Project Number: 6602-22000-037-01
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Oct 01, 2006
End Date: Aug 31, 2009

Objective:
1) Implement large-scale methyl bromide alternative trial with growers; 2) Determine the most effective and economical methyl bromide alternative fumigant under various mulches; 3) Determine the interaction between methyl bromide alternatives and various mulches on timing of transplanting; 4) Investigate the impact of multiple season adoption of methyl bromide alternatives in terms of pest species composition; 5) Evaluate how mulches used in objectives 1-3 affect purple nutsedge growth and reproduction; 6) Compare the economic validity of objectives 1-4; and 7) Distribute results to growers, other scientists, registrant entities (including IR-4, EPA, and the agricultural chemical industry) through Extension efforts, field days, tours, electronic media (DVD will be produced), and published materials.

Approach:
The primary vegetables affected by the elimination of methyl bromide are fruiting vegetables (i.e., bell pepper, eggplant, and tomato) and cucurbit crops (i.e., squash, cucumber, watermelon, and cantaloupe). Field studies will be conducted on-farm in grower's fields using these crops in order to test whether effective alternatives identified in small-plot research can be scaled-up to the commercial level. Small-plot research will continue to evaluate the interactions between various types of mulches and potential methyl bromide alternatives and the resulting affect on crop growth and nutsedge response. The economic feasibility of each of these potential methyl bromide alternative systems will be evaluated and this information shared with customers and stakeholders.