Application of soil solarization and manure, individually and in combination, control broomrape infestation and improve tomato yield

Abstract

ABSTRACT Infestation by broomrape (Orobanche spp.) can cause complete yield loss in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L). This study evaluated individual, and integrated, use, of soil solarization and cow manure on broomrape infestation, soil seed bank depletion, tomato yield and its economic feasibility. Individual, and integrated, use of solarization and manure improved tomato yield and reduced broomrape infestation. Soil solarization depleted broomrape soil seed bank up to 85.04%. Wet solarization+manure improved tomato yield by 26.53 t∙ha−1 over the control with a net benefit of 538,265.2 ETB∙ha−1, ETB is Ethiopian birr, 1 ETB = 0.0348 US$. Integrating solarization and manure appears to be economical and effective in sustainable broomrape weed management.