Nematodes

 There are several nematodes that pose a constant threat to Florida tomato production.

The most common are: root knot nematode, which is found in sand, muck, and rock base soils;

stubby-root nematode, which is found in sand and muck soils and; sting nematode, which is

found in sand soils.

 There are several fumigant and non-fumigant chemicals that are used for control of

nematodes. Nemacur and Vydate are two non-fumigant nematicides which are not as effective

against root knot nematode as are fumigant type chemicals. Fumigant nematicides include

methyl bromide plus chloropicrin (varied ratios), Vapam, Busan 1020, and Telone II and Telone

C-17. (Florida Nematode Control Guide, 1993).


Weeds

 Some common weeds found in tomato production in Florida are nightshade, eclipta alba,

goosegrass, southern crabgrass, bermudagrass, yellow nutsedge, pigweed, morning glory,

carolina geranium, ragweed, and parthenium. Methods of weed control include mechanical

weed control, crop competition, crop rotation, biological weed control, and chemical use. To

obtain effective weed control it is suggested to use two or more of these methods in

combination.

 Mechanical weed control includes turning weeds under by cultivation, however several

studies have shown that this process germinates more weeds by disturbing the seeds that lie

below the surface. Crop competition increases the number of crop plants to effectively compete

against weeds for water and nutrients. Crop rotation helps control weeds because monocropping

year after year results in build up of weeds that are tolerant to monocropping cultivation