Fumigant combinations for Cyperus esculentum L control

The phase-out of methyl bromide as a soil fumigant has stimulated research into the use of other soil fumigants for weed control. Methyl bromide, methyl iodide, propargyl bromide, 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and metam-sodium were tested alone and in combination with chloropicrin in laboratory experiments to determine their efficacy against Cyperus esculentus L (yellow nutsedge) tubers. Propargyl bromide and metam-sodium were the most efficacious fumigants tested, with EC50 values of 3.7 and 6.5 microM, respectively. The relative potencies of methyl iodide and chloropicrin were not significantly different but were 2.6 and 2.9 times more potent than methyl bromide, respectively. The EC50 values for all fumigants other than 1,3-D were significantly lower than that of methyl bromide. Combining each fumigant with 17% chloropicrin resulted in a synergistic interaction. The greatest increase in potency between the expected result and the actual result was a relative potency of 3.8 with the methyl bromide/chloropicrin combination. The smallest increase in efficacy was with propargyl bromide and chloropicrin, with a relative potency of 1.5. There was no significant difference between the EC50 values of methyl bromide/chloropicrin and methyl iodide/chloropicrin combinations. Combining 1,3-D with 17% chloropicrin resulted in an EC50 value for C. esculentus control similar to that of methyl iodide applied alone.     

Physical, chemical and environmental properties of selected chemical alternatives for the pre-plant use of methyl bromide as soil fumigant

Production and use of methyl bromide, a soil fumigant, are being restricted because of this chemical's deleterious effects on stratospheric ozone concentrations. Several products, some of which are currently used as soil fumigants, are being considered as possible replacements for methyl bromide, alone and in various combinations. Among these, 1,3-dichloropropene, methyl isothiocyanate generators such as metam-sodium, and chloropicrin are currently registered, while others such as methyl iodide and sodium azide are at different stages of the registration process. This review examines physicochemical properties, environmental fate, and metabolism of the various potential methyl bromide replacement products.     

Incompatibility of metam sodium with halogenated fumigants

Metam sodium (metam) is a widely used soil fumigant. Combined application of metam and other available fumigants is intended to produce synergic pesticidal effects for a broad spectrum of pest control in soil fumigation. This study aimed to test the compatibility of metam with the halogenated fumigants 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), chloropicrin, methyl bromide, methyl iodide and propargyl bromide. Halogenated fumigants and metam were spiked simultaneously into organic solvents, water and moist soils, and metam-induced degradation of these halogenated chemicals was evaluated. In all three media, the halogenated fumigants were incompatible with metam and degraded via rapid chemical reactions. The degradation rate varied with halogenated fumigant species and increased as the amount of metam present was increased. In moist soil, 15-95% of the halogenated fumigants were decomposed within 72 h by metam at a 1:1 molar ratio. Combined application of Telone C-35 (62.5% 1,3-D + 35% chloropicrin) at 265 mg kg(-1) and Vapam (42% metam) at 567 mg kg(-1) in soil resulted in complete disappearance of the applied chloropicrin and 20-38% of the 1,3-D within 8 h. The results suggest that simultaneous application of halogenated fumigants and metam at the same soil depth will not maximize pest control. In practice, sequential treatment of soil or application at different soil depths is recommended when these two types of fumigants are used in combination.     

Evaluation of chemical and integrated strategies as alternatives to methyl bromide for the control of root-knot nematodes in Greece

Current environmental awareness has led to a greater demand for alternative nematode control strategies. Three field experiments were established to compare management tactics on cucumber in commercial greenhouses naturally infested with root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp). Cucumber rootstocks which have shown resistance to soil-borne diseases were tested to reveal any resistance/tolerance to root-knot nematodes, and integration of these rootstocks with nematicides was investigated. Metham-sodium and 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) provided good control of nematode populations when their application was followed by the application of a non-fumigant nematicide such as cadusafos or oxamyl. Neither fumigant could provide season-long control of nematode populations, and a further application of cadusafos was required for satisfactory control. The efficacy of metham-sodium was significantly increased when injected into soil in comparison with its application through the drip irrigation system. The use of rootstocks resistant to soil-borne fungal pathogens used together with chemical means of nematode control provided promising results for their further use in integrated strategies as alternatives to methyl bromide. However, the latter was the superior treatment for the control of root-knot nematodes in soil infested with residues of galled roots. Dazomet, metham-sodium nor the non-fumigant nematicides oxamyl and fenamiphos could reduce nematode population as efficiently as methyl bromide. None of the chemicals tested except methyl bromide could enter galled roots and kill surviving nematodes.     

