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.     

Effect of application timing and method on efficacy and phytotoxicity of 1,3-D, chloropicrin and metam-sodium combinations in squash plasticulture

BACKGROUND: Metam-sodium, 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and chloropicrin are widely used soil fumigants. Combined application of metam-sodium and 1,3-D + chloropicrin is intended to improve efficacy and broaden spectrum of control, but little is known about the effect on crop safety. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of application timing of fumigant combinations on soilborne pest and disease control (nematodes, soil fungi and weeds) and growth of squash. Two separate tests with chisel-injected and drip-applied fumigant combinations and plant-back times ranging from 1 to 4 weeks were conducted in Tifton, GA, USA, in spring and fall 2002. RESULTS: Fumigant combinations using 1,3-D, chloropicrin and metam-sodium were as effective as methyl bromide in controlling Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood, Pythium irregulare Buis., Rhizoctonia solani Kühn and Cyperus esculentus L. Chisel-applied combinations were more effective in terms of root-knot nematode control than drip-applied combinations. Root-knot nematode reduced squash yields by up to 60%. Phytotoxicity problems and lower yields were observed during spring, especially following 1,3-D + chloropicrin and when plant-back periods were shorter. CONCLUSION: The main problem with fumigant alternatives to methyl bromide may not be reduced efficacy but, in particular for 1,3-D products, loss of flexibility in terms of longer plant-back periods.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Application of alternative fumigants through drip irrigation systems

ABSTRACT Strawberry fields in California (9,500 ha annually) are pre-plant fumigated with methyl bromide and chloropicrin to prevent serious soil pest and disease problems. Although soil fumigation with methyl bromide has ensured stability of strawberry production, its use is being discontinued because of its effect on stratospheric ozone. The likely short-term alternatives such as 1,3-dichloropropene, chloropicrin, and metham sodium, although not ozone depleters, are potentially hazardous to the environment and humans if applied improperly. Water-soluble formulations of alternative fumigants can be applied through drip irrigation systems established to irrigate crops. In comparison to conventional shank methods of injection, application of soluble formulations through drip irrigation systems would be economical and environmentally friendly, reduce worker exposure, and allow for simultaneous or sequential application of a combination of fumigants. This paper discusses techniques developed to apply alternative fumigants through drip irrigation systems, and reviews ongoing studies to determine optimum application rates, soil conditions, plastic mulches, and amount of irrigation water used to apply these alternative fumigants.     

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。     

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.     

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     

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.     

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.     

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.     

土壤熏蒸剂研究进展

土壤熏蒸剂可有效防治土传病虫害,但效果最好的熏蒸剂溴甲烷由于破坏臭氧层,已被禁止用在农业上(必要用途豁免除外)。碘甲烷、氯化苦、异硫氰酸甲酯、1,3-二氯丙烯、二甲基二硫、硫酰氟、棉隆及威百亩是国际上已经登记使用的土壤熏蒸剂;甲酸乙酯、乙二腈、糠醛、丙烯醛是有希望开发为新的土壤熏蒸剂品种。国内已经商品化的土壤熏蒸剂品种有4种,分别为氯化苦、威百亩、棉隆和硫酰氟,二甲基二硫正在登记当中。本文系统综述了上述熏蒸剂在应用、环境行为等方面的研究进展,在未来一段时间内,氯化苦、棉隆及威百亩将会占据着国内土壤熏蒸剂的主要市场。二甲基二硫的登记也将会改善国内熏蒸剂品种匮乏的局面。     

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.     

