Effect of Row-Spacing and Time of Weed Removal on the Growth and Yield of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in 2004 and 2005 wet seasons to assess the effect of two row spacings and different times of weed removal on the growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum). The experiment was a 5x2 factorial arranged in Randomized Complete Blocks Design (RCBD) and replicaced three times. There were five weeding regimes namely: no-weeding, weeding at two weeks after transplanting (WAT), weeding at four WAT, weeding twice at two and four WAT and weed free. The two planting distances included 60 x 30 cm and 75 x 30 cm. Results showed that wider spacing of 75 x 30 cm significantly (p<0.05) enhanced the growth of tomatoes in terms of height better than 60 x 30 cm. However, fruit and branch numbers as well as fruit weight were significantly higher with closer spacing of 60x30 cm. Weed biomas was significantly (p<O.05) reduced at closer spacing compared to wider spacing. Uncontrolled weed infestation led to an average yield loss of 97.6% in tomato. Therefore, for optimum yield in tomato production in Ondo ecology tomato field should be weeded twice at 2 and 4 WAT and planted at a spacing of 60 x 30 cm.