Chloropicrin as a Soil Fumigation Treatment in Southern Pine Nurseries

Because of concerns over the ozone layer, the annual amount of methyl bromide used for soil fumigation for crop production is decreasing. A promising alternative soil fumigation treatment involves applying 300 lb/ac of chloropicrin (CCl3NO2) under a plastic tarp. Although this soil fumigant does not control weeds as well as an equivalent amount of methyl bromide, chloropicrin is an effective strategy for controlling many soilborne pests. The total amount of chloropicrin used for fumigation in southern pine nurseries will likely increase as use of methyl bromide fumigation declines.