Location: Citrus and Other Subtropical Products Research
Project Number: 6034-22000-043-000-D
Project Type: In-House Appropriated
Start Date: May 25, 2017
End Date: May 9, 2022
Objective:
1. Identify natural products and crop production systems that contribute to management of soilborne diseases, weeds, and nematodes.
1a. Develop combinations of commercially-available allylisothiocyanates (AITC) with organic amendments and other crop protection tools to improve weed, disease, and nematode control.
1b. Develop strategies to eliminate obstacles to the use of dimethyl disulfide.
2. Optimize application of anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) for application in vegetable and ornamental production.
2.a. Determine minimal input requirements and optimize organic amendments for effective application of ASD.
2.b. Increase environmental benefit of ASD through incorporation of reclaimed water.
3. Identify rootstocks for use with grafted vegetables with resistance or tolerance to pathogens and root-knot nematodes.
3a. Characterize rootstocks and associated microbiome for resistance or tolerance to soilborne pathogens of importance in the Southeastern U.S.
3b. Determine nutritional requirements and capacity of grafted plants to mitigate abiotic stress related to water quality.
Approach:
The loss of methyl bromide for soil fumigation, limited registration of new chemical fumigants, and increased regulation of existing chemical fumigants has caused significant changes to crop production practices, including the registration and utilization of biofumigants and non-fumigant systems. Newly registered compounds, used alone or in combination, do not provide the same level of pest control resulting from the use of methyl bromide. Recognizing that some of the currently-registered chemical fumigants may, in the future, follow the same path as methyl bromide, the emphasis of the current research project will be to enhance the efficacy and understand the mechanisms of biologically and culturally-based management strategies for pathogens, weeds, and nematodes impacting vegetable and ornamental crops. Efficacy of management components will be examined individually and in combinations to achieve improved control of pathogens previously managed through soil fumigation using methyl bromide and to mitigate abiotic stress. Although some tactics have shown significant efficacy against individual pests or problems, integrated systems that address pest complexes are limited. It is critical that broad-spectrum pest control is achieved and approaches are compatible with the USDA, ARS mission to sustain a competitive agricultural economy by addressing pests that impact crop production as well as improving the health of the agro-ecosystem. Developed strategies will be built upon to gain a better understanding of pest biology, plant nutrition, pathogen and non-pathogen microbial interactions, and the impacts of pest control practices on the development of disease, weed, and nematode suppressive soil. Laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments will be conducted independently, and in cooperation with ARS and University researchers, and through agreements with industry to broaden the scope of the research. Continued engagement with grower and industry partners will ensure effective transfer of technology which will include more efficient and environmentally compatible crop production systems that minimize health risks to workers and bystanders, and reduce inputs and environmental pollution from pesticides and fertilizers.
