Cost of crop losses in processing tomato and cabbage in southwestern Ontario due to insects, weeds and/or diseases

Abstract

The relative importance of insects, weeds and diseases to yield losses in processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L.) was measured by comparing yields in the presence and absence of appropriate control programs. In the absence of any pest control, average crop losses exceeded 80% in both crops. Average yield losses due to weeds alone approached 80% in processing tomato and 60% in cabbage. Insects alone did not significantly reduce yield of processing tomato in either year. In the absence of insect control, significant yield loss in cabbage approached 50% in only one year. When diseases were not controlled, yield of processing tomato declined significantly by nearly 30% in one trial. Failure to control disease had no significant impact on cabbage yield in this study. Monetary losses and costs of each management program were calculated. Key words: Tomato, cabbage, yield loss, insects, weeds, diseases