Submitted to: Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Research Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 1, 1999
Publication Date: N/A
Technical Abstract:
Methyl Bromide is an effective pre-plant soil fumigant for strawberry production. Nearly all California strawberry growers presently use Methyl Bromide. However, as an ozone depleter, it will no longer be available after 2000. Alternative methods to protect strawberries from damaging soil pathogens and other pests are being tested on research plots. The most promising alternatives are being tested in large plots on grower fields in California so that the technologies are ready for widespread adoption by 2001. Five grower trials of alterative fumigants were carried out in 1997, and nine in 1998. With both 1,3-D plus chloropicrin (Telone C35) and chloropicrin alone, average yields were reduced only 5% when compared to methyl bromide fumigation. However, effectiveness varied across the various growing conditions. Continuing grower trials will concentrate on refining proper application conditions, determining costs of additional weed control and delayed planting associated with the alternatives, and testing additional alternatives.
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