Methyl bromide alternatives for nematode and Cyperus control in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum)

Three field trials were conducted to determine the efficacy of fumigant and herbicide combinations on nematode and Cyperus control in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Various in-bed, broadcast and drip-applied fumigants were combined with napropamide, trifluralin, and a non-herbicide treated control. Results indicated that during all the three bell pepper seasons, metham sodium plus chloropicrin (MNa+Pic), and both the gas and emulsifiable formulations of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) plus Pic provided equal or better Meloidogyne control than methyl bromide (MBr) plus Pic. For Heterodera and Belonolaimus control, MNa+Pic and both formulations of 1,3-D+Pic were equally effective as MBr+Pic during the three bell pepper trials. For Cyperus control, the herbicides failed to improve weed control. For the fumigants, MBr+Pic consistently controlled the weed better than the others. However, most of the MBr alternatives reduced Cyperus populations with respect to the non-fumigant control. For bell pepper yield, the application of MNa and MNa+Pic provided similar fruit weight as for MBr+Pic in two of the three seasons.