Concentrations in soil and efficacy of drip-applied 1,3-D+chloropicrin and metam sodium in plastic-mulched sandy soil beds

Concentrations in soil and efficacy of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D)+chloropicrin and methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) against the survival of Phytophthora capcisi, Rhizoctonia solani and yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) were studied in plastic-mulched Southern Georgia sandy soil beds. Beds were treated with InLine (60.8% 1,3-D+33.3% chloropicrin) at 93.5, 187, and 280.5 l ha−1 and Vapam (42% metam sodium) 233.8, 467.5 and 701.3 l ha−1. 1,3-D+chloropicrin and MITC concentrations in soil were monitored after drip application for 7 d and 240 h, respectively, from pre-selected sites in beds. 1,3-D+chloropicrin and MITC concentrations decreased with time and distance from the emitter. Survival of P. capsici, R. solani and yellow nutsedge in treated beds was higher with distance from the emitter. These methyl bromide alternatives did not diffuse laterally at effective concentrations beyond the point of application. Improved application techniques are required to improve the lateral distribution of these alternatives.