Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Crop Protection and Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #161852
Title: MOVEMENT AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF DRIP-APPLIED 1,3-DICHLOROPROPENE AND CHLOROPICRIN IN RAISED MULCHED BEDS IN THE SOUTHEASTERN US

Author
item DESAEGER, JOHAN A.J. - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
item EGER, JOE - DOW AGROSCI./TAMPA,FL
item CSINOS, ALEX - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
item GILREATH, JAMES - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
item OLSON, STEVE - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
item Webster, Theodore

Submitted to: Pest Management Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/8/2004
Publication Date: 9/24/2004
Citation: Desaeger, J. A., Eger, Jr., J. E., Csinos,, A. S., Gilreath, J. P., Olson, S. M., Webster, T. M. 2004. Movement and biological activity of drip-applied 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin in raised mulched beds in the southeastern USA. Pest Management Science. 60:1220-1230.

Interpretive Summary: Methyl bromide is a widely used soil fumigant that controls a broad range of soil-borne pests, including weeds, nematodes, insects, and plant pathogens. However, the use of methyl bromide will be stopped in 2005 due to its identification as an ozone-depleting substance. There are alternative fumigants available to manage pests in the absence of methyl bromide, however they are not as broad in their ability to control a range of pests. Nutsedges are the most troublesome weeds of southern vegetable crops and are not controlled by many of the proposed methyl bromide alternatives. One potential alternative is 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D). Studies were initiated to evaluate the pest control effectiveness of 1,3-D applied through drip irrigation. High concentrations of 1,3-D were measured at the bed center and midway between the bed center and bed edge, but concentrations were low at the bed edge. Plant-parasitic nematodes were controlled over the entire width of the bed. Width of nutsedge control was significantly greater than width of water movement. However, unlike plant parasitic nematodes, nutsedge could not be controlled over the entire bed width, regardless of rate, concentration, and volume of water applied. The data show that the pesticide-activity of 1,3-D extends beyond the waterfront, demonstrating a significant degree of fumigant activity of 1,3-D.

Technical Abstract: Movement and biological activity of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) applied through drip irrigation was investigated at three locations in the Southeastern US. Tests were conducted in fields with dense populations of nutsedges (Cyperus spp.) with one location also having high soil nematodes. Both pests served as biological indicators of the distribution of 1,3-D concentrations in the soil bed. Objectives were to (1) gain a better understanding of 1,3-D movement, especially outside the wetted bed area and (2) examine the effect of application rate, concentration and subsequent irrigation events on movement and activity of 1,3-D. High concentrations of 1,3-D were measured at the bed center and midway between the bed center and bed edge, but concentrations were low at the bed edge. Plant-parasitic nematodes were controlled over the entire width of the bed. Width of nutsedge control was significantly greater than width of water movement. However, unlike plant parasitic nematodes, nutsedge could not be controlled over the entire bed width, regardless of rate, concentration, and volume of water applied. Irrigations subsequent to application reduced soil air concentrations of 1,3-D and increased water movement. The data show that the pesticide-activity of 1,3-D extends beyond the waterfront, demonstrating a significant degree of fumigant activity of 1,3-D.