ARS | Publication request: DRIP FUMIGATION

Submitted to: U.C. IPM Pest Management Guidelines - Strawberry
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: July 1, 2004
Publication Date: April 8, 2005
Citation: Ajwa, H., Trout, T.J., Bolda, M. 2005. Drip fumigation. U.C. IPM Pest Management Guidelines - Strawberry. 5 pages on-line at http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r734900211.html.

Interpretive Summary: The most promising registered chemical alternative to methyl bromide/chloropicrin in strawberry production in California are a sequential application of 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin (InLine) follow by metam sodium. These materials can be effectively applied to raised, plastic mulched strawberry beds through the drip irrigation system. This process has been shown to be efficacious and over 25% of the CA strawberry acreage is currently drip fumigated. Safe and effective drip fumigation requires chemical injection equipment with the proper safety devices, good soil preparation, a leak-free drip irrigation system with good water distribution uniformity, and fumigant application with the proper amount of water.

Technical Abstract: Soil fumigants can be effectively applied to raised, plastic mulched strawberry beds through the drip irrigation system. Safe and effective drip fumigation requires chemical injection equipment with the proper safety devices, good soil preparation, a leak-free drip irrigation system with good water distribution uniformity, and fumigant application with the proper amount of water. It is important to apply the fumigant in sufficient water to distribute it throughout the root zone. This usually requires about 1.5 inches of irrigation water. Drip fumigation has been shown to be efficacious and over 25% of the CA strawberry acreage is currently drip fumigated.