Movement and biological activity of drip-applied 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin in raised mulched beds in the southeastern USA

Movement and biological activity of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and chloropicrin applied through drip irrigation in raised beds was investigated at three locations in the southeastern USA. Tests were conducted in fields with dense populations of nutsedge (Cyperus spp), with one location also having a high level of soil nematodes, both of which served as biological indicators of the distribution of effective concentrations of 1,3-D and chloropicrin. Objectives were (1) to gain a better understanding of 1,3-D and chloropicrin movement and the extent of biological activity outside of the wetted bed area, and (2) to examine the effect of application rate, application concentration and subsequent irrigation events on movement and activity of 1,3-D and chloropicrin. InLine, an emulsifiable concentrate containing 60.8% w/w 1,3-D and 33.3% w/w chloropicrin, was injected into polyethylene mulched beds through the drip tubes and water movement in the beds was visualized by adding a blue dye to the injection system. Gas concentrations of 1,3-D and chloropicrin in soil were measured using Gastec detection tubes at different positions relative to the drip tube at 1-4 days after InLine application. After one week, mulch was removed and nutsedge survival evaluated at different positions in the bed. High concentrations of 1,3-D and chloropicrin were measured at the bed center and midway between the bed center and the shoulder, but concentrations were low at the bed shoulder. Width of nutsedge control was significantly greater than width of water movement. Plant-parasitic nematodes were controlled over the entire bed width, but nutsedge re-emerged at the bed shoulders regardless of treatment. Higher application rates and concentrations of 1,3-D + chloropicrin resulted in higher fumigant concentrations in soil air. Irrigations subsequent to application reduced soil air concentrations of 1,3-D and chloropicrin and increased water movement, as did the use of two drip tubes instead of one. The data show that the pesticidal activity of 1,3-D + chloropicrin extends beyond the waterfront and indicate a significant degree of fumigant activity of emulsifiable 1,3-D + chloropicrin. However, unlike plant-parasitic nematodes, nutsedge could not be controlled over the entire bed width, regardless of rate, concentration and volume of water applied.     

Status of chemical alternatives to methyl bromide for pre-plant fumigation of soil

ABSTRACT None of the chemical alternatives currently registered and available has the full spectrum of activity and versatility of methyl bromide as a pre-plant soil fumigant. Chloropicrin and 1,3-dichloropropene (Telone) can provide significant control of many plant pathogens in soil and growth stimulation in annual crops. These compounds, however, provide limited control of weeds or other residual plant materials in soil of concern in nursery production systems, and some perennial replant diseases. Methyl isothiocyanate generators such as metam sodium have broad biocidal activity in soil, but are more difficult to apply effectively. In most soil applications, the available alternatives are likely to be used in combinations, either as mixtures (e.g., 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin) or sequentially (e.g., chloropicrin followed by metam sodium). They may also be supplemented with other more specific pesticides and cultural controls. Among the alternatives currently under active development but not yet available, methyl iodide and propargyl bromide probably have activity that most closely parallels that of methyl bromide in soil. However, all of the chemical alternatives to methyl bromide will be subject to continuing review and more regulation. Furthermore, we do not know the actual prospects for registration of the new fumigants currently under development and there is a risk that registered fumigants will not be available for large-scale use in soil indefinitely.     

