Four field trials were conducted on loamy fine sand soils in northern Florida U.S.A. to determine efficacy of soil fumigant alternatives to methyl bromide for control of root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.) and reniform (Rotylenchulus reniformis) nematodes in tomato. Tests were conducted with commercially available fumigants and arranged in randomized complete block designs containing five or six replications. Fumigants and combinations varied but generally included 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), methyl bromide (Mbr), and chloropicrin (Pic). Chemicals were applied on 0.91-cmwide raised beds formed in 1.8-m-wide rows. Black polyethylene mulch, drip irrigation, and trellising were used in the tomato production system. Data collection in these tests included fruit yield, root gall indices, and reniform nematode soil population densities. Mbr and Mbr + Pic generally resulted in greatest reduction in root galling and reniform nematode populations in these tests. The 1,3-D + Pic and Pic alone treatments, however, approximated Mbr treatments in yield but varied somewhat in nematode control. These data indicated that soil treatments with 1,3-D + Pic or Pic may be used as chemical alternatives to Mbr, but appropriate rates of these materials should be further explored.
