Comparing methyl bromide alternatives for soilborne disease, nematode and weed management in fresh market tomato

Three field trials were conducted with alternatives to methyl bromide (MBr) fumigation programs to control soilborne diseases, nematodes, and weeds in fresh market tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Treatments compared combinations of promising MBr alternatives, such as 1,3-dichloropropene+chloropicrin (1,3-D+Pic) applied with various herbicides, and virtually impermeable film (VIF); Pic in combination with metam sodium (MNa) or pebulate and fosthiazate; propylene oxide; and sodium azide. There was a non-treated control in each season. In all three planting seasons, the fumigation programs composed of: (a) 1,3-D+Pic with either napropamide+halosulfuron, metolachlor, or trifloxysulfuron, (b) Pic followed by MNa, and (c) Pic, fosthiazate and pebulate were as effective as MBr+Pic. During two of the seasons, 1,3-D+Pic with VIF, sodium azide at 85 kg/ha, and propylene oxide were consistently equal to MBr+Pic.