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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Parlier, California » San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center » Water Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #145215
Title: STRAWBERRY PRODUCTION WITH ALTERNATIVE FUMIGANTS APPLIED THROUGH DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.

Author
item AJWA, HUSEIN - UC DAVIS
item Trout, Thomas
item FENNIMORE, S. - UC DAVIS
item WINTERBOTTOM, C. - PRIVATE CONSULTANT
item Martin, Frank
item DUNIWAY, J. - UC DAVIS
item Browne, Greg
item WESTERDAHL, B. - UC DAVIS
item GOODHUE, R. - UC DAVIS
item GUERRERO, L. - STRAWBERRY COMMISSION

Submitted to: Proceedings of International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/6/2002
Publication Date: 11/6/2002
Citation: AJWA, H.A., TROUT, T.J., FENNIMORE, S., WINTERBOTTOM, C., MARTIN, F.N., DUNIWAY, J., BROWNE, G.T., WESTERDAHL, B., GOODHUE, R., GUERRERO, L. 2002. STRAWBERRY PRODUCTION WITH ALTERNATIVE FUMIGANTS APPLIED THROUGH DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEMS.. PROCEEDINGS OF INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE ON METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNAT. 2002 Annual International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions, November 6-8, 2002, pp 14-1.

Interpretive Summary: Nearly all California strawberry fields are fumigated before planting. Most are fumigated with methyl bromide, which is being phased out because it has been shown to deplete stratospheric ozone. We are seeking alternative fumigants that can be used for strawberry production. This particular research tested new chemicals, iodomethane and propargyl bromide, applied through drip irrigation systems along with currently registered chemicals, 1,3-D (Telone) and chloropicrin. Field tests were carried out at 3 locations in coastal California over 2 consecutive years. All four chemicals produced fruit yields equal to or better than methyl bromide and significantly higher than untreated controls. Propargyl bromide was effective at rates 50% lower than methyl bromide. Alternative chemicals do exist that can replace methyl bromide use, and drip application is an effective method. However, regulatory constraints will limit use of these chemicals at least in the near term.

Technical Abstract: Nearly all California strawberry fields are fumigated before planting. Most are fumigated with methyl bromide, which is being phased out because it has been shown to deplete stratospheric ozone. We are seeking alternative fumigants that can be used for strawberry production. This particular research tested new chemicals, iodomethane and propargyl bromide, applied through drip irrigation systems along with currently registered chemicals, 1,3-D (Telone) and chloropicrin. Field tests were carried out at 3 locations in coastal California over 2 consecutive years. All four chemicals produced fruit yields equal to or better than methyl bromide and significantly higher than untreated controls. Propargyl bromide was effective at rates 50% lower than methyl bromide. Alternative chemicals do exist that can replace methyl bromide use, and drip application is an effective method. However, regulatory constraints will limit use of these chemicals at least in the near term.