NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

Warren Bendixen, Strawberries/Soils and Water Farm Advisor

LOSS OF METHYL BROMIDE

Methyl Bromide has been the product of choice for for pre-plant fumigation of strawberries for years. But in January 2001 the amount of the fumigant available to growers will be 50 percent of the 1991 production level.

This decrease could reduce strawberry acreage and yields. Soil fumigation with methyl bromide accounts for 80 percent of the usage.

Growers need to become aware of the status of methyl bromide and the restrictions on alternative products.

Chemical alternatives to methyl bromide are being tested. In general, they provide 10-30 percent yield reductions. In California, Telone, Chloropicrin, and Metam sodium are the fumigants of choice. The strawberry plant-back period of 4-6 weeks beyond that of methyl bromide has major concerns for rotation of strawberries following strawberries.

Telone, one of the alternative products, has a 300-foot buffer zone if applied next to an occupied structure. It also is limited to 5,000-9,000 gallons per year within a township. This means it would not be available to the remaining growers in the area.

Chloropicrin, another alternative, and one of the chemicals in the methyl bromide applications, has restrictions.

Metam sodium can improve weed control and can be used following other fumigant applications. Lack of good weed control is going to be one of the major limitations of alternative fumigants. Hand-weeding strawberries under the plastic is very expensive.

The strawberry industry could potentially sustain a major economic hit from the loss of methyl bromide. This could affect the price and availability of strawberries to the consumer.