A simulation model for fate and transport of methyl bromide during fumigation in plastic‐mulched vegetable soil beds

A coupled water‐heat and chemical transport model was used to describe the fate and transport of methyl bromide fumigant in low‐density polyethylene plastic‐mulched soil beds used for vegetable production. Methyl bromide transport was described by convective‐dispersive processes including transformations through hydrolysis. Effects of non‐isothermal conditions on chemical transport were considered through inclusion of temperature effects on transport parameters. An energy‐balance approach was used to describe the plastic‐mulched boundary condition that controls the thermal regime within the soil bed. Simulations were made for variable water‐saturation regimes within the bed and for different depths of fumigant injection. Simulations for various scenarios revealed that large amounts (20–44% over a 7‐day period) of applied methyl bromide are lost from the un‐mulched furrows between the beds. Plastic mulching of the bed was found to be only partially effective (11–29% emission losses over a 7‐day period) in reducing atmospheric emissions. Deep injection of fumigant and saturating the soil with water both led to increased retention of methyl bromide within the soil and less emission to the atmosphere. However, deep injection was unfavorable for effective sterilization of the crop root zone. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Distribution of methyl bromide in soils treated for nematode control in replant vineyards

Methyl bromide was applied with and without polyethylene covers at rates of 337, 449, 673 and 898 kg/ha to replant vineyard soils to control plant parasitic nematodes. Distribution of the gas in the soil atmosphere at different depths was measured by gas chromatography. Higher doses, low soil moisture and deeper placement of methyl bromide resulted in more rapid soil penetration and higher concentrations of the gas at the deeper soil levels. Placement of methyl bromide in the soil at 0.76-0.81 m without polyethylene cover resulted in gas distribution at concentrations sufficient for nematode kill as deep as 2.44 m.     

Conversion of metham-sodium to methyl isothiocyanate and basic data on the behaviour of methyl isothiocyanate in soil

Data were collected that are needed to simulate soil fumigation with metham-sodium with computation models. The rate of conversion of metham-sodium into methyl isothiocyanate was dependent on temperature and soil type, and conversion was usually completed within a few hours. In comparison with dichloropropene, there was a higher water/gas distribution ratio and thus a slower vapour diffusion. Adsorption from the water phase onto the solid phase was weaker. The first-order rate equation described the decomposition of methyl isothiocyanate and the half-lives varied from a few days to a few weeks according to temperature and soil type.     

Fumigation with methyl bromide II. Equipment and methods for sampling and analysing deep field soil atmospheres

Procedures were developed for the rapid sampling of deep soil atmospheres in the field and analysing them by gas chromatography. The methods described here have been used in studies on the diffusion of methyl bromide in relation to the control of Armillaria mellea.     

Control of Rosollinia necatrix by Deep Placement and Hot Treatment with Methyl Bromide1

Rosellinia necatrix , the cause of white root rot in fruit trees, was efficiently controlled in an infested avocado orchard soil, by applying methyl bromide by deep injection (up to 90 cm) of cold gas and by surface application of hot gas, at a dosage (for heavy soil) of 1500 kg/ha and 1000 kg/ha, respectively. Efficiency of control was evaluated: 1) by testing pieces of naturally diseased avocado roots buried in the soil before treatment at different depths up to 100 cm; 2) by planting avocado and almonds in the treated field and in soil samples; 3) by burying avocado leaves in the soil samples. All the evaluaton tests showed that both treatments of methyl bromide were effective in controlling R. necatrix completely up to the depth of 100 cm, immediately and 9 months after treatment.     

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.     

Influence of plastic mulching and disinfection on the fungal flora of soils in Belgium1

Plastic mulching was tested in Belgium over several years as a method for modifying the population of pathogens and saprophytic fungi in the soil, both in the glasshouse and in the field. The plastic film was kept on the soil for 3 or 6 months, and treatments with formaldehyde, methyl bromide or dazomet were also applied. In the glasshouse the fungal flora was decreased after 6 months’plastic cover without disinfectants, especially for Mucor and Rhizoctonia, but Trichoderma was favoured. The plastic layer together with formaldehyde resulted in 50% killing of soil fungi. In the field with plastic layer only, there was a slight decrease in some fungi and an average increase in bacteria. With plastic combined with formaldehyde (250 ml m^-2), methyl bromide (100 gm^-2) or dazomet (80 g m^-2), better results were obtained. Fungi were reduced 75% with formaldehyde and 80–100% with methyl bromide or dazomet depending on soil depth. Qualitatively there was a clear shift towards Trichoderma, while pathogenic fungi such as Verticillium and Fusarium were nearly 100% killed.     