Permeation of soil fumigants through agricultural plastic films

Plastic films are used in soil fumigation to control fumigant emission into the atmosphere. In previous studies it was shown that the plastic films are permeable to fumigant vapors. Virtually impermeable films (VIF) have been developed to reduce such emission and to increase the efficacy of pest control. A rapid, accurate, sensitive and simple method to measure the permeability of plastic films to soil fumigants that was developed in the present study is described in this paper. The method uses a static, closed system in which the tested film is fixed between two cells. The fumigant is sampled by a solid-phase microextraction method and measured quantitatively by gas chromatography. The method was used to assess the permeability of two plastic films — a low-density polyethylene film (LDPE) and a VIF — to commercial soil fumigants formulated individually or in mixtures. All the tested fumigants permeated through the commonly used LDPE film, in the following descending order of permeability: methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), methyl bromide (MBr), 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D; Telone), chloropicrin (CP). The VIF was impermeable to all the tested fumigants except MITC, the permeation of which was reduced by 40%. The permeation of some fumigants through LDPE films was influenced by the formulation used. The permeation of CP was increased when it was combined with MBr in Bromopic. With Telopic, a mixture of 1,3-D and CP, the permeation of 1,3-D through LDPE film was 62% greater than that of Telone, whereas that of CP was not affected. The permeation rates of both MBr and CP were 25–30% greater when they were formulated as a mixture in Bromopic than when they were formulated individually. The formulation of fumigants as mixtures of two components did not affect their permeability through VIF. This study showed that differences in the suitability of plastic films for soil fumigation can be measured easily in a laboratory. It also showed that the VIP was more effective than LDPE in reducing losses of fumigant to the atmosphere, thus allowing more efficient use of fumigants to manage soilborne pests. The presented method helps us to choose the most adequate film for optimizing fumigation efficacy, and reducing costs and environmental risks. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Sept. 17, 2006.     

Adaptation of soil solarization to the integrated management of soilborne pests of tomato under humid conditions

ABSTRACT Soil solarization was shown to be cost effective, compatible with other pest management tactics, readily integrated into standard production systems, and a valid alternative to preplant fumigation with methyl bromide under the tested conditions. Solarization using clear, photoselective, or gas-impermeable plastic was evaluated in combination with metham sodium, 1,3-dichloropropene + chloropicrin, methyl bromide + chloropicrin, pebulate, or cabbage residue. Strip solarization, applied to 20-cm-high, 0.9-m-wide beds, was conducted to achieve compatibility with standard production practices and resulted in soil temperatures 2 to 4 degrees C above those temperatures resulting when using conventional flatbed solarization. Soil temperatures were 1 to 2 degrees C higher at the edges of the raised beds, eliminating any border effects associated with solarization. Following a 40- to 55-day solarization period, the plastic was painted white and used as a production mulch for a subsequent tomato crop. The incidence of Southern blight and the density of Paratrichodorus minor and Criconemella spp. were lower (P < 0.05) in solarized plots. No differences (P < 0.05) in the incidence of Fusarium wilt and the density of nutsedge and Helicotylenchus spp. were observed between plots receiving solarization and plots fumigated with a mixture of methyl bromide + chloropicrin. The severity of root galling was lower (P < 0.05) when soil solarization was combined with 1,3-dichloropropene + chloropicrin (16.2 + 3.4 g/m(2)) and a gas-impermeable film. The incidence of bacterial wilt was not affected by soil treatments. Marketable yields in plots using various combinations of soil solarization and other tactics were similar (P < 0.05) to yields obtained in plots fumigated with methyl bromide + chloropicrin. The results were validated in several large scale field experiments conducted by commercial growers.     

Effects of reduced‐rate methyl bromide applications under conventional and virtually impermeable plastic film in perennial crop field nurseries

BACKGROUND: Producers of perennial crop nursery stock in California use preplant soil fumigation to meet state phytosanitary requirements. Although methyl bromide (MB) has been phased out in many agricultural industries, it is still the preferred treatment in the perennial nursery industry and is used under Critical Use Exemptions and Quarantine/Preshipment provisions of the Montreal Protocol. The present research was conducted to evaluate reduced‐rate MB applications sealed with conventional and low‐permeability plastic films compared with the primary alternative material. RESULTS: Reduced rates (100–260 kg ha^?1) of MB applied in combination with chloropicrin (Pic) and sealed with a low‐permeability plastic film provided weed and nematode control similar to the industry standard rate of 392 kg ha^?1 MB:Pic (98:2) sealed with high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) film. However, the primary alternative chemical, 1,3‐dichloropropene (1,3‐D), tended to provide slightly lower pest control even on sites with relatively low plant parasitic nematode, soil‐borne pathogen and weed pest pressure. CONCLUSION: If California regulations change to allow the use of low‐permeability films in broadcast fumigant applications, the results of this research suggest that reduced rates of MB in perennial crop nurseries could serve as a bridge strategy until more technically, economically and environmentally acceptable alternatives are developed. Published 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fumigant distribution in forest nursery soils under water seal and plastic film after application of dazomet, metam-sodium and chloropicrin

