Progress 09/01/06 to 08/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Georgia vegetable production in plasticulture accounts for a farm gate value of over $300 million. At the beginning of this project, methyl bromide was used as the fumigant of choice on nearly 100% of these acres. A diverse team of University of Georgia and USDA faculty began to search for an alternative to methyl bromide through funding of this project. During 2006, the team of scientists eliminated most potential alternatives using small plot research but did find one alternative (UGA 3-WAY) that was competitive with methyl bromide for the control of nematodes, diseases, and weeds including nutsedge. From 2007 through 2009, this alternative was placed in on-farm studies. These replicated four treatment on-farm trials were used to 1) make sure the potential methyl bromide alternative developed in small plot research was effective and adoptable and 2) allow key growers to see if these alternatives would fit their operation. If key growers adopt these alternatives then the majority of other growers will soon adopt similar programs. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Stanley Culpepper: University of Georgia Weed Scientist David Langston: University of Georgia Plant Pathologist Andrew MacRae: previous post doctoral stundent under Culpepper, currently University of Florida Weed Scientists Timothy Grey: University of Georgia Weed Scientist Greg Fonsah: University of Georgia Economists Paul Sumner: University of Georgia Agricultural Engineer. Partners: On farm study trials conducted in cooperation with Lewis Taylor Farms, Southern Valley Produce, and Coggins Farm. Fumigant applications made in conjuction with Hendrix and Dail, Inc. Trainings: Presentations by this group to the agricultural industry through cooperative extension functions exceeded 16 meetings. Additionally, a DVD was developed on application of the UGA 3-WAY and distributed to over 1200 growers. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audience included vegetable growers currently using methyl bromide to control nematodes, diseases, and weeds. Results from this research were provided through county extension meetings, trade shows, professional meetings and the development of a DVD that was sent to over 1200 growers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Results from small plot research, large on-farm research, development of a DVD showing growers how to apply the UGA 3-WAY, and invited presentations throughout the Southeast have led to the adoption of this alternative by growers. Adoption has increased each year with 25, 40, 50, and 65% of Georgia's vegetable plasticulture acreage using this alternative during 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. Additionally, adoption in FL, SC, NC, and Al is becoming more prevalent. These efforts were facilitated by on-farm research trials, field days, and county delivery methods. Growers using this program produce yields similar to methyl bromide and reduce input costs by at least $150 per acre. These efforts have helped growers replace methyl bromide on over 10,000 acres of land in Georgia over the past four years saving our growers in excess of $1.5 million.
Publications
- Kelly, T., A. S. Culpepper, and D. Langston. 2007. An alternative fumigation system to replace methyl bromide. UGA bulletin No. 1321. First CD bulletin developed at UGA.
- MacRae, A. W. and A. S. Culpepper. 2008. Bell pepper, cantaloupe, summer squash, and tomato plant back intervals following a DMDS fumigant application. South. Weed Sci. Soc. Jan. 28-30, Jacksonville, FL. 61:144.
- Sosnoskie, L. and S. Culpepper. 2009. DMDS or the 3-WAY: Which is the better option for Georgia vegetable growers. Proc. Weed Sci. Soc. February 11-16, Orlando, FL. 49: Presentation 63.
- Culpepper, A. S. 2008. Methyl bromide alternatives are effective during the spring in GA. 2008. Southeast Vegetable and Fruit Expo., Dec 2, Myrtle Beach, SC. p. 35.
- Culpepper, A. S., A. L. Davis, T. M. Webster, A. W. MacRae, and T. L. Grey. 2007. Methyl bromide alternatives - best options for 2007. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Jan 4-7, Savannah, GA. pp. 80-83.
- Culpepper, A. S., A. L. Davis, T. M. Webster, A. W. MacRae, and D. L. Langston. 2007. Three methyl bromide alternatives being developed in Georgia. Proc. Weed Sci. Soc. February 5-8, San Antonio, TX. 47: Presentation 38. www.wssa.net/Meetings/WSSAAnnual/2007/index.htm.
