ARS | Publication request: PREPLANT APPLICATION OF ALTERNATIVE FUMIGANTS BY IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Submitted to: Proceedings of International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 1997
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The combination of Methyl bromide/Chloropicrin has been highly effective in the control of weeds, nematodes, and soil fungal pathogens. Economical alternatives for replacement of Methyl bromide are needed to avoid future substantial damage to some crops (i.e., strawberry) in California. There is a need to evaluate application methods that would increase efficacy and reduce emissions of potential alternatives. Application of liquid fumigants through irrigation systems is a promising alternative to Methyl bromide fumigation. These are the preliminary results of the first year of a three to five year study. Objectives are: develop pre-plant management practices based on micro-irrigation application of liquid fumigants, evaluate the efficacy and distribution of potential alternative fumigants applied by drip irrigation system, develop irrigation and nutrient practices to improve plant vigor and minimize pathogen impact. Variables evaluated: 1) amount of water used to apply fumigant, 2) application of combinations of fumigants, 3) initial soil water content, 4) drip tape spacing, 5) irrigation water amount and, 6) fertilizer rates.