Adequate concentration, exposure time and distribution uniformity of activated fumigant gases are prerequisites for successful soil fumigation. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate gas phase distributions of methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) and chloropicrin (CP) in two forest-tree nurseries. Concentrations of MITC and CP in soil air were measured from replicated microplots that received dazomet, metam-sodium and CP. Half of the plots were covered with high-density polyethylene tarp immediately after fumigation; the other half were not covered but received daily sprinkler irrigation for 1 week to create and maintain a water seal. The magnitude of MITC concentrations was similar between nurseries for metam-sodium in both tarp and water seal treatments and for dazomet in the tarp treatment. Consistently greater MITC and CP concentrations were found in the upper 30 cm of soil in the tarped plots compared with the water-sealed plots. Despite potential environmental and economic benefits with the water seal method, tarp covers were more reliable for achieving and maintaining higher MITC and CP concentrations and less prone to variations due to irrigation/rain, soil bulk density and other environmental conditions.     

Chemical alternatives to methyl bromide for the control of root-knot nematodes in greenhouses

The complete phase-out of methyl bromide from use in developed countries by 1 January 2005 will cause many problems in agricultural industries that are now heavily reliant on its use. Three field experiments were established to compare management tactics on tomato and cucumber in commercial greenhouses naturally infested with root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp). Reduction of nematode juveniles in soil and roots to nil detection levels was observed in all plots following soil fumigation with methyl bromide. A significant reduction of nematode juveniles and root-galling index was observed in plots treated with metham-sodium, dazomet and 1,3-dichloropropene compared with the control and plots treated with non-fumigant nematicides. Reduction of the nematode population led to an increase in fruit yield. However, data collected from the second cultivation season indicated that single control methods such as fumigant or contact nematicides alone cannot drastically decrease initial nematode population and those nematodes which escape control lead to population increase by the end of the cropping season.     

Effect of soil physical factors on methyl iodide and methyl bromide

Production and importation of methyl bromide is scheduled to be banned by 2001. Methyl iodide was evaluated as a possible replacement soil fumigant. The effects of soil moisture, temperature, soil texture and fumigation time on the efficacy of methyl iodide for the control of two common weeds, Abutilon theophrasti and Lolium multiflorum, were characterized and compared with those of methyl bromide. The optimal soil moisture for methyl iodide to kill both weed species in sandy soils was 14% water content (w/w). Greater efficacy was obtained when the temperature during fumigation was above 20°C. Compared to methyl bromide, the efficacy of methyl iodide was more consistent in different soils. Time to 100% mortality of weeds was 24 h for methyl iodide fumigation and 36 h for methyl bromide when 200 μM of fumigant was used. On a molar basis methyl iodide was consistently more effective than methyl bromide across the range of environmental factors tested. In terms of application technology and spectrum of activity, methyl bromide can be directly replaced by methyl iodide. © 1998 SCI     

Subsurface drip application of alternative fumigants to methyl bromide for controlling nematodes in replanted grapevines

BACKGROUND: Many California grape growers use preplant fumigation to ensure uniform and healthy grapevine establishment in replant situations. A field study was conducted to evaluate the performance of subsurface drip‐applied chemical alternatives to methyl bromide on plant‐parasitic nematodes, plant vigor and fruit yield during the 6 year period following replanting. RESULTS: Subsurface drip fumigation with 1,3‐dichloropropene plus chloropicrin and with iodomethane plus chloropicrin had generally similar nematicide activity as methyl bromide in three grape types, while sodium azide was less effective. The combination of 1,3‐dichloropropene plus chloropicrin enhanced vine vigor similarly to methyl bromide. However, all plots treated with alternative fumigants produced less fruit yield than methyl bromide over the 4 years of evaluation. CONCLUSION: Subsurface drip fumigation with alternative chemicals to methyl bromide generally provided adequate management of plant‐parasitic nematodes during the vine establishment period. However, further research is required to increase the performance of alternative chemicals against other components of the replant problem, as grape yield in vines grown in the alternative treatments was lower than in methyl bromide. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of the combination of 1,3-dichloropropene and dazomet as an efficient alternative to methyl bromide for cucumber production in China