- Culpepper, A. S., T. L. Grey, T. M. Webster. 2009. Vegetable response to herbicides applied to low density polyethylene mulch prior to transplant. Weed Tech. 23:444-449.
- Culpepper, S., L. Sosnoskie, A. MacRae, and T. Webster. 2008. Replacing methyl bromide successfully in Georgia. Proc. Weed Sci. Soc. February 3-8, Chicago, IL. 48: Presentation 29. www.wssa.net/Meetings/WSSAAnnual/2008/index.htm.
- Culpepper, S., L. Sosnoskie, K. Rucker, B. Tankersley, and D. Langston. 2008. DMDS or the 3-Way: Which is more effective in Georgia. Annual International Research On Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions Conference. November 11-14, Orlando, FL. pp. 7-1:7-4.
- Culpepper, A. S., P. Sumner, D. Langston, K. Rucker, G. Beard, and J. Mayfield. 2007. Can Georgia growers replace methyl bromide Annual International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emission Reductions, Oct. 29 - Nov 1, 2007. San Diego, CA. pp 20-1 - 20-5.
- Culpepper, A. S., P. Sumner, D. Langston, K. Rucker, G. Beard, J. Mayfield, T. Webster, and W. UpChurch. 2008. Methyl bromide alternatives are effective during the spring in GA. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Jan. 11-13, Savannah GA. pp. 40-43.
- Fonsah, E.G., Y. Yu, C. Escalante, A. S. Culpepper, X. Deng. 2009. Comparative yield efficiencies of methyl bromide substitute fumigants and mulching systems for pepper production in the Southeast, USA. Jour. of Agribusiness and Rural Development, Vol. 4(14)/2009. ISSN:1899-5241.
- Grey, T. L., W. K. Vencill, T. M. Webster, and A. S. Culpepper. 2009. Herbicide dissipation from low density polyethylene mulch. Weed Sci. 57:351-356.
- Grey, T., T. W. Webster, and A. S. Culpepper. 2007 Autumn vegetable response to residual herbicides applied to the previous spring under low density polyethylene mulch. Weed Technol. 21:496-500.
- Sumner, P. and S. Culpepper. 2008. Measuring volatile emissions from mulch covered vegetable beds. Proc. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. June 29-July 2, Providence, RI. Paper 083699.
- Sumner, P. and S. Culpepper. 2008. Soil moisture effects on emissions of chloropicrin and dimethyl disulfide. Annual International Research On Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions. November 11-14, Orlando, FL. pp. 21-1:21-4.
- Sumner, P. and A. S. Culpepper. 2009. Soil moisture effects on emissions of chloropicrin and dimethyl disulfide. Proc. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Jan. 9-11, Savannah, GA. p. 37.
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Progress 09/01/08 to 08/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: When this research began in 2007, nearly 100% of Georgia's vegetable plasticulture production acreage was treated with methyl bromide. During 2009, less than 20% of the spring and fall crop was fumigated with methyl bromide. Most of the acreage was treated with an alternative to methyl bromide developed directly from this research. This research has been successful because of the linking of small plot efforts conducted primarily in 2007 and 2008 with large acreage on farm efforts conducted during 2008, 2009 and will be conducted again in 2010. The on farm trials are allowing growers to get involved with the research and to ultimately decide if our alternative is in fact an effective and economical alternative to methyl bromide. Obviously, the alternative currently appears to effective as we continue to transition away from methyl bromide. PARTICIPANTS: The University of Georgia and USDA PI's all contributed to this research. Additionally, county extension personnel in Tift Co., GA; Echols Co., GA; and Colquitt Co., GA also assisted with management of the on farm studies. Grower cooperators included Lewis Taylor Farms, Southern Valley Produce, and Coggins Farm. TARGET AUDIENCES: Vegetable producers, county extension agents, fumigant manufactures and distributers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Small plot research was used to determine the most effective alternative system to methyl bromide. This research often compared 20 or more fumigant/herbicide/mulch systems to the standard of methyl bromide. Once an effective and economical alternative (UGA 3-WAY) was successful in small plot research, the alternative was taken to three grower operations. Each grower operation compared this alternative to methyl bromide using replicated field studies exceeding 5 acres in size per location. Two of the grower operations have completely adopted this alternative while the third operation is in transition.
