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.     

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.     

Fumigation toxicity of volatile natural and synthetic cyanohydrins to stored-product pests and activity as soil fumigants

Insecticidal fumigation toxicity of natural and synthetic cyanohydrins was evaluated with four stored-product pests: the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F), the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum Herbst, the saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis L, the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch) and the house fly, Musca domestica L. The fumigation LC50 values were calculated by probit analysis. For house flies, all but one of the cyanohydrins tested were more potent than 1,3-dichloropropene (Telone). Three were as efficacious as chloropicrin. For the lesser grain borer, all cyanohydrins tested were more insecticidal than dichloropropene, and all but one were more potent than chloropicrin. Four were as insecticidal as dichlorvos. The acetate of 1-cyano-1-hydroxy-2-propene (CHP-ace) was also tested in soil for antifungal and antibacterial activity, and inhibition of weed seed germination. CHP-ace reduced the total soil bacterial and fungal counts significantly, and was effective in inhibiting the germination of weed seeds in soil, indicating a broad spectrum of activity as a soil fumigant.     

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。     

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.     

Surface water seal application to minimize volatilization loss of methyl isothiocyanate from soil columns

BACKGROUND: Metam‐sodium (MS, sodium methyldithiocarbamate) has been identified as a promising alternative chemical to replace methyl bromide (MeBr) in soil preplant fumigation. One degradation product of MS in soil is the volatile gas methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) which controls soilborne pests. Inconsistent results associated with MS usage indicate that there is a need to determine cultural practices that increase pest control efficacy. Sealing the soil surface with water after MS application may be a sound method to reduce volatilization loss of MITC from soils and increase the contact time necessary for MITC to control pests. The objective of this research was to develop a preliminary soil surface water application amount that would potentially inhibit the off‐gassing rate of MITC. RESULTS: Off‐gassing rate was consistently reduced with increasing water seal application. The application of a 2.5–3.8 cm water seal provided significantly lower (71–74% reduction in MITC volatilization) total fumigant loss compared with no water seal. The most favorable reduction in MITC off‐gassing was observed in the 2.5 cm water seal. CONCLUSION: This suggests that volatilization of MITC‐generating compounds can be highly suppressed using adequate surface irrigation following chemical application in this soil type (sandy clay loam), based on preliminary bench‐scale soil column studies. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

美国土壤熏蒸剂使用风险管理措施

概述了美国土壤熏蒸剂登记和应用情况,介绍了美国为降低土壤熏蒸剂使用风险所采取的措施。结合我国土壤熏蒸剂登记及使用实际,提出了加强我国农药使用管理、降低使用风险的措施。     

Permeability of plastic films to methyl bromide: a comparative laboratory study

The permeability of plastic films to the fumigant methyl bromide (MB) was measured by two different methods, in order to facilitate the selection of films which are impermeable to the gas. Polyethylene-based films are highly permeable to MB, as evidenced by both methods. In contrast, multilayer coextruded films which have a layer of barrier material such as polyamide (PA) or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) were significantly less permeable to MB, as reflected by the parameters permeability rate, time to 90% concentration (TC₉₀, by the diffusion method) and lag-time values (by the variable-volume method). A significant correlation was found between the permeability rate assessed by the diffusion method and that obtained with the variable-volume method. Permeability of all films increased with temperature as evidenced by all tested parameters. This increase was more pronounced with polyethylene films, the permeabilities of which increased five- to six-fold when the temperature was increased from 20°C to 60°C. The effect of temperature on barrier-film permeability was less significant. Permeability of films to MB was affected by additional factors such as additives, the length of the monomer side-chain, and the thickness and density of polyethylene films. © 1998 SCI     

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.     

实验室条件下威百亩及异硫氰酸甲酯在土壤中的降解特性

在实验室条件下,利用高效液相色谱研究了威百亩及其降解产物异硫氰酸甲酯在土壤中的降解特性及影响因素。结果表明:威百亩在土壤中的降解与土壤绝对含水量、环境温度和土壤有机质含量均密切相关。25 ℃下,威百亩在绝对含水量为0、20%、40%、60%的土壤中的半衰期分别为5.0、1.2、4.1和4.3 d,绝对含水量约为20%的土壤最有利于其降解。威百亩的降解速率还随温度的升高和土壤有机质含量的增加而加快。异硫氰酸甲酯的降解趋势与威百亩基本相同。研究结果可为威百亩的田间安全、合理施用提供参考。     

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     

基于室内土柱模拟的5种土壤熏蒸剂散发特征

土壤熏蒸是防治土传病虫害的重要手段之一, 熏蒸剂在土壤中的散发直接影响其对土壤有害生物的防治效果。为明确二甲基二硫、顺式-1, 3-二氯丙烯、反式-1，3-二氯丙烯、异硫氰酸烯丙酯, 以及棉隆和威百亩的前体异硫氰酸甲酯等5种常用熏蒸剂在土壤中的散发情况, 本研究以北京顺义采集的沙壤土为材料, 按100 mg/kg剂量添加熏蒸剂, 在室内模拟田间熏蒸剂在土壤内的散发, 并在不同温度(15、25、35℃)和不同土壤含水量(6%、10%、15%)等条件下分别对5种熏蒸剂的散发进行监测。同时拟合出5种熏蒸剂的累计散发量随时间变化的Logistic模型, R2均高于0.98, 拟合度较好。本研究为熏蒸剂的合理化利用、减少农药滥用、减轻环境压力提供一定参考。     

