Progress 09/01/10 to 11/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience for this information was strawberry growers, crop consultants and industry support personnel. Results of this project were disseminated primarily at field days and extension meetings. During the project 8 field days and 20 extension meetings were held in California strawberry production districts of Oxnard, Salinas, Santa Maria, and Watsonville. Attendance at these events was 1,461 persons. The program at these outreach events was designed to provide outreach to economically disadvantaged groups such as Hispanic growers. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Feras Almasri, and Sophie Yu, both graduate students are involved in this project. Feras is a PhD student in Plant Sciences at University of California, Davis evaluating the efficacy of steam as a fumigant alternative. Sophie is a PhD student in agricultural economics at University of California, Davis and is currently preparing a manuscript on the economic analysis of this steam project. Dr. Tom Miller is a visiting scientist on the project. The research and outreach aspects of this project provide valuable training for these personnel. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results of this project were disseminated primarily at field days and extension meetings. During the project 8 field days and 20 extension meetings were held in California strawberry production districts of Oxnard, Salinas, Santa Maria, and Watsonville. Attendance at these events was 1,461 persons. The program at these outreach events was designed to provide outreach to underserved minorities such as Hispanic growers. Results have been presented at the Annual International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Results have also been presented at the Biofumigation Symposium in 2011, the Weed Science Society of America in 2013, and the American Society for Horticultural Science in 2013. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The objectives to the project were to evaluate solarization + stationary steam injection, and mobile steam for control of soil pests in cut flower in California and Florida, and strawberries in California and to evaluate the impacts of heat disinfestations on pest control, crop yield and quality compared to methyl bromide fumigation. These objectives were written for a budget of $901,334, however the final budget was $500,000. At the time of the award it was recommended by the USDA NIFA panel that the researchers focus on strawberry and not work on flower. Work conducted in California did indeed focus on strawberry where the objectives were accomplished. Work in Florida focused on flower as was originally planned. Steam using the stationary steam applicators was evaluated in California at 3 strawberry sites during 2010 to 2011. Stationary steam plus solarization was tested in Florida flowers by collaborators there. While stationary steam application controls soil pests and results in normal flower and strawberry yields similar to fumigated soils, the logistics of treating large flower and strawberry acreages with stationary steam, and large labor inputs required, was judged to not be a feasible strategy for replacing methyl bromide. For this reason project personnel turned to mobile steam application technology that has the potential to treat larger areas with less labor input than stationary steam. The project developed a design for a steam applicator capable of treating field soil in strawberry fields as an alternative to methyl bromide fumigation. Steam-disinfestation of soil was investigated in both research and commercial strawberry production field trials at four sites in California over two years (2011-2013) using new prototype commercial application equipment: a tractor-drawn device that physically mixed the steam with the soil as it passed through the shaped planting beds. Steam was produced using a Clayton 100 hp steam generator that supplied steam to a bed applicator capable of treating one 52-inch wide strawberry bed. The steam applicator controlled weeds and soil borne pathogens equal to commercial chemigation of chloropicrin with 1,3-dichloropropene (Pic-Clor 60) and methyl bromide. Also, the combination of steam treatment with soil amendments of mustard seed meal (MSM), a fertilizer and a biofumigant, showed very favorable strawberry production in terms of weed and pathogen control. The objective to compare the economics of heat for soil disinfestation with methyl bromide fumigation to see if they would be economically viable alternatives was achieved. Economic analysis of the fall 2011 steam treatment had a prototype steam treatment cost of $5,649 per acre including fuel, labor and machine cost. Plans to scale up the applicator from a one-bed prototype to a two-bed commercial applicator is projected to reduce treatment costs considerably; the estimated commercial applicator cost would be $3,720 per acre, and this is our estimate of the operating cost of the unit that is being built now. Treatment costs per acre were higher for the steam treatment than for the Pic-Clor, $3,720 and $1,901, respectively. The fall 2012 steam treatments had a prototype steam treatment cost per acre of approximately $5,060 and an estimated commercial applicator cost per acre of roughly $3,481 (depending on row width). Hand weeding costs were not significantly different between the steam and steam + MSM treatments, although they were significantly smaller than those for the non-treated control. We are currently preparing a manuscript to describe the economic analysis of the performance of the commercial steam applicator for the whole project period. The objective to extend results of the study to growers and the public through web sites, journal publications, method and results demonstrations was achieved. Results of this project were disseminated primarily at field days and extension meetings. During the project, 8 field days and 20 extension meetings were held in California strawberry production districts of Oxnard, Salinas, Santa Maria, and Watsonville. Attendance at these events was 1,461 persons. We have delivered the results of this project through 6 presentations at scientific meetings, 2 papers published. The project was very productive and work is continuing to publish the results as we have 1 paper in review and 2 papers in preparation.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Samtani, J.B., C. Gilbert, J.B. Weber, K.V. Subbarao, R.E. Goodhue and S.A. Fennimore. 2012. Effect of Steam and Solarization Treatments on Pest Control, Strawberry Yield and Economic Returns Relative to Methyl Bromide. HortScience 47:64-70.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Rainbolt, C. M., Samtani, J. B., Fennimore, S. A., Gilbert, C. A., Subbarao, K. V., Gerik, J. S., Shrestha, A., and B. D. Hanson. 2013. Steam as a preplant soil disinfestant tool in California cut-flower production. HortTechnology 23:207-214.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2010
Citation:
Fennimore, S.A. 2010. A Strategy to Sustainably Produce Strawberry without Fumigants. In: Annual International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions. Orlando, FL. Proceedings 78
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Fennimore, S.A., 2011. Soil disinfestation in strawberry with steam. 2011 Biofumigation Symposium. Saskatoon, SK Canada. Page 28.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Fennimore, S.A., 2011. Soil disinfestation in strawberry with steam. In: Annual International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions. San Diego, CA. Proceedings 46.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Fennimore, S.A., 2012. Evaluation of an automatic steam applicator in strawberry. In: Annual International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions. Orlando, FL. Proceedings 9.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Fennimore, S.A., 2013. Evaluation of an automatic steam applicator in strawberry 2012-13 results. In: Annual International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions. San Diego, CA. Proceedings 11.
