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Preplant fumigation with methyl bromide commonly is used in open-field perennial crop nurseries in California for control of plantparasitic nematodes, pathogens and weeds. Because this fumigant is being phased out, alternatives are needed to ensure the productivity of the perennial crop nursery industry as well as the ornamental, orchard and vineyard production systems that depend on clean planting stock. As part of the USDA Area-Wide Pest Management Program for Integrated Methyl Bromide Alternatives, several perennial crop nursery projects were conducted in California from 2007 to 2011 to test and demonstrate registered alternative fumigants and application techniques that maximize performance and minimize environmental impacts. The project was designed to evaluate shank application and soil surface sealing methods intended to reduce aboveground emission and improve soil performance of 1,3-dichloropropene, a leading methyl bromide alternative for nurseries. In these garden rose and tree nursery experiments, 1,3-dichloropropene treatments performed well regardless of application techniques. In this article, we highlight recent research and discuss the significance and remaining challenges for adoption of methyl bromide alternatives in this unique nursery stock production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study to determine the effects of a low-permeability film known as totally impermeable film (TIF) on fumigant emissions and fumigant distribution in soil in Ventura County, California. Atmospheric emissions of fumigants from field treatment have drawn intensive environmental and human health concerns. Data collections from the study include emissions, soil-gas phase concentration profile and applied fumigants. The study reveals that TIF may allow strawberry growers in achieving satisfactory pest control with lower fumigant rates.

The article presents a study on methods for minimizing emissions from soil fumigation, the effectiveness of their emission reductions, and impacts on pest control and cost. It states that under the California regulations, minimizing emissions is significant for maintaining the practical use of soil fumigants. It notes water treatment or target-area fumigation may be used for crops with low profit margins.