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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Davis, California » Crops Pathology and Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #138420
Title: ALTERNATIVE FUMIGANTS FOR CONTROL OF SOIL PESTS: STRAWBERRY AS A MODEL SYSTEM

Author
item FENNIMORE, S - UC DAVIS, SALINAS
item Martin, Frank
item DUNIWAY, J - UC DAVIS
item Browne, Greg
item Ajwa, Husein
item WINTERBOTTOM, C - CA STRAWBERRY COMMISSION
item WESTERDAHL, B - UC DAVIS
item GOODHUE, R - UC DAVIS
item HAAR, M - UC DAVIS, SALINAS
item Bull, Carolee

Submitted to: Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Research Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2001
Publication Date: 11/1/2001
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The methyl bromide phase-out will impact the production of numerous vegetatively propagated ornamental, trees, vines and other herbaceous perennials. Methyl bromide has been the foundation for disease, nematode and weed control in plant propagation nurseries for over 40 years. We have conducted a series of studies to develop alternative fumigant systems designed to provide disease, nematode and weed control in strawberry & other crops. We are evaluating the impact of soil borne pests, fumigant distribution in the soil, dissipation in the environment, and economic factors on plant production. The objective is to evaluate the efficacy of alternative fumigants for controlling soil borne pathogens and weeds in the field. Strawberry is being used as a model. Alternative fumigants such as chloropicrin, 1,3-D plus chloropicrin mixture, dazomet and iodomethane have been evaluated in strawberry nurseries. Nursery plants that were produced through two cycles of production using alternative fumigants are being assessed at fruiting fields in California. Monitoring of weeding costs is being conducted to document economic inputs in the production system. Demonstration of alternative fumigants such as chloropicrin, 1,3-D plus chloropicrin mixture, iodomethane, and propargyl bromide are being conducted to provide growers with an idea of the relative performance of alternative fumigants. The results suggest that iodomethane plus chloropicrin in 50:50 mixture is a viable alternative fumigant for strawberry nurseries. Weeding costs with 1,3-D plus chloropicrin mixture in both fruiting and nursery fields is comparable to methyl bromide. Chloropicrin 1,3-D plus chloropicrin mixture, iodomethane, and propargyl bromide are all potential alternative fumigants for strawberry fruit producers, with some limitations.