Weed control and crop quality in cabbage (Brassica oleracea (capitata group)) and tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum) using a propane flamer

In 2002 and 2003, flaming was conducted to assess weed control and crop quality in tomato and cabbage. Various tractor speeds (0 (unflamed), 4, 8, and 12 km h−1 (2002 only)), flaming times (morning, afternoon (2002 only)), and bed types (raised beds, flat ground) were employed. In both years, flaming damaged cabbage more severely than tomato, however, by 15–20 days after flaming (DAF), all plants had recovered. Flaming provided greater weed control than the unweeded control in 2002, with up to 80% control 50 DAF. Due to extremely wet conditions in 2003, weed control was not sustained. Grasses and succulent weeds were harder to control than broad leafed weeds. Flaming reduced blossom end rot incidence in tomato. Yields in both crops were greater in the slower speed treatments than the weedy control. Flaming compared favorably with control attainable with herbicides, but control was more variable and sensitive to environmental conditions than generally expected of herbicides.