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.     

Concentration-time relationships for methyl isothiocyanate in soil after injection of metham-sodium

Soil fumigation with metham-sodium in the field was studied in detail by characterising soil and climatic conditions, and by measuring concentrations of methyl isothiocyanate. The effectiveness of two dosages in two contrasting soil profiles was compared on the basis of computed concentration-time products for methyl isothiocyanate in the water phase. Under wet conditions, the vapour diffusion of methyl isothiocyanate was very slow and resulted in an irregular distribution in the soil. Showers further decreased effectiveness in the upper part of the soil. A dried top layer was unfavourable for the concentration-time product near to the surface. Diffusion of methyl isothiocyanate to depths greater than about 30 cm was very slow.     

Influence of methyl bromide soil fumigation method on fungicidal efficacy and bromide residues

Highest inorganic bromine residues (30 ppm) were found when soil was fumigated with liquid methyl bromide (MB) introduced by conventional means into evaporating dishes. With preheated (vaporized) MB or injection of MB/chloropicrin (CP) mixtures, bromide concentrations were reduced by 50%. They were uniform throughout the soil (0 to 60 cm) except after MB/CP injection, when larger residues were found in the 30-60 cm layer. Leaching with 2000 m^p3/ha (20 cm) of water always reduced bromide content to 7.5 and 10 ppm at the 0-30 and 30-60 cm depth, respectively. Organic amendments to soils substantially increased bromide levels up to 118 ppm, most of which was found in the upper soil layers; two teachings with 2000 m^p3 /ha water were required to return the soils to their normal state.Sclerotium rolfsii andFusarium oxysporum f. sp.dianthi cultures buried in soil were eliminated from the upper 30 cm with MB applied either conventionally or preheated. At 50 cm, 500 kg/ha of the preheated gas was superior to 1000 kg/ha of the cold gas. All MB fumigations suppressed carnation flower yields compared with CP alone but were superior to no treatment. After leaching, MB-fumigated soils yielded the highest number of flowers.     

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.     

The effect of methyl bromide fumigation on rhizomania inoculum in the field

The first outbreak of rhizomania disease in the UK occurred in 1987 and was limited to a single sugar-beet crop in Suffolk. In an attempt to prevent the spread of this disease, the crop was first destroyed by herbicide. In 1988, to reduce the level of rhizomania still present in the soil, the field was treated with methyl bromide at a rate of 900 kg/ha prior to seeding for permanent pasture. Levels of methyl bromide were monitored during the fumigation. A mean concentration time product of 5500 mgh/1 was achieved after 72 h at the soil surface and of 3300-4100 mg-h/1 at a soil depth of 0.3 m after 24 h. Soil samples were taken from five plots across the field before and after fumigation. In the plot with the highest initial inoculum levels, further samples were taken at three depths down to 0.61 m. Sugar-beet seedlings were grown in all soil samples as a bait test for rhizomania inoculum. The presence or absence of Polymyxa betae was observed by microscopical examination, and an enzyme-linked immunoassay was used for the detection of beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV). The results showed that the methyl bromide treatment had reduced rhizomania inoculum and BNYVV in the soil to levels that were undetectable by the procedures used.     

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.     

Influence of transport on gas loss from freight containers under fumigation. Part I: Experimental investigation

The rate of gas interchange between the atmosphere within a freight container and the external air has an important influence on the effectiveness of in-container fumigation. When a container is exposed to the wind or is in motion, the rate of gas interchange may be much greater than that under static conditions. The effect of motion or wind on gas interchange was studied by observing gas loss from freight containers, both empty and loaded with rice, while stationary and while being transported by rail. The gas interchange rate was determined by measuring the rate of loss from the containers of either a combination of a fumigant, methyl bromide, and a relatively inert tracer gas, carbon monoxide, or of carbon monoxide alone. In loaded containers the difference between the loss rate constants of methyl bromide and carbon monoxide (0.29.0.03d^?1) was within the range expected for the reaction of methyl bromide with rice. After allowing for gas loss caused by changes in temperature and pressure, the component of the interchange rate constant attributable to air motion was found to be proportional to gas-tightness as measured by a steady-state pressure test, and also to the relative air speed over the container. Under conditions of varying wind and train speed, the fraction of the initial concentration of gas remaining was found to be an exponential function of wind run past the container. When wind effects were not important, it was found to be an exponential function of distance travelled.     

