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Title: DMDS or the 3-way: which is more effective in Georgia?

Author
item CULPEPPER, A - UNIV OF GA
item SOSNOSKIE, L - UNIV OF GA
item RUCKER, K - UNIV OF GA
item TANKERSLEY, B - UNIV OF GA
item LANGSTON, D - UNIV OF GA
item Webster, Theodore
item UPCHURCH, W - HENDRIX AND DAIL

Submitted to: Proceedings of International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/2/2008
Publication Date: 11/11/2008
Citation: Culpepper, A.S.; Sosnoskie, L.M.; Rucker, K.; Tankersley, B.; Langston, D.; Webster, T.M.; Upchurch, W. 2008. DMDS or the 3-way: which is more effective in Georgia? Abstract presented at the Annual International Research Conference. Pages 7.1-7.4

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: During 2007 and 2008, Methyl Bromide alternatives were used on nearly 25 and 50% of Georgia’s fumigated plasticulture area, respectively. The primary alternative is the 3-Way (Telone II, chloropicrin, and metam). Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) is nearing registration, providing a new alternative. All programs provided excellent control of purple nutsedge. Livid amaranth control was similar with the 3-WAY and DMDS at 60 GPA, but reduced rate of DMDS increased the amaranth infestations 70-155%. Large crabgrass was present at only 19 plants/a with 3-WAY; however, crabgrass infestations were 30- to 40-times worse in the DMDS systems. Pepper stands, pepper heights, and nematode gall ratings did not differ among treatments. Yield differences among treatments were noted in cumulative marketable fruit from the four harvests. The 3-WAY produced more fruit than the DMDS at 40 GPA. Although not statistical, the 3-WAY also produced 6 to 10% more fruit than DMDS applied at 50 or 60 GPA. For the DMDS systems to be adopted, herbicides must be implemented for the control of grasses and Amaranthus. If these systems using herbicides have costs similar to the 3-WAY, DMDS systems will be adopted by Georgia growers because of its ease of application and because it is more consistently effective in controlling nutsedge, especially during fall fumigations.