Site-specific soil pest management in strawberry & vegetable cropping systems

Authors: Martin, Frank; FENNIMORE, STEVE - University Of California; PUTMAN, ALEX - University Of California; Matson, Michael; RACANO, DARIO - University Of California; MELTON, FORREST - California State University; GOODHUE, RACHAEL - University Of California; Henry, Peter; VOUGIOUKAS, STAVROS - University Of California; DORN, NATHAN - Non ARS Employee; GREER, CHRIS - University Of California - Cooperative Extension Service; DAUGOVISH, OLEG - University Of California - Cooperative Extension Service; BISCARO, ANDRE - University Of California - Cooperative Extension Service; STANGHELLINI, MIKE - Trical Inc

Submitted to: Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Research Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/4/2020
Publication Date: 11/3/2020
Citation: Martin, F.N., Fennimore, S., Putman, A., Matson, M.E., Racano, D., Melton, F., Goodhue, R., Henry, P.M., Vougioukas, S., Dorn, N., Greer, C., Daugovish, O., Biscaro, A., Stanghellini, M. 2020. Site-specific soil pest management in strawberry & vegetable cropping systems. Methyl Bromide Alternatives Outreach (MBAO) Conference, November 3-5, 2020 (virtual). Available: https://www.mbao.org/static/docs/confs/2020-online/papers/6_martin_et_al_mbao_10_30_20.pdf.

Interpretive Summary: Having a better understand of the pathogens present in a field helps growers make management decisions that reduce losses caused by diseases and prevent increases in their populations. This project uses molecular tools to identify and quantify these pathogens and evaluate their impact on crop health and productivity. Remote sensing monitors plant health and two methods for precision measurement of strawberry yield are being used. Integration of the different types of data collected from production fields will provide insight for improving disease management strategies.

Technical Abstract: The overall goal of the project is to develop a multi-tactic, site-specific management program to reduce soilborne pathogens that constrain strawberry yield as well as the health and yield of vegetable crops commonly grown in rotation. Site-specific soil management would facilitate adjustment of fumigant rate within a field based on actual pathogen load and distribution rather than the current single rate fumigation. Variable rate fumigant application would reduce total fumigant applied by allowing for a higher rate of application in areas with high pathogen pressure; and less fumigant in areas with low pathogen pressure. Our hypothesis is that precision fumigation will reduce net amount of fumigant applied while disease management will be equal or better than traditional single dose fumigation strategies. Coupled with knowledge of how specific rotational crops influence subsequent pathogen population densities, an overall management strategy for the site can be developed that would reduce the need for future fumigation as it is currently practiced.