Publications
- Culpepper, A. S., T. L. Grey, T. M. Webster. 2009. Vegetable response to herbicides applied to low density polyethylene mulch prior to transplant. Weed Tech. 23:444-449.
- Culpepper, A. S., L. Sosnoskie, D. Langston, T. Webster, K. Rucker, B. Tankersley, and W. Upchurch. 2009. Methyl bromide alternatives. Proc. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Jan. 9-11, Savannah, GA. pp. 34-36.
- Culpepper, A. S. 2009. New and expected herbicide uses for vegetable producers. Proc. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Jan. 9-11, Savannah, GA. p. 3.
- Sosnoskie, L. and S. Culpepper. 2009. DMDS or the 3-WAY: Which is the better option for Georgia vegetable growers. Proc. Weed Sci. Soc. February 11-16, Orlando, FL. 49: Presentation 63.
- Sumner, P. And A. S. Culpepper. 2009. Soil moisture effects on emissions of chloropicrin and dimethyl disulfide. Proc. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Jan. 9-11, Savannah, GA. p. 37.
- Wallace, R., S. Culpepper, A. MacRae, L. Sosnoskie, and T. Grey. 2009. Vegetable response to EPTC under various plastic mulches. Proc. Weed Sci. Soc. February 11-16, Orlando, FL. 49: Presentation 482.
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Progress 09/01/07 to 08/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Methyl bromide alternatives developed from small plot research at the University of Georgia were implemented in large acreage (8 or more acres per study) studies with three key grower operations in Southern Georgia. These replicated on-farm trials were used to 1) make sure methyl bromide alternatives developed in small plot research were effective and adoptable and 2) allow key growers to see if these alternatives would fit their operation. If key growers adopt these alternatives then the majority of other growers will soon adopt similar programs. PARTICIPANTS: PI and Co-PI's are working together using research and extension to successfully help Georgia growers adopt alternatives to methyl bromide. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
In 2006, nearly 100% of Georgia's vegetable plasticulture production acreage was treated with methyl bromide. By 2007, 25% of Georgia's vegetable plasticulture acreage was treated with an alternative to methyl bromide and during 2008, methyl bromide alternatives are being used on nearly 50% of the acreage in Georgia. This project is being extremely successful because our small-plot replicated research developed effective and economical alternatives to methyl bromide. After understanding the most effective systems with small plot research, we are now implementing alternatives on large acreage on farm replicated studies. These on farm trails are allowing growers to get involved with the research and to ultimately decide if the alternative is in fact an effective and economical alternative to methyl bromide. In the next two seasons, we are hopeful that our growers adopt alterantives to methyl bromide on at least 85% of Georgia's acreage.
Publications
- Culpepper, S., L. Sosnoskie, A. MacRae, and T. Webster. 2008. Replacing methyl bromide successfully in Georgia. Proc. Weed Sci. Soc. February 3-8, Chicago, IL. 48: Presentation 29. www.wssa.net/Meetings/WSSAAnnual/2008/index.htm.
- Culpepper, A. S., P. Sumner, D. Langston, K. Rucker, G. Beard, J. Mayfield, T. Webster, and W. UpChurch. 2008. Methyl bromide alternatives are effective during the spring in GA. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Jan. 11-13, Savannah GA. pp. 40-43.
- MacRae, A. W. and A. S. Culpepper. 2008. Bell pepper, cantaloupe, summer squash, and tomato plant back intervals following a DMDS fumigant application. South. Weed Sci. Soc. Jan. 28-30, Jacksonville, FL. 61:144.
- Kelly, T., A. S. Culpepper, and D. Langston. 2007. An alternative fumigation system to replace methyl bromide. UGA bulletin No. 1321. First CD bulletin developed at UGA.
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