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Summary. Lack of energy efficient steam applicators and relatively inexpensive fumigants has limited the use of steam in commercial fields. Stricter fumigant regulations and more efficient steam applicators may improve opportunities for steam. Our objective is to develop a cost-effective steam application system for flowers and strawberry. Field studies were conducted in coastal California during the 2011 to 2012 growing season. Steam and mustard seed meal at 3,000 lbs/A were each applied alone and in combination to determine if the treatments were complimentary. Steam was applied by a fixed spike injection steam line at steam pressure of 10 psi for sufficient time to raise the soil temperature to >70C for 20 minutes. Chloropicrin and an untreated were included for comparison. Studies were conducted near Watsonville and Ventura, CA in the 2011-12 season. Weed seed samples were buried in the various plots and retrieved about 1 week after treatment. Weed densities were monitored periodically through the season, and fruit yields were monitored from Jan. to May 2012 at Ventura and April to Sept. 2012 at Watsonville. Mustard seed meal alone did not improve weed control or increase fruit yields relative to the untreated control. Steam alone resulted in weed control and fruit yields not different than Pic Clor 60. The combination of Mustard meal plus steam slightly boosted weed control and significantly boosted fruit production relative to steam alone. In 2011 we built a mobile steam applicator with a Clayton steam generator mounted on a mobile frame and designed to inject and mix steam with raised strawberry beds. The trials initiated in October 2011 compared steam to Pic Clor 60 fumigant. Steam was injected into the raised beds at 80 PSI at a forward speed of about 320 ft per hour. The beds were 14 inches tall, 40 inches wide at the base and 28 inches wide at the bed top. The steam increased the soil temperatures >70C for over 20 minutes. Weed densities were measured periodically and weeding times were recorded as described in Samtani et al. 2012. Fruit harvest was measured by a commercial harvest crew once or twice weekly as needed during the April to Sept. 2012 interval. Weed control and fruit yields were comparable to the fumigant standard and better than the control. Estimated costs per acre based on fuel, labor and machine costs are $5,727 per acre with the single bed prototype. New studies were implemented Sept. 5-10, 2012 at Watsonville, CA. Plans are to gather weed and disease control data during the winter and spring period. Fruit yields will be gathered in Spring and summer of 2013. Results of this project were disseminated at meetings held Jan. 27, 2012 at Watsonville, CA, Mar. 14, and Apr. 3, 2012 in Ventura, CA and at Santa Maria, CA Nov. 27, 2012. Field days were held at Salinas on May 24 and Aug. 9, 2012 and in Watsonville on Aug. 16, 2012. The project results to date were presented at the Methyl Bromide Alternative Outreach meetings in Orlando, FL in Nov. 2012. PARTICIPANTS: Feras Almasri, a graduate student is involved in this project. Dr. Tom Miller is a visiting scientist on the project. The research and outreach aspects of this project provide valuable training for these personnel. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for this project include growers and allied industry. Outreach efforts includes field day demonstrations and extension presentation at outreach events. Results of this project were disseminated at meetings held Jan. 27, 2012 at Watsonville, CA, Mar. 14, and Apr. 3, 2012 in Ventura, CA and at Santa Maria, CA Nov. 27, 2012. Field days were held at Salinas on May 24 and Aug. 9, 2012 and in Watsonville on Aug. 16, 2012. The project results to date were presented at the Methyl Bromide Alternative Outreach meetings in Orlando, FL in Nov. 2012. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Methyl bromide has been the basis for control of soil-borne diseases, nematodes and weeds in California's $1.65 billion strawberry and $316 million flower industries. Through adoption of the steam technology, it is possible to achieve pest control equivalent to methyl bromide. Additionally, this technology eliminates fumigant emissions into the atmosphere and the need for buffer zones
Publications
- Samtani, J.B., C. Gilbert, J.B. Weber, K.V. Subbarao, R.E. Goodhue and S.A. Fennimore. 2012. Effect of Steam and Solarization Treatments on Pest Control, Strawberry Yield and Economic Returns Relative to Methyl Bromide. HortScience 47:64-70.
