Evaluation of Plantpro 45 and Plantpro 20EC as alternatives to Methyl Bromide soil fumigation for tomato production in Florida - Abstracts

Two formulations of a water-soluble, iodophor were evaluated as potential alternatives to methyl bromide soil fumigation by assessing their effects on growth, disease and yield of tomato. Three field trials evaluating Plantpro 45 and Plantpro 20EC were conducted in 2001 at two locations in central Florida. Plantpro 45 and Plantpro 20EC were applied through two drip irrigation lines and methyl bromide was shank applied in the bed. Methyl bromide treated soil consistently produced plants with increased shoot height, shoot weight, and root weight early in the season, healthier root condition and lower gall ratings throughout the season, and greater yields compared to both Plantpro formulations in two of three experiments. Both Plantpro formulations resulted in root-knot nematode populations in soil similar to the nontreated control soil in all studies. In fall experiments at both locations, plants in methyl bromide treated soil had less galling at the end of the season than both Plantpro formulations.