Effect of mulching and herbicides on weeds, yield and economics of tomato grown under drip irrigation system

A field experiment was conducted at Horticulture Polytechnic College, Navsari Agricultural University, Paria, Gujarat, India to determine the effect of mulching and herbicides on weed infestation, yield and economics of tomato cultivation under drip irrigation system. The experiment comprised of four mulches, viz., black polyethylene, silver polythene, red polythene and paddy straw; two herbicide treatments i.e. pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha pre-emergence + one hand weeding at 45 days after transplanting (DAT), pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha pre-emergence + quizalofop-p-ethyl 0.04 kg/ha post-emergence PoE at 45 DAT along with a weed free treatment and a weedy check. Results revealed that black polythene mulch recorded highest weed control efficiency (37.86%), minimum weed index (0.00%), highest yield (82.45 t/ha), maximum net realization and highest benefit cost ratio (2.20). Therefore, it is suggested that the black polythene (50 u) mulching may be used for effective weed management and optimal yield of tomato under drip irrigation system.