溴甲烷土壤消毒替代技术研究进展

概述了溴甲烷替代品的新进展。在土壤消毒方面,新的进展有化学替代品:氯化苦胶囊、氯化苦乳剂、氯化苦+噻唑磷混用、C₂N₂、氰铵化钙、异硫氰酸烯丙酯、异硫氰酸甲酯、1,3—二氯丙烯和氯化苦混剂、碘甲烷、环氧丙烷、叠氮化合物、硫酰氟等。在使用技术上,采用化学灌溉和注射施药技术进一步提高药剂分布的均匀性。在非化学替代技术上,生物熏蒸和有机质补充正受到重视。减少溴甲烷的技术正在快速地发展。     

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     

我国土壤熏蒸消毒60年回顾

熏蒸剂棉隆和氯化苦于20世纪60年代在我国曾用于棉花黄萎病的防治,由于缺乏施药机械、相关施药标准和方法,加之与国外交流甚少,虽然发现熏蒸剂对土传病害有一定的效果,但一直未形成规模化应用。我国大量使用熏蒸剂进行土壤消毒处理始于20世纪90年代,随着溴甲烷的引进与广泛应用,溴甲烷的替代技术及产品研发,开启了我国土壤熏蒸消毒的新纪元。伴随着土壤消毒技术与理论的不断丰富,新型配套机械装备的成功研发,社会化服务模式的广泛运用,土壤熏蒸消毒在我国进入快速发展时期,大批专业化服务组织应运而生,为我国农作物病虫害的绿色防控、实施乡村振兴战略提供了强有力的技术支撑。该文从土壤熏蒸剂的种类、发展历史、基础理论的建立与阐明3方面综述了我国土壤熏蒸发展情况,并对我国土壤熏蒸消毒未来发展方向提出了展望。     

Multivariate analysis of toxicological and environmental properties of soil nematicides

BACKGROUND: In intensive agriculture, the use of pesticides and soil fumigants is necessary to produce economically viable crops worldwide. However, this practice may involve undesirable effects on human health and the environment. In 1995, methyl bromide was restricted by the Montreal Protocol because of possible ozone depletion. The objective of this study was to compare intrinsic environmental and toxicological properties of 11 active substances with nematicidal properties, some of them recognized as methyl bromide alternatives. RESULTS: Four groups of active substances were discriminated by a series of principal component analyses (PCAs): (a) high toxicity to non-target fauna, humans and animals and medium persistence in the environment (cadusafos, ethoprophos and fenamiphos); (b) high toxicity to humans, animals and non-target fauna and high persistence (carbofuran and fosthiazate); (c) low toxicity to non-target fauna, humans and animals and low persistence (carbosulfan, benfuracarb and oxamyl); (d) low toxicity to humans, animals and non-target fauna and medium persistence in the environment (1,3-dichloropropene, chloropicrin and methyl bromide). CONCLUSION: Evaluating the multiple aspects of toxicological and environmental properties of active substances through PCA is proposed as a helpful tool for initially comparing the complex toxicological behaviour of active substances as plant protection products.     

Nematode response to methyl bromide and 1,3‐dichloropropene soil fumigation at different temperatures

Several heat‐based methods, such as soil solarization, are being developed as alternative practices for managing soil‐borne pests and pathogens. The effectiveness of these practices is often inconsistent or marginal, thus commanding the need for their integration with other methods. The main objective of this study was to determine synergistic interaction between soil fumigants and temperature. Soil infested with citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans was exposed to methyl bromide or 1,3‐dichloropropene at various temperatures. Fumigant degradation was concurrently measured and concentration‐time index (ct) was calculated and correlated to the recovered nematode population. In untreated soil, nematode survival was not affected by temperatures of 20–30 °C, but was strongly reduced at ≥ 40 °C. In fumigated soil, nematode suppression was much greater at 30 °C than at 20 °C, and the ct required for nematode elimination at 30 °C was < 50% of that needed at 20 °C for both fumigants. These results suggest that these fumigants became more active with increasing temperature in the sub‐lethal temperature range. It also implies that, when integrated with a heat‐based practice, reduced rates of fumigants may provide adequate pest control, thus minimizing the environmental input of chemical fumigants. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Dosage values obtained following pre-plant fumigation for perennials II. Using special methods of applying methyl bromide and 1,3-dichloropropene nematicides

The movement of 1,3-dichloropropene and methyl bromide was monitored in various field situations involving fumigant application coupled with contemporary soil profile modification techniques. The soil moisture, temperature, texture and profile differences are reported in each case. A combination of soil modification and soil fumigation may provide for better plant response than either treatment alone. Spot and strip treatments may provide an efficient method of applying certain pre-plant fumigants to protect young perennials.