A field trial was carried out at Agriculture Research Station Chitral during 2020-21 to investigate the effect of plant spacing and weed mulches on weeds and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) using RCBD experimental design. Factor A was spacing of 20, 30 and 40 cm among tomato plants, while Factor B comprised of the treatments of Rumex crispus and Sisymbrium irio as mulch, a hand weeded treatment and a weedy control for comparison. Results showed that plant spacing, weed mulches and their interaction significantly affected the crop and weed parameters. Among the different levels of plant spacing, the 40 cm plant to plant spacing showed significant increase in weed density and fresh weed biomass, number of fruits, and individual fruit weight; while plant spacing of 20 cm resulted in increased plant height and final fruit yield (t ha^-1). On the other hand, minimum weed density m^-2, weed biomass, number of fruits and individual fruit weight (g fruit^-1) were noted at planting space of 20 cm. Among the treatments of weed control, weedy check resulted in highest weed density (m^-2), fresh weed biomass (kg ha^-1) and plant height (cm) while hand weeding resulted in maximum number of fruits (plant^-1), individual fruit weight (g fruit^-1) and fruit yield (t ha^-1); while minimum number of fruits (plant^-1), fruit weight (g per single fruit) and fruit yield (t ha^-1) were recorded in weed check. In conclusion, plant spacing of 20 cm and mulching of R. crispus as weed control method could be a best combination for the weed management strategy and yield enhancement of tomato crop in higher elevation area of Chitral, Pakistan region in an environment friendly way.

Key words: Higher elevation, mulching, plant spacing, tomato, weeds, yield.