Management of 1,3-dichloropropene in pineapple for efficacy and reduced volatile losses

Abstract

Two application methods, single- and double-chisel injection of the fumigant nematicide 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) were evaluated for efficacy and environmental fate in pineapple field experiments. The objectives were to compare the 1,3-D soil distribution between injection methods, evaluate volatile losses to the atmosphere, and to determine efficacy with each method. In a small-plot field experiment, 1,3-D (224, 337, and 393 1 ha −1) was manually injected 30 cm deep with fumiguns to simulate the commercial practice of a single- or double-chisel injection per planting bed. 1,3-D concentrations in the soil atmosphere and in soil samples were determined and compared to nematode control. In two large-scale field experiments, 1,3-D (224 1 ha −1) was applied with commercial injection equipment with and without polyethylene mulch. Air monitoring for 1,3-D showed a reduction in 1,3-D air emissions with single-chisel injection compared with double-chisel injection. In all experiments, the two injection methods resulted in equivalent 1,3-D concentrations in the plant line. Single-chisel injection resulted in improved retention of 1,3-D within the planting bed as shown by low 1,3-D soil concentrations in the interbed. Nematode counts and bioassay studies found equivalent nematode control in the planting bed with either injection method. The single-chisel method, however, resulted in reduced nematode control in the interbed region.