ARS | Publication request: STRAWBERRY YIELD UNDER REDUCED APPLICATION RATES OF CHLOROPICRIN AND INLINE IN COMBINATION WITH METAM SODIUM AND VIF.

Submitted to: International Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 3, 2003
Publication Date: November 3, 2003
Citation: AJWA, H.A., FENNIMORE, S., KABIR, Z., DUNIWAY, J., BROWNE, G.T., TROUT, T.J., GOODHUE, R., GUERRERO, L. 2003. STRAWBERRY YIELD UNDER REDUCED APPLICATION RATES OF CHLOROPICRIN AND INLINE IN COMBINATION WITH METAM SODIUM AND VIF.. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVES AND EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS. Annual International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions, November 3-6, 2003, pp 2-1 - 2-2.

Interpretive Summary: Nearly all California strawberry fields are fumigated before planting. Most are fumigated with methyl bromide, which is being phased out because it has been shown to deplete stratospheric ozone. We are seeking alternative fumigants that can be used for strawberry production. This study tested application rates of 1,3-D (InLine) and chloropicrin applied by drip irrigation under standard plastic mulches and virtually impermeable film (VIF) and in combinations with metam sodium. Field tests were carried out at 3 locations in coastal California. Results varied depending on the pathogen pressures at the various locations. In general, application rates at or above 200 lbs/ac produced yields comparable to methyl bromide shank injection. At the lowest application rates, benefits were gained in some cases by the use of VIF or with follow up application of metam sodium. Chloropicrin tended to benefit more from the use of VIF than did InLine. Progress continues to be made in optimizing application methods and rates of the various methyl bromide alternative fumigants.

Technical Abstract: Nearly all California strawberry fields are fumigated before planting. Most are fumigated with methyl bromide, which is being phased out because it has been shown to deplete stratospheric ozone. We are seeking alternative fumigants that can be used for strawberry production. This study tested application rates of 1,3-D (InLine) and chloropicrin applied by drip irrigation under standard plastic mulches and virtually impermeable film (VIF) and in combinations with metam sodium. Field tests were carried out at 3 locations in coastal California. Results varied depending on the pathogen pressures at the various locations. In general, application rates at or above 200 lbs/ac produced yields comparable to methyl bromide shank injection. At the lowest application rates, benefits were gained in some cases by the use of VIF or with follow up application of metam sodium. Chloropicrin tended to benefit more from the use of VIF than did InLine. Progress continues to be made in optimizing application methods and rates of the various methyl bromide alternative fumigants.