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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Parlier, California » San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center » Water Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #244696
Title: Perennial Crop Nursery Sector Progress - Pacific Area-Wide Program for Methyl Bromide Alternatives

Author
item Hanson, Bradley
item Gao, Suduan
item Gerik, James
item Schneider, Sally
item QIN, RUIJUN - University Of California
item Wang, Dong

Submitted to: International Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2009
Publication Date: 11/10/2009
Citation: Hanson, B. D., Gao, S., Gerik, J., Qin, R., and Wang, D. 2009. Perennial crop nursery sector progress - Pacific area-wide program for MB alternatives. Page 32 in: Proc Annu. Intl. Res. Conf. Methyl Bromide Alternatives Emissions Reductions.

Interpretive Summary: Producers of nursery stock in California rely on preplant soil fumigation to meet requirements for nematode free planting stock. Certified clean stock is essential for successful establishment and future productivity of new orchards and vineyards and is a requirement for intra- and interstate as well as international commerce of planting materials. Historically, most field grown perennial nursery operations have used methyl bromide (MB) for preplant pest control; however, this chemical is being phased out because of its effect on stratospheric ozone. Currently the primary non-MB fumigant that meets the requirements of the Nursery Stock Nematode Certification program is 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D). This paper outlines the progress of recent research and demonstration projects designed to facilitate adoption of MB alternatives in perennial crop nurseries. Future technology transfer efforts and research direction for the remainder of the five-year project is discussed.

Technical Abstract: Nursery producers of perennial crops including fruit and nut trees, grapevines, and ornamentals in California rely on preplant soil fumigation to meet CDFA requirements for nematode free planting stock. Certified clean stock is essential for successful establishment and future productivity of new orchards and vineyards and is a requirement for intra- and interstate as well as international commerce of planting materials. Historically, most field grown perennial nursery operations have used methyl bromide (MB) for preplant pest control because the chemical can effectively diffuse through the soil profile, penetrate existing roots, and has dependably provided effective pest control across a range of soil type and moisture conditions. Currently the primary non-MB fumigant that meets the requirements of the CDFA’s Nursery Stock Nematode Certification program is 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D). Several factors limit the adoption of 1,3-D in perennial crop nurseries including environmental and human safety concerns and pest control efficacy. Recent research has focused on testing of alternative fumigants, alternate application and surface sealing techniques, emission reductions techniques, and integrating herbicides with currently available fumigants in tree and rose nurseries. The first three years of the current five-year project have focused on facilitating adoption of the only approved nematode treatment for tree nurseries, reducing emissions, and transferring technology to nursery crop producers. The next phase of the project will continue the demonstration and technology transfer efforts while integrating other pest management techniques to manage the broad spectrum of soil-borne pests in open field production of tree and rose nursery stock. These trials are ongoing through 2011 and future reports will present a more complete analysis of this line of research.