设施黄瓜根结线虫化学防治技术研究

为了探索简便、安全、高效防控蔬菜根结线虫技术,更好地指导设施蔬菜生产,进行了98.1%1,3-二氯丙烯·氯化苦胶囊剂不同剂量、不同施药深度、施药后覆膜与否和定植前后施药对设施蔬菜根结线虫的防治效果研究。结果表明,用98.1%1,3-二氯丙烯·氯化苦胶囊剂20kg/667m~2进行土壤熏蒸处理,闷棚后定植优于定植后施药处理,施药后覆膜优于不覆膜处理对蔬菜根结线虫的防治效果,不同施药深度对根结线虫的防治效果没有明显差异,本研究对于设施蔬菜根结线虫防治措施的制定具有重要的指导意义。     

Efficacy of methyl iodide and synergy with chloropicrin for control of fungi

Efficacy of soil fumigation with methyl bromide and methyl iodide against Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, Gliocladium virens, Phytophthora citricola, Phytophthora citrophthora, Pythium ultimum, Rhizoctonia solani and Verticillium dahliae was determined in laboratory experiments in closed fumigation chambers. Pythium ultimum was the most sensitive fungal species with EC₅₀ values for methyl bromide and methyl iodide of 15.5 and 8.6 µM , respectively. R solani was the least sensitive with EC₅₀ values of 253.4 and 161.4 µM for methyl bromide and methyl iodide, respectively. Relative potency ([methyl bromide]/[methyl iodide]) values ranged from 5.2 for P citricola to 1.5 for F oxysporum. Methyl iodide was 2.7 more efficacious than methyl bromide averaged over all fungal species. Methyl bromide/chloropicrin and methyl iodide/chloropicrin applied jointly were 2.2 and 2.8 times more efficacious, respectively, against F oxysporum than when the compounds were applied singly. Combining methyl bromide and methyl iodide with chloropicrin resulted in a significant synergistic increase in activity against F oxysporum. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of surface treatments and application shanks on nematode, pathogen and weed control with 1,3-dichloropropene

BACKGROUND: Preplant fumigation with methyl bromide (MeBr) has been used for control of soilborne pests in high‐value annual, perennial and nursery crops, but is being phased out. In 2007 and 2008, research trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of surface treatments and two application shanks on pest control with 1,3‐dicloropropene (1,3‐D) in perennial crop nurseries. RESULTS: All 1,3‐D treatments controlled nematodes similarly to MeBr. Application of 1,3‐D with virtually impermeable film (VIF) reduced Fusarium oxysporum compared with unfumigated plots, but was not as effective as MeBr. Applications of 1,3‐D with VIF or 1,3‐D followed by metam sodium reduced Pythium spp., but 1,3‐D followed by intermittent water seals was comparable with the untreated plots. When sealed with high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) film or VIF, 1,3‐D generally was as effective as MeBr for reducing weed density and total weed biomass, but weed control was reduced by intermittent water seals and in unsealed plots subsequently re‐treated with additional 1,3‐D or metam sodium. CONCLUSION: Applications of 1,3‐D sealed with HDPE or VIF film or with intermittent water seals can control nematodes similarly to MeBr. However, additional management practices may be needed for effective pathogen and weed control if plastic film is not used. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

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     

Distribution and efficacy of drip-applied metam-sodium against the survival of Rhizoctonia solani and yellow nutsedge in plastic-mulched sandy soil beds

The effects of metam-sodium application rate on soil residence time, spatial and temporal distributions of methyl isothiocyanate and pest control efficacy were studied in a Georgia sandy soil. Metam-sodium 420 g L(-1) SL was drip applied at rates of 147 and 295 L ha(-1) in plastic-mulched raised beds. Methyl isothiocyanate concentrations in soil air space were monitored from four preselected sites: 10 and 20 cm below the emitter, and 20 and 30 cm laterally away from the emitter at 3, 12, 24, 48, 72, 120 and 240 h after chemigation. A higher rate of metam-sodium application resulted in higher methyl isothiocyanate concentrations in the soil. Highest methyl isothiocyanate concentrations were found at 20 cm below the emitter, and lowest at 30 cm laterally away from the emitter. Methyl isothiocyanate concentrations decreased with time and distance from the emitter. Lower methyl isothiocyanate concentration x time product values at 20 and 30 cm away from the emitter resulted in lower mortalities of Rhizoctonia solani Kühn and yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.). The results demonstrated that methyl isothiocyanate can be delivered at lethal doses with drip-applied water downward within the beds. Lateral diffusion of methyl isothiocyanate from the point of application did not reach biologically active concentrations to affect the survival of R. solani or yellow nutsedge. Further studies on the lateral distribution of methyl isothiocyanate in sandy soils are needed to circumvent this limitation.