BACKGROUND: The combination of 1,3‐dichloropropene (1,3‐D) and dazomet (DZ) offers a potential alternative to methyl bromide (MB) for soil disinfection. MB is scheduled to be withdrawn from routine use by 2015 in developing countries. Combination treatments of 1,3‐D + DZ were evaluated in a laboratory study and in two commercial cucumber fields. RESULTS: Laboratory studies found that nearly all of the tested combinations of 1,3‐D and DZ displayed positive synergistic activity on root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), two major soilborne fungi (Fusarium spp. and Phytophthora spp.) and the seeds of two major weed species (Digitaria sanguinalis and Abutilon theophrasti). Field trials revealed that the combination of 1,3‐D and DZ (at 10 + 25 g m^?2) successfully suppressed Meloidogyne spp. root galling, sharply reduced Fusarium spp. and Phytophthora spp. and maintained high cucumber yields. The combination treatment of 1,3‐D + DZ was more effective than 1,3‐D or DZ alone and provided results similar to methyl bromide with respect to pest control, plant mortality, plant height, yield and income. All of the treatments were significantly better than the non‐treated control. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the tested combination of 1,3‐D and DZ offers an efficient alternative to methyl bromide for cucumber production. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Reducing fumigant emissions after soil application

ABSTRACT Volatilization and soil transformation are major pathways by which pesticides dissipate from treated agricultural soil. Volatilization is a primary source of unwanted agricultural chemicals in the atmosphere and can significantly affect fumigant efficacy. Volatile pesticides may cause other unique problems; for example, the soil fumigant methyl bromide has been shown to damage stratospheric ozone and will soon be phased out. There is also great concern about the health consequences of inhalation of fumigants by people living in proximity to treated fields. Because replacement fumigants will likely face increased scrutiny in years ahead, there is a great need to understand the mechanisms that control their emission into the atmosphere so these losses can be minimized without loss of efficacy. Recent research has shown that combinations of vapor barriers and soil amendments can be effective in reducing emissions. In this paper, some potential approaches for reducing fumigant emissions to the atmosphere are described.     

完全不渗透膜对熏蒸剂大气散发的控制效果

为明确完全不透性膜(totally impermeable film,TIF)对熏蒸剂在田间应用时散发和残留的影响,采用静态散发箱技术测定了TIF与聚乙烯膜(polythene film,PE)对氯化苦、1,3-二氯丙烯(1,3-dichloropropene,1,3-D)和棉隆施用后所产生的异硫氰酸甲酯(methyl isothiocyanate,MITC)大气散发的控制效果,并应用气相色谱法检测了揭膜后3种熏蒸剂在土壤中的残留情况。结果表明,在20 g/m~2(棉隆为15 g/m~2)剂量下,氯化苦、1,3-D及MITC透过PE的累积散发率为施用量的6.42%、7.37%和22.27%,透过TIF的累积散发率为施用量的0、0.65%和2.05%,表明TIF极大地降低了熏蒸剂向大气的散发量,可有效控制熏蒸剂向大气扩散。揭膜后氯化苦及1,3-D在各处理土壤中的残留量均低于0.30 mg/kg,说明TIF没有增加土壤中氯化苦和1,3-D的残留量;但MITC(15 g/m~2)在TIF下10~20 cm土壤中的残留量在3.28~3.41 mg/kg之间,高于在PE下的残留量(0.46~0.47 mg/kg),表明TIF能提高MITC在土壤中的持效浓度。     

