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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Crop Protection and Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #216769
Title: Can Georgia growers replace methyl bromide

Author
item CULPEPPER, A - UNIV OF GA
item SUMNER, P - UNIV OF GA
item LANGSTON, D - UNIV OF GA
item RUCKER, K - UNIV OF GA
item BEARD, G - UNIV OF GA
item MAYFIELD, J - UNIV OF GA
item Webster, Theodore
item UPCHURCH, W - HENDRIX AND DAIL

Submitted to: Proceedings of International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/10/2007
Publication Date: 10/29/2007
Citation: Culpepper, A.S., Sumner, P., Langston, D., Rucker, K., Beard, G., Mayfield, J., Webster, T.M., Upchurch, W. 2007. Can Georgia growers replace methyl bromide[abstract]. In: Proceedings of International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives, October 29-November 1, 2007, San Diego, CA. p. 20.1 - 20.5.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The price and availability of methyl bromide is limiting its use on Georgia farms; the need for an alternative is essential for sustainable vegetable production in GA. Three alternatives were evaluated in on-farm trials in the spring 2007 in Tift, Colquitt and Echols Counties. Treatments were replicated four times at each farm. Fumigants included 1) methyl bromide plus chloropicrin (MB); 2) methyl iodide plus chloropicrin (MIDAS); 3) dimethyl disulfide plus chloropicrin (DMDS); and 4) 1,3-D plus chloropicrin plus metam sodium (3-way). Crop were harvested according to each grower’s standard and fruit processed in each farmer’s packing house. Nutsedge and amaranth were controlled similarly with MB, MIDAS, and 3-way. At harvest there were 2.9- to 3.2-times more nutsedge and 22- to 103-times more amaranth in DMDS compared to MB. No differences in root-knot nematode control were detected among treatments. Pepper yields ranged from 1300 to 2000 boxes/acre depending on the farm. Pepper boxes produced from the MIDAS system was similar to MB. Total number of jumbo, extra large, large and choice fruit produced in the MIDAS treatment was 97% of that in MB. DMDS was less effective than MB in controlling both nutsedge and amaranthus, resulting in less crop yield (92% of that of MB). At two locations (similar trend at the third location), There were more jumbo fruit in 3-way compared to MB, but fewer extra large and large fruit. Total number of jumbo, extra large, large and choice fruit produced in 3-way was 97% of that in MB.