Weather uncertainty and efficacy of fumigation in tomato production

Abstract

This study quantifies the effect of weather factors on fumigation efficacy in terms of weed control, tomato yield, and the overall economic performance of fumigants. High soil temperature was found to reduce the efficacy of all fumigants against nutsedge, while rainfall only reduced the efficacy of a limited number of fumigants. The fumigants' economic performance over a range of weather conditions was further simulated to identify the fumigant that is most effective under diverse weather conditions. The results show that although 1,3-D:Pic:Kpam outperforms methyl bromide over the experiment period, methyl bromide is still the best treatment when accounting for the impact of weather variability. The study illustrates the sensitivity of fumigant efficacy to weather conditions and the importance of achieving consistent and sustainable efficacy. The regression model and the expected utility model, along with the simulation techniques, form a useful tool that can be applied across regions or crops.