A greenhouse experiment was carried out to test the effects of solarization and biofumigation on the population of the plant parasitic nematode Meloidogyne sp., on the incidence of weeds and on soil chemical properties in protected areas for the cultivation of tomatoes. Brassica residues (broccoli and cauliflower) and chicken litter amendments (2% v/v), methyl bromide and no amendment were evaluated with or without solarization. The tomato hybrids 'Alambra', Meloidogyne incognita resistant (gene Mi), and 'Duradoro' (susceptible), were planted after two months soil solarization. Weed seed bank and weed survival were evaluated by soil sampling and germination of viable seeds and by sampling the emerged plants 30 days after transplanting of the tomato seedlings. Soil samples were analyzed for their chemical properties after solarization and biofumigation. Soil solarization, chicken litter amendment and methyl bromide treatments reduced nematode populations and the number of egg masses on both tomato hybrids. However, 'Alambra' presented significantly higher total fresh and dry weight, plant height and fruit weight in comparison to 'Duradoro'. 'Alambra' was more responsive to treatments than 'Duradoro'. Methyl bromide fumigation and solarization reduced the number and survival of weed seeds in the soil. Solarization increased levels of P and Cu, and reduced levels of Zn in the soil.
Lycopersicon esculentum; Medoidogyne sp.; soil disinfestation; physical control; weed; organic matter
