INTEGRATION OF ALLYL-ISOTHIOCYANATE, STEAM AND EXOTHERMIC COMPOUNDS FOR SOIL DISINFESTATION IN STRAWBERRY NURSERIES

This is an integrated project focused on alternatives to methyl bromide (MB). This proposal is relevant to the goal of the MBT to support development of alternatives to MB - through development of fumigant and nonfumigant treatments for strawberry plant nurseries.Strawberry nurseries must provide a high level of sanitation to produce healthy plants and avoid pest dispersal. Strawberry nurseries continue to use MB for control of soilborne pests under the quarantine and preshipment exemption (QPS). Concerns about long-term availability of MB and lack of a suitable alternative to MB mean that reliable fumigant and non-fumigant alternatives are urgently needed for the U.S. strawberry nursery industry.Steam is a dependable non-fumigant method of soil disinfestation that controls soilborne pathogens and weeds in field soils. Previous USDA NIFA MBT funded research found that fumigant allyl isothiocyanate co-applied with steam enhanced pathogen control. We propose to develop an integrated soil disinfestation system designed for strawberry nurseries. We request funds: (1) to purchase a steam generator and mount it on an existing steam applicator; (2) evaluate and demonstrate the new steam applicator; (3) integrate steam with fumigants and exothermic additives for soil disinfestation in strawberry nurseries; (4) perform economic analyses of treatments and (5) deliver results to industry, growers and the public. Proposed work will be at strawberry nurseries in California and North Carolina. We expect to develop an integrated soil disinfestation system based on steam and fumigants for strawberry nurseries in the United States and to transfer our findings to interested parties.