Project Number: 6618-22000-040-07
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Oct 01, 2012
End Date: Sep 30, 2013

Objective:
1. Develop the methods and protocol for safely delivering effective concentrations of ally isothiocyanate (AITC) to the soil under drip and shank application scenarios. 2. Evaluate the efficacy of AITC under 3 different soilborne pest complexes impacting Florida vegetable and ornamental growers (nutsedge spp. on pepper, clover on cut-flower, sting nematode on strawberry). 3. Measure the effect of AITC on growth and yield of strawberry, pepper, and various cut-flower crops. 4. Determine the soil persistence and degradation of AITC in the vapor and non-vapor phase.

Approach:
For Phase 1, only drip applications will be evaluated. Each site (strawberry, pepper, and cut-flower) will consist of 3 treatments; 2 rates of ally isothiocyanate (AITC) and the growers alternative fumigant standard. Each plot will be a single row 100 ft in length. Plots will be replicated 4 times and arranged in a randomized complete block design (1,200 linear ft of row total). Bi-weekly assessments of weed populations will be made at each site. Soil nematode populations will be assessed pre-plant, at mid-crop, and harvest. Yield data will be collected. For phase 2 (pepper only) two additional shank applications will be included and additional data on AITC persistence in soil will be collected.