几种熏蒸剂对貯粮中卡氏长螨熏蒸毒效的探讨

对貯粮为害最大的卡氏长螨用氯化苦进行熏蒸无杀卵毒效,而活动阶段(包括幼虫期、若虫期及成虫期)颇为敏感,致死中量为每升0.28毫克。仓内各种熏蒸方法试验结果,间歇熏蒸法的防治效果较好,能在一定时期内抑制螨害。在七种药剂或配方中,以二溴乙烷和溴甲烷具有更好的杀卵毒效,其致死中量分别为每升2.5毫克和3.4毫克。根据对螨卵的毒效反应,将熏蒸剂分成三种类型:(1)无反应型,如氯化苦。(2)数量反应型,如二氧乙烷。(3)特效型,如二溴乙烷和溴甲烷。     

Drip application of methyl bromide alternative chemicals for control of soilborne pathogens and weeds

BACKGROUND: Producers of several high‐value crops in California have traditionally used preplant soil fumigation with methyl bromide/chloropicrin combinations. Although methyl bromide has been phased out since 2005, several crop industries, including cut flower producers, have continued methyl bromide use under Critical Use Exemptions, a provision of the Montreal Protocol. This research was conducted to evaluate newer, emerging methyl bromide alternative chemicals. RESULTS: Two field trials were conducted to test several emerging chemicals in combination with metam sodium as replacements for methyl bromide. Emerging chemicals included 2‐bromoethanol, dimethyl disulfide, furfural, propylene oxide and sodium azide. Weed and pathogen populations were measured after chemical application, and seed viability was assessed from weed seed previously buried in the plots. In the first trial, the emerging chemicals did not improve pest control compared with metam sodium alone. However, in the second trial, several of these chemicals did improve the pest control performance of metam sodium. CONCLUSIONS: The emerging alternative chemicals have the potential to provide better control of soilborne pathogens and weeds when used with metam sodium than metam sodium alone. Registration of these materials could provide California growers with a broader choice of tools compared with the limited methyl bromide alternatives now available. Published 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Surface application of ammonium thiosulfate fertilizer to reduce volatilization of 1,3‐dichloropropene from soil

Atmospheric emission of the soil fumigant 1,3‐dichloropropene (1,3‐D) is of environmental concern because of its toxicity and carcinogenicity. Thiosulfate fertilizers have been found to rapidly transform 1,3‐D in soil to non‐volatile ions which are less toxic. We investigated the use of surface application of ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) for reducing 1,3‐D volatilization. In packed soil columns, emission of 1,3‐D applied by sub‐surface injection decreased with increasing ATS application rate and the amount of water used for delivering ATS. When ATS was applied in 9 mm water at 64 g m⁻², total 1,3‐D emission was reduced by 61%. The reduction was 89% when ATS was applied at 193 g m⁻². Bioassays showed that ATS application did not affect the effectiveness of 1,3‐D for controlling citrus nematodes. In field plots where a 1,3‐D emulsified formulation was applied via sub‐surface drip, surface spray of ATS reduced 1,3‐D emissions by 50%, and by 71% when the surface was also covered with polyethylene film. ATS application had no effect on the efficacy of root‐knot nematode control or tomato yields. These results suggest that surface application of thiosulfate fertilizers may be a feasible and effective strategy for minimizing 1,3‐D emissions. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of methyl iodide as a soil fumigant in container and small field plot studies

Methyl iodide was evaluated as a soil fumigant as a potential replacement for the widely used soil fumigant methyl bromide. In container trials, methyl iodide was significantly more effective than methyl bromide against the plant parasitic nematodes Meloidogyne incognita, Heterodera schachtii and Tylenchulus semipenetrans and the plant pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani. In small field plots, soil populations of root-knot nematodes were no longer detected after methyl iodide fumigation at an application rate of 112 kg ha^-1. However, after growing a susceptible lima bean host for two months, substantial root-knot galling occurred, while Rhizobium nodulation was absent. At 168 kg ha^-1 of methyl iodide, root-knot galling was reduced to less than 1%, and no Pythium propagules were recovered on selective detection media. These efficacy data support the conclusion that methyl iodide is a likely candidate for replacing methyl bromide as a soil fumigant. © 1998 SCI.