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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Plant Pathology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #209249
Title: Status of methyl bromide alternatives for ornamental crop production in Florida and California

Author
item Rosskopf, Erin
item Gerik, James
item Burelle, Nancy
item CHURCH, G. T. - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
item MCSORLEY, R. - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Submitted to: American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/11/2011
Publication Date: 6/1/2007
Citation: Rosskopf, E.N., Gerik, J.S., Burelle, N.K., Church, G., Mcsorley, R. 2007. Status of methyl bromide alternatives for ornamental crop production in Florida and California. American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The phase-out of methyl bromide presents critical challenges to producers of cut-flowers and in-ground ornamentals. Work in California and Florida has included combinations of chemicals, various formulations, and application methods for registered compounds, including 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), chloropicrin (pic), and metam sodium. California research has emphasized drip application while Florida research focused on broadcast or in-bed shank applications. Unregistered chemicals such as furfural, iodomethane, dimethyl disulfide, sodium azide, propylene oxide, and 2-bromoethanol, and soil solarization have also been tested. Limiting factors that make the identification of alternatives for these crops challenging include the need for control of previous crop rogues; ability to glue virtually impermeable films for broadcast fumigation; CA township caps; and proximity of occupied structures to ornamental production areas. The non-registered materials Midas (iodomethane:pic 50:50), Accolade (dimethyl disulfide:pic 79:21), and 2-bromoethanol have been efficacious against root-knot nematodes, weeds, and pathogens in Florida. Soil solarization has also proven effective for control of some weeds in Florida. Midas 50:50 and 33:67, and InLine (1,3-D:pic, 60.8:33.3) have provided the best results in California.