Author
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Chellemi, Daniel |
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MIRUSSO, J. - MIRUSSO ENTERPRISES |
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Submitted to: Plant Disease
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 1/10/2006 Publication Date: 6/1/2006 Citation: Chellemi, D.O., Mirusso, J. 2006. Optimizing combined soil disinfestation procedures for fresh market tomato and pepper production. Plant Disease. Interpretive Summary: Despite intense efforts to find a suitable replacement, soil fumigation with methyl bromide is still considered critical for the production of fresh market tomato and pepper in the United States. Preliminary studies demonstrated the absence of a 'stand alone' replacement chemical that could achieve a spectrum of pest control similar to methyl bromide while maintaining a high level of marketable yields. Subsequent efforts identified a mixture of the soil fumigants 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and chloropicrin (Pic) applied with in combination with an herbicide (pebulate) as the best alternative. To ensure that chemical alternatives are used in the most effective, economical and environmentally sound means possible, soil disinfestation programs must be developed that improve their spectrum of pest control while minimizing their negative impacts to the environment. This research investigated the effects of combining soil fumigation using a mixture of 1,3-D and Pic with an abbreviated soil solarization period under several application sequences and plastic films. Effects on soilborne pests and marketable yield were measured for fresh market tomato and pepper production. To permit the fumigation of existing raised, plastic mulched beds in the absence of drip irrigation systems, a novel apparatus referred to as an under bed fumigator was used to inject the fumigant into the soil. Fumigation under VIF dramatically improved retention of the chemicals in the soil, reduced the survival of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici inoculum, controlled nutsedge and achieved higher marketable yields. Under VIF, pest control was achieved at reduced fumigant application rates. Combining soil solarization with soil fumigation improved control of Pythium root rot of pepper and reduced survival of F. o. lycopersici. Control of nutsedge species was improved when the fumigant application was delayed for 7 days after the plastic mulched beds were formed. The results demonstrate that chemical and nonchemical soil disinfestation methods can be combined with novel application technology and procedures to improve the spectrum of pest control and reduce fumigant application rates. By optimizing combinations of chemical and nonchemical soil disinfestation practices and integrating new technology into the procedures, effective pest control can be achieved using methods that reduce the risk of environmental contamination or human exposure to pesticides. Technical Abstract: Soil fumigation using a mixture of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) plus chloropicrin (Pic) and soil solarization ( 7 days) were evaluated separately or in combination under low density polyethylene (LDPE) and virtually impermeable films (VIF) and with different application sequences for the control of soilborne pests and impacts on marketable yield of fresh market tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and pepper (Capsicum annuum). Fumigants were shank injected under existing raised, plastic mulched beds using a novel under-bed fumigation apparatus. Fumigation under VIF dramatically improved retention of the chemicals in the soil, reduced the survival of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici inoculum, controlled of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and purple nutsedge (C. rotundus) and achieved higher marketable yields. Control of nutsedge species, southern blight of pepper caused by Sclerotium rolfsii, and rootknot nematode (Meloidogyne species) was achieved at a reduced fumigant application rates using VIF. Under LDPE, combining soil solarization with soil fumigation improved control of Pythium root rot of pepper and reduced survival of F. o. lycopersici. Control of nutsedge species was improved when the fumigant application was delayed for 7 days after the plastic mulched beds were formed. The results demonstrate that chemical and nonchemical soil disinfestation methods can be combined with novel application technology and procedures to improve the spectrum of pest control and reduce fumigant application rates. |
