S.B. Sterrett, H.E. Hohlt, and C.P. Savage, Jr.
Virginia Tech, Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Painter, VA  23420 USA

Keywords: Tomato, plastic mulch, narrow beds, straw mulch, desiccated hairy vetch

Abstract:

The advantages of using plastic mulch in tomato production include improved early growth because of soil warming within the bed, suppression of weeds, conservation of water and fertilizer, and enhancement of early and total yield. However, in commercial tomato fields, approximately 55% of the total area is covered with plastic mulch, reducing the area available for infiltration and promoting surface runoff after significant rainfall.  The need to promote ecologically sensitive production management strategies for tomato culture was highlighted by the recent controversy between the established tomato plasticulture and the emerging clam aquaculture industries on the Eastern Shore of Virginia (1).  Concerns included off-site sediment and agricultural chemical movement that may adversely impact estuarine habitats.  Both agriculture, including tomato production, and aquaculture are economically important to the Eastern Shore and the long-term challenge is to promote tomato production management strategies that allow these industries to coexist.

For tomato culture to be sustainable, alternative management strategies must be both economically feasible and ecologically sensitive.  The production of high quality marketable product is also essential for tomato growers to remain com­petitive in the market place.  Therefore, an assessment of product quality needs to be an integral part of the evaluation process of sustainable management strategies. 

The Scientific/Research Subcommittee of the Eastern Shore Vegetable and Shellfish Growers Advisory Committee identified several tomato production management strategies that needed additional research (2).  These included the evaluation of narrow beds covered with plastic mulch and the use of vegetative cover between rows to slow water movement.  Moreover, the use of desiccated cover crops instead of plastic has also been suggested as an alternative strategy for tomato production. Abdul-Baki and Teasdale, (3) reported increased total yield when using mulch of desiccated hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) compared to plastic mulch but harvest was delayed about 10 days.

The potential loss of methyl bromide for fumigation under plastic mulch has growers concerned.  Although fumigation is needed when nematodes or yellow nutsedge is present, the potential impact of not fumigating in the absence of these problems is not well documented.

The objective of this study was to compare specific on-bed and between-bed management strategies in terms of marketable yield and fruit size distribution for the spring, summer or bridge and fall tomato crops.

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