Performance of Methyl Bromide Alternatives in Strawberry

Field studies were conducted to compare the performance of several methyl bromide (MBr) alternative programs on sting nematode ( Belonolaimus spp.) control and marketable yield of ‘Camarosa’ strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa ). The tested fumigation programs were 1) MBr + chloropicrin (Pic; 67:33 v/v) at 350 lb/acre, 2) Pic + metam sodium (MNa) at 300 lb/acre and 37.5 gal/acre, 3) 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) + Pic at 35 gal/acre, 4) 1,3-D + Pic and dazomet at 35 gal/acre and 200 lb/acre, 5) propylene oxide at 45 gal/acre, 6) furfural + allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) at 600 lb/acre, 7) furfural and MNa at 56 and 50 gal/acre, 8) furfural + AITC at 400 lb/acre followed by four furfural applications of 6 gal/acre/injection, 9) furfural and MNa at 37 and 33 gal/acre followed by four furfural applications of 6 gal/acre/injection, 10) fosthiazate and Pic at 4.5 and 150 lb/acre, and 11) a nontreated control. The fumigation programs consisting of 1,3-D + Pic and dazomet, 1,3-D + Pic, Pic and MNa, and fosthiazate and Pic proved to be as valuable as the grower-standard MBr + Pic on strawberry plant vigor, sting nematode control, and early and total marketable yields.