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Fumigation efficacy and emission reduction using low‐permeability film in orchard soil fumigation
Author(s) -
Gao Suduan,
Sosnoskie Lynn M,
Cabrera Jose Alfonso,
Qin Ruijun,
Hanson Bradley D,
Gerik James S,
Wang Dong,
Browne Greg T,
Thomas John E
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.3993
Subject(s) - fumigation , chloropicrin , carbonation , environmental science , agronomy , orchard , soil water , biology , chemistry , soil science , organic chemistry
BACKGROUND Many orchards use fumigation to control soilborne pests prior to replanting. Controlling emissions is mandatory to reduce air pollution in California. This research evaluated the effects of plastic film type [polyethylene ( PE ) or totally impermeable film ( TIF )], application rate of Telone C35 [full (610 kg ha −1 ), 2/3 or 1/3 rates] and carbonation at 207 kPa on fumigant transport (emission and in soil) and efficacy. RESULTS While increasing fumigant concentrations under the tarp, TIF reduced emissions >95% (∼2% and <1% of total applied 1,3‐dichloropropene and chloropicrin respectively) relative to bare soil, compared with ∼30% reduction by PE . All fumigation treatments, regardless of film type, provided good nematode control above 100 cm soil depth; however, nematode survival was high at deeper depths. Weed emergence was mostly affected by tarping and fumigant rate, with no effects from the carbonation. CONCLUSION TIF can effectively reduce fumigant emissions. Carbonation under the studied conditions did not improve fumigant dispersion and pest control. The 2/3 rate with TIF controlled nematodes as effectively as the full rate in bare soil or under the PE film to 100 cm soil depth. However, control of nematodes in deeper soil remains a challenge for perennial crops. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.