Chemical alternatives for soil fumigation with methyl bromide on tobacco seedbeds in nematode and weed control.

The proposed phase out of methyl bromide necessitated the evaluation of a number of chemical alternatives to replace it. The recommended rate of application for methyl bromide, 50 g/m2 was evaluated over three years against various rates of 65% 1,3-Dichloropropene mixed with 35% chloropicrin (1,3-D/C-35); a combination of metham sodium and ethylene dibromide (EDB) and 65% 1,3-Dichloropropene (1,3-D) alone. Chloropicrin and 1,3-D have long been registered and used in Zimbabwe as individual chemicals and their combination as a single product had never been tested. 1,3-D/C-35 at 36.9 ml/m2 was as effective as methyl bromide in nematode and weed control and led to similar seed germination and seedling growth rate. A combination of EDB at 21 ml/m2 and metham sodium at 35 ml/m2 was also equally effective. The use of 1,3-D alone at 35 ml/m2 gave unsatisfactory weed control and led to a reduced seedling growth rate. Metham sodium alone at 35 ml/m2 gave comparable weed control, seed germination and seedling growth comparable with methyl bromide. However nematode control evaluated using a gall rating scale was reduced. 1,3-D/C-35 at 36.9 ml/m2 and metham sodium at 35 ml/m2 used in combination with EDB at 21 ml/m2 are therefore, possible replacements for methyl bromide soil fumigation in tobacco seedbeds.