Researchers To Put 3 Major Crop Threats On Trial
August 1, 2015 
UF/IFAS researcher Dr. Gary Vallad addresses questions during the 2014 Florida Ag Expo about nematicide options.
Photo by Paul Rusnak
Weeds, nematodes, and soilborne diseases all have been on the increase in the years since the fool-proof fumigant methyl bromide was phased out. Three researchers in the middle of the battle with these pests will share their knowledge during the 2015 Florida Ag Expo.
Nematodes
Joe Noling, a nematologist with UF/IFAS, will provide a summary of research projects on nematode control.
“I will tell attendees that most of the alternative fumigants with low vapor pressure and high boiling point are unable to distribute vertically in the soil below the traffic pan (and oftentimes horizontally to the bed shoulders) with current delivery and application methods originally developed for methyl bromide,” Noling says. “The new approach separately targets fumigant treatments to areas above (Zone 1) and below the traffic pan (Zone 2).”
Noling will share with attendees results of testing with deep shank fumigant applications, as well as drip.
Soilborne Disease
Gary Vallad, a UF/IFAS plant pathologist, will address increasing soilborne disease pressure in crops. Disease pressures also have increased by the inability of current alternative products to move within the bed.
“I will show attendees the benefit of a strategy to apply supplemental fumigant along bed edges below the plastic to manage Fusarium wilt and improve the overall vigor and yield of tomato; including some of the considerations for making the strategy work,” Vallad says.
Weeds
Nathan Boyd, a UF/IFAS weed scientist, will tackle the topic of weed pressure in plastic bed crops.
“Most Florida growers report poor or inconsistent weed control with the alternative fumigants compared to methyl bromide,” Boyd says. “Weed control moving forward will rely on more integrated approaches that include effective fallow programs, fumigants, and herbicides. Herbicide selection, application timing, and application technique should vary with fumigant programs and with the weeds that occur in the field.”
For the eighth consecutive year, DuPont Crop Protection is sponsoring special coverage of the Florida Ag Expo with pre- and post-event content. Stay tuned for more in the coming months.