seed production as a function of nightshade density.