Author
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Ajwa, Husein |
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Trout, Thomas |
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Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/1998 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Methyl Bromide is an effective pre-plant soil fumigant for strawberry production. However, as an ozone depleter, it will no longer be available after 2000. Alternative methods to protect strawberries from damaging soil pathogens and other pests are being sought. Alternative fumigants can be applied though the drip irrigation systems that will later be used to irrigate the crop. This application method should be abl to reduce costs as well as emissions and environmental and human risk. Efficacy requires good distribution of the fumigant in the soil. Soil gas monitoring is being used to determine the distribution of three fumigants, 1,3-Dichloropropene, chloropicrin, and metham sodium, applied with water through drip irrigation tubing. Initial results indicate that the fumigant concentrations peak sometime in the first 24 hrs and decline to low values within 7 days. Further work will improve the sampling methodology and determine optimum application rates and techniques. These alternative fumigants with innovative application methods can bridge the gap until effective non-chemical pest management practices are found. |
