Field experiments were conducted at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster, OH, in 2005, 2006, and 2007 to evaluate the tolerance of eight tomato varieties to thifensulfuron-methyl and POST control of broadleaf weeds. Herbicide treatments included thifensulfuron-methyl at 0, 6, and 12 g ai ha−1. In 2005, significant injury was observed in variety TR122244 at 1 and 3 wk after treatment (WAT). The highest crop injury in 2005 was 38% at 1 WAT for variety TR122244. However, this variety experienced a conflicting effect on crop marketable yield when treated with the low and high rates of thifensulfuron-methyl in 2005. Variety TR122244 had the highest crop injury, yet produced the highest marketable yield when treated with either rate of thifensulfuron-methyl. At 3 WAT in 2005, significant injury occurred in variety 11111120, with 13% injury recorded for both the high and low rates of thifensulfuron-methyl. No significant injury resulted from either rate of thifensulfuron-methyl at 1, 3, or 6 WAT in 2006 or 2007. However, in 2006 a significant marketable yield reduction was observed for variety 97045116 when treated with the high rate of thifensulfuron-methyl. No varieties experienced significant marketable yield effects or injury when treated with either rate of thifensulfuron-methyl in 2007. Registration of thifensulfuron-methyl herbicide is not recommended at this time because of the potential for crop stunting and yield reduction in certain tomato varieties.

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