Diffusion and emissions of 1,3-dichloro propene in Florida sandy soil in microplots affected by soil moisture, organic matter, and plastic film

The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of soil moisture, organic matter amendment and plastic cover (a virtually impermeable film, VIF) on diffusion and emissions of (Z)- and (E)-1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) in microplots of Florida sandy soil (Arredondo fine sand). Upward diffusion of the two isomers in the Arredondo soil without a plastic cover was greatly influenced by soil-water content and (Z)-1,3-D diffused faster than (E)-1,3-D. In less than 5 h after 1,3-D injection to 30 cm depth, (Z)- and (E)-1,3-D in air dry soil had diffused to a 10 cm depth, whereas diffusion for the two isomers was negligible in near-water-saturated soil, even 101 h after injection. The diffusion rate of (Z)- and (E)-1,3-D in near-field-capacity soil was between the rates in the two water regimes. Yard waste compost (YWC) amendment greatly reduced diffusion of (Z)- and (E)-1,3-D, even in air-dry soil. Although upward diffusion of (Z)- and (E)-1,3-D in soil with VIF cover was slightly less than in the corresponding bare soil; the cover promoted retention of vapors of the two isomers in soil pore air in the shallow subsurface. More (Z)-1,3-D vapor was found initially in soil pore air than (E)-1,3-D although the difference declined thereafter. As a result of rapid upward movement in air-dry bare soil, (Z)- and (E)-1,3-D were rapidly volatilized into the atmosphere, but emissions from the near-water-saturated soil were minimal. Virtually impermeable film and YWC amendment retarded emissions. This study indicated that adequate soil water in this sandy soil is needed to prevent rapid emissions, but excess soil water slows diffusion of (Z)- and (E)-1,3-D. Thus, management for optimum water in soil is critical for pesticidal efficacy and the environment.     

Characterization of propargyl bromide transformation in soil

Propargyl bromide is being investigated for its potential as a soil fumigant. Characterization of the fate of propargyl bromide in soil is important in determining both efficacy and the threat of environmental contamination. These experiments investigated some of the factors affecting the rate of propargyl bromide degradation in soil and quantified some of the products formed as a result of propargyl bromide degradation in four soils of differing composition and at three initial propargyl bromide concentrations. In all soils at all initial propargyl bromide concentrations, equimolar formation of Br- was observed during propargyl bromide degradation, but little propargyl alcohol (product of hydrolysis) was formed. The apparent first-order degradation coefficient (k) increased with decreasing initial propargyl bromide concentration in all soils, but the mass degraded per unit time increased with increasing propargyl bromide concentration. The rate of propargyl bromide degradation increased with increasing soil organic matter content, and the k value was correlated to the organic carbon content of the soil (correlation coefficient > 0.97 for all concentrations). Repeated application of propargyl bromide did not increase the rate of propargyl bromide degradation in soil. Addition of Br- did not affect the rate of propargyl bromide transformation in soil, so accumulation of Br- in the soil is not expected to impede propargyl bromide degradation.     

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。     

Effects of sodium azide and methyl bromide on soil bacterial populations,enzymic activities and other biological variables

The application of a granular formulation of sodium azide (Smite 8G), to pine nursery beds at rates of 0, 22.4, 67.2 and 134.5 kg active ingredient ha^?1 under water seal or plastic seal, was compared over a 1-year period with methyl bromide, applied at a rate of 650 kg ha^?1, to determine the effects of soil bacterial populations, soil enzymic activities, development of mycorrhizal roots, weed population and incidence of root diseases. Bacterial populations at 24 days after treatment had increased in proportion to the amount of sodium azide added; however, highest numbers of bacteria were recorded from the methyl bromide-treated plot. At the last sampling date no significant differences were observed in bacterial populations among treatments. Neither sodium azide nor methyl bromide caused permanent changes in soil enzymic activities or adversely affected mycorrhizal root development on pine seedlings. Sodium azide at 134.5 kg ha^?1 and methyl bromide both significantly decreased the number of Cyperus spp. plants in plots; however, the number of pine seedlings exhibiting a root disease was highest in plots receiving these treatments.     

硫酰氟——溴甲烷土壤消毒潜在的替代品

初步试验表明,硫酰氟25~50 g/m2对土壤真菌(Fusarium sp.)、线虫均有良好的杀灭效果,防治后番茄产量与使用溴甲烷50 g/m2相当。硫酰氟蒸汽压高,穿透性强,可杀死深土层中的线虫及病原菌。由于其在常温下是气体,即使在冬天使用,也不需要搭小拱棚或采用"热法"施药,因此比使用溴甲烷更为方便;使用时也不像威百亩那样需要专用的施药设备。因此,硫酰氟是溴甲烷土壤消毒很有前景的替代品。     

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