USE OF 1,3-D IN TOMATO CROP PRODUCTION: AN ANALYSIS OF ITS ROLE USING AN ECOSYSTEM SERVICES APPROACH

Abstract

With the damages caused to plant roots, nematodes may affect the growth and yield of fruit and vegetable crops, and the income earned by farmers at harvest time. Available solutions include chemical treatments such as 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), physical treatments, such as solarisation and biological treatments, all acts through soil disinfestation with diverse specificities. In this context, 1,3-D represents a specific option as it targets nematodes and may be used in both open field and protected crop production. In order to characterise the risks and benefits associated with the use of 1,3-D in crop protection according to a reasoned application frequency, an Ecosystem Services (ES) framework was applied to its use in the control of nematodes in tomato cultivation in southern Italy. A Net Ecosystem Services Analysis (NESA) framework was developed to conceptualise potential routes of exposure and effects to ES. In support of this study, surveys of tomato growers in the Puglia and Sicily regions of Italy were undertaken to gather information on the socio-economics and the management practices of tomato cultivation. The results of the evaluation were used to determine changes in ES in the absence of nematicide use and the effect on socio-economics and the environment posed by the discontinued use of this nematicide and the strategies that might be developed to minimise changes and enhance current ecosystem services for future generations. The study confirmed the benefits of 1,3-D to tomato production in Italy, with significant positive effects on production yields and farm income, as compared to limited and transient potential impacts on ecological indicators, particularly on soil function and on other services such as water quality, ecological food chain, pollination or air quality. This study opens new perspectives on the evolution of crop protection tools, in line with the recommendation of the Sustainable Use Directive.