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Lack of energy efficient steam applicators and relatively inexpensive fumigants has limited the use of steam in commercial fields. Stricter fumigant regulations and more efficient steam applicators may improve opportunities for steam. Our objective is to develop a cost-effective steam application system for flowers and strawberry. Field studies were conducted in coastal California during the 2010 to 2011 growing season. Steam and mustard seed meal at 3,000 lbs/A were each applied alone and in combination to determine if the treatments were complimentary. Steam was applied by a fixed spike injection steam line at steam pressure of 10 psi for sufficient time to raise the soil temperature to >70C for 20 minutes. Chloropicrin plus 1,3-dichloropropene (Pic Clor 60) and an untreated were included as standards. Studies were conducted near Salinas, Watsonville and Ventura, CA. Weed seed samples were buried in the various plots and retrieved about 1 week after treatment. Weed densities were monitored periodically through the season, and fruit yields were monitored from January to May 2011 at Ventura and April through September 2011 at Salinas and Watsonville. Mustard seed meal alone did not improve weed control or increase fruit yields relative to the untreated control. Steam alone resulted in weed control and fruit yields not different than Pic Clor 60. The combination of Mustard meal plus steam slightly boosted weed control and fruit production, relative to steam alone, but the differences were not significant. In 2011 we built a mobile steam applicator with a Clayton steam generator mounted on a mobile frame and designed to inject and mix steam with raised strawberry beds. The trials were just initiated in October 2011 so no weed control results are available yet. Steam was injected into the raised beds at 80 PSI at a forward speed of about 320 ft per hour. The beds were 14 inches tall, 40 inches wide at the base and 28 inches wide at the bed top. The steam increased the soil temperatures greater than 70C for over 20 minutes. Estimated costs per acre based on fuel, labor and machine costs are $5472 per acre. Studies were implemented at Salinas on Oct. 12, 2011 and at Watsonville Oct. 25, 2011. Plans are to gather weed and disease control data during the winter and spring period. Fruit yields will be gathered in Spring and summer of 2012. A field trial/demonstration of soil disinfestation with steam, methyl bromide and solarization prior to planting delphinium and sunflower was conducted at Palm City, FL during October 2010 to April 2011. Disease and weed control data were monitored and the number of marketable stems was recorded. The total marketable delphinium and sunflower stem harvest was greatest in the steam treatment. Results of this project were disseminated at meetings held Dec. 9, 2010 in Santa Maria, CA, Feb. 1, 2011 in Watsonville, CA and April 22, 2011 in Ventura, CA. Field days were held at Salinas on July 7, 2011, and Watsonville on Aug. 17, 2011. The project results to date were presented at the Methyl Bromide Alternative Outreach meetings in Orlando in Nov. 2010 and San Diego in Nov. 2011 PARTICIPANTS: Feras Almasri, a graduate student is involved in this project. Dr. Jayesh Samtani is a post doctoral researcher on the project. The research and outreach aspects of this project provide valuable training for these personnel. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for this project include growers and allied industry. Outreach efforts includes field day demonstrations and extension presentation at outreach events. Grower meetings were held Feb. 1, 2011 in Watsonville, CA and April 22, 2011 in Ventura, CA to discuss and demonstrate alternatives to MB for strawberry. Field days were held at Salinas on July 7, 2011, and Watsonville on Aug. 17, 2011. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Methyl bromide has been the basis for control of soil-borne diseases, nematodes and weeds in California's $1.65 billion strawberry and $316 million flower industries. Through adoption of the steam technology, it is possible to achieve pest control equivalent to methyl bromide. Additionally, this technology eliminates fumigant emissions into the atmosphere and the need for buffer zones.
Publications
- Samtani, J.B., H.A. Ajwa, J.B. Weber, G.T. Browne, S. Klose, J. Hunzie, and S.A. Fennimore. 2011. Evaluation of non-fumigant alternatives to methyl bromide for weed control and crop yield in California strawberries (Fragaria ananassa L.). Crop Protection 30:45-51.
- Fennimore, S.A. 2011 Weed Control in Organic Strawberries. In Organic Strawberry Production Manual. S.T. Koike ed. University of California ANR Publication 3531. PP. 35-41.
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