Progress 08/01/04 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Determine the technical feasibility of virtually impermeable films (VIF) to reduce fumigant application rates and improve efficacy under commercial vegetable production conditions. Field test innovative fumigant application technology with alternatives to methyl bromide. Approach (from AD-416) Cooperative field trials will be initiated with commercial pepper and tomato growers in Florida. Large areas will be used to allow growers to integrate materials and methods into their standard planting operations. Various rates and combinations of methyl bromide, Telone C-35 and herbicides will be used. Data will be collected on disease incidence, nematode damage, weed populations, and marketable yield. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This report serves to document research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between ARS and the University of West Florida, with additional details of research found in the report for the parent CRIS 6618-22000-029-00D Alternatives to Methyl Bromide Soil Fumigation for Vegetable and Ornamental Production. The goal of this Specific Cooperative Agreement is evaluate the effects of long term cropping systems on soil microbial communities and nematode parasites. The field component of the research was completed and published in Fiscal Year 2006. No additional activities were conducted in Fiscal Year 2007. The cooperator is no longer employed by the University of Florida and is no longer engaged in activities relating to this project.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Progress Report 4d Progress report. This report serves as documentation of research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between the United States Department of Agricultures Agricultural Research Service and the University of Florida. Work is related to research conducted under the parent project number 6618-22000-029-00D/ Alternatives to Methyl Bromide Fumigation for Vegetable Production and Floriculture/Nursery Crops. The objectives of this cooperative project is to evaluate the benefits of virtually impermeable films to soil fumigation. Research trials were initiated to evaluate the benefits of metalized plastic agricultural films for reducing the effective application rate of methyl bromide/chloropicrin soil fumigation. Some metalized films were identified as being highly impermeable to methyl bromide and thus provide an effective barrier to fumigant emissions. By preventing the emission of methyl bromide into the atmosphere, more fumigant is retained
in the soil improving the effectiveness of the application. Field trials demonstrated this effect and methyl bromide/chloropicrin rates were reduced by 50% without a loss in pest control.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
4d Progress report. This report serves as documentation of research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between the United States Department of Agricultures Agricultural Research Service and the University of Florida. Work is related to research conducted under the parent project number 6618-22000-029-00D/ Alternatives to Methyl Bromide Fumigation for Vegetable Production and Floriculture/Nursery Crops, under National Program 308, Alternatives to Methyl Bromide. The objectives of this cooperative project is to evaluate the benefits of virtually impermeable films to soil fumigation. Three grower trials, involving 30 acres of tomatoes, were conducted in fall 2004 with a one-half rate of methyl bromide combined with virtually impermeable film (VIF), a full rate of methyl bromide with standard low density polyethylene (ldpe) and a full rate of Telone C-35 + Treflan + Devrinol under VIF. Fruit production was equal with all treatments. No differences in
tomato plant vigor or weed control were observed. Three small plot trials (2 acres total) were conducted that same season with ldpe and VIF combined with methyl bromide, methyl iodide and Telone C-35. Soilborne pest control was improved with the addition of VIF. In spring 2005, approximately 15 acres of medium-sized plot (100 ft long) experiments (9 experiments) were conducted comparing ldpe, VIF and metalized films for fumigant retention and efficacy in tomato and strawberry. Four trials were methyl bromide rate studies, 1 focused on methyl iodide, 1 involved Telone C-35, 1 study was with dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) and 1 involved metam sodium (K-Pam), alone and in combination with several other fumigants. Results indicated that methyl bromide rates could be reduced to as low as 25% with 67/33 when combined with either VIF or metalized film. Methyl iodide efficacy was improved considerably when applied with VIF or metalized film. Telone C-35 efficacy also was improved. While
K-Pam has not previously shown a response to VIF, results of the latest trial suggested some improvement in nutsedge control when combined with VIF. Present indications are that metalized film provides fumigant performance similar to VIF with fewer handling problems. Additional studies are planned.
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