Mathematical models are useful for estimating the impact of weeds on crops. The objectives of this study were to elucidate the interaction of Solanum nigrum (black nightshade) with tomato plants in direct and transplanted sowing and to evaluate the impact of different infestation densities and competition time periods on tomato plant production. Between 1991 and 2001, five field experiments were conducted in the tomato growing region of Portugal using the additive method, keeping crop density constant, while changing the number of weeds from 0 and 6 plants m-2. The weed and crop coexistence period was also evaluated, from transplantation/sowing to the beginning of flowering or until harvest. The tomato yield loss results were fitted to linear and hyperbolic models. Yield losses at the lowest densities of black nightshade follow a linear model. Black nightshade is a highly competitive species in relation to the tomato plant either when the crop is sown or when it is transplanted. Production losses were higher when the crop was sown than when it was transplanted.
competition; linear model; hyperbolic model
