The most important aspect of an effective crop rotation is to find crops that are poor hosts for the nematodes commonly associated with tomatoes. Because numerous species of nematodes are commonly found in one field, it's important to select a crop that is a nonhost for root-knot nematodes, the most damaging nematode in tomato production.
 
Hairy indigo, American jointvetch, sorghum, rye, barley, wheat and pangola digitgrass have shown to be effective in limiting populations of root-knot nematodes.

Resistant varieties are useful for control of some nematodes and diseases in tomatoes. Nematodes fail to develop and reproduce in the roots of resistant varieties, giving tomatoes a better chance to grow as they would normally. Growers should not rely on the same variety for disease control year after year and should change varieties to slow down the development of new problems. Additionally, not all nematode-resistant varieties of tomatoes have proven to be consistently resistant, so other practices like crop rotation and chemical controls should be used in concert with the resistant varieties.

Having clean land is often a very effective method of reducing nematodes. Populations of nematodes hinge on the availability of a food source; without a crop to feed on, nematode levels will dwindle due to starvation. However, weeds and volunteer crops need to be controlled in a plowed, fallow field as nematodes have a wide host range. If properly managed, a fallow field can decrease the level of nematodes.

Nematicides, such as Telone^® II soil fumigant, are proven to reduce nematode populations and, in turn, improve fruit production. Telone II is injected into the soil as a liquid and immediately converts to a gas, which creates a zone of protection around developing roots. As a fumigant, Telone II moves through the soil on its own, rather than requiring water or incorporation for movement.