ARS | Publication request: DRIP APPLIED FUMIGANTS FOR CALLA LILY PRODUCTION.

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 8, 2004
Publication Date: June 1, 2004
Citation: Gerik, J.S., Greene, I.D. 2004. Drip Applied Fumigants for Calla Lily Production. Phytopathology.

Technical Abstract: A trial was established in Marina, CA during the spring of 2002 to test alternatives to methyl bromide for calla lily production. The pest targets were weeds and soilborne pathogens. Chemicals were applied through the drip irrigation tape in either 33mm or 67mm of water. Chemical treatments included chloropicrin, furfural + metham sodium, sodium azide, iodomethane + chloropicrin, 1, 3-dichloropropene and 1, 3-dichloropropene + chloropicrin and a water control. Data pertaining to weed control and pathogen populations were previously reported. During the summer of 2003, flower counts indicated that treatments containing chloropicrin produced the healthiest plants. Disease ratings and plant height measurements during this same period reaffirmed the benefits of chloropicrin. Calla rhizomes were harvested during the fall of 2003 and the bulbs were graded according to size and salability. Again, treatments containing chloropicrin as well as metham sodium produced the greatest yield and dollar value. Results indicate that a successful calla lily crop may be produced with chloropicrin fumigation in combination with one or more additional fumigants.