Project Number: 6618-22000-036-07
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Oct 01, 2006
End Date: Sep 14, 2009

Objective:
The goal of this proposed research is to develop short- to medium-term alternatives to methyl bromide for floriculture crops, with emphasis on cut flower production. The research is structured for the floriculture industry and will evaluate the most viable alternatives to methyl bromide that take into consideration both the complex production system and the entire range of pest problems (weeds, nematodes, and soil-borne diseases) encountered. This proposal aims to develop new alternatives that are practical and have efficacy comparable to methyl bromide fumigation. We anticipate that outcomes of this project will be appropriate to be readily adopted by growers for soil-borne pest management. Specific objectives are: 1. Compare most effective alternatives to methyl bromide in grower field sites. 2. Improve performance of best non-chemical practices relative to methyl bromide. i) Improve solarization by integrating with newly available biological and biorational products. ii) Evaluate and demonstrate practicality and performance of available solarization films. 3. Determine susceptibility of cut flower species to common plant nematodes and fungi. 4. Educate the floriculture community and students about methyl bromide alternatives for multiple-pest management.

Approach:
Field experiments will be conducted at two grower locations in southeastern Florida and one experimental farm in Citra, FL. Data will be collected on a variety of parameters in the field studies, including nematode population density, disease incidence and severity, root damage (nematode galling and disease rating), survival of fungal propagules, crop yield, and weed density. Treatments will include rates of methyl iodide previously shown to be efficacious against weeds, nematodes and fungal plant pathogens, reduced rates and formulations of methyl bromide applied under metalized film, and soil solarization. Treatments will be compared to standard methyl bromide application. Studies at the UF experimental farm will include the integration of biological and biorational products into production systems for control of key pests.