Investigation of the Effectiveness of Different Weed Control Methods Used for Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivation

Abstract Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) is the fourth most common food in the world, after wheat, rice, and maize, and it is cultivated in almost all countries around the world. Weeds are one of the most critical factors affecting the yield and quality of potato. An appropriate weed management strategy must be developed and applied on time to enhance its efficacy against the weeds of potatoes. This research evaluated the effectiveness of different herbicides and mechanical weed management methods, applied alone and in combination, in potato (cv. Marabel). This study was conducted in the Melikgazi district, which has critical potato-growing areas in Kayseri, Türkiye. In the trial, 1 and 2 tractor hoe operations were conducted alone and in combination with the herbicides 600 g/L metribuzin (Sencor SC 600), 330 g/L pendimethalin (Herbimat 330 EC), 450 g/L linuron (Aries), and 150 g/L fluazifop-P-butyl (Fusilade Forte). A weedy check plot with no control measure was also included for comparison. The results revealed that the most effective application against weeds in potato crops was the combined application of pendimethalin + metribuzin + fluazifop-P-butyl, where the highest (39,575 kg ha −1 ) potato yield was achieved compared to the weedy check plot where only 22,945 kg ha −1 of potatoes were harvested. Similarly, the highest net income of 4633.91 USD (United States Dollar) ha −1 was calculated for the plots treated with pendimethalin PRE + metribuzin POST + fluazifop-P-butyl POST, parallel to the highest yield. These findings underscore the importance of integrating selective herbicide combinations with mechanical weed control as part of a holistic, sustainable weed management framework. Such an approach not only enhances potato yield and economic efficiency but also supports long-term agroecosystem resilience by reducing herbicide dependence, minimizing environmental impacts, and promoting region-specific adaptation in future potato production systems. Further, studies are suggesting to test the dose responses of herbicides in addition to mechanical tools for searching an eco-friendly weed control solution with minimum herbicidal exposure in potatoes.