UGA 3-WAY Fumigant System Replacing Methyl Bromide in Georgia

Summary

Georgia vegetable production in plasticulture currently accounts for a farm gate value of over $300 million. Methyl bromide has been the standard means of pest control for many of these crops. A diverse team of University of Georgia and USDA faculty have developed an alternative to methyl bromide which they termed as the UGA 3-WAY. This alternative system including Telone II, chloropicrin, and metam was used on over 70% of Georgia's fumigated plasticulture acreage during 2010.

Situation

Methyl bromide has been the primary means of managing many pests in Georgia vegetable production including weeds, nematodes, soil-borne pathogens, and insects. The greatest challenge in replacing methyl bromide has been obtaining adequate weed control with methyl bromide alternatives. Methyl bromide is rapidly being removed from the market place and it is essential Georgia growers adopt alternatives immediately.

Response

Research efforts began during 2002 with a massive effort to discover and implement alternatives to methyl bromide before it is no longer available, which will likely occur between 2011 and 2013. Over 35 experiments conducted in 5 counties on over 70 acres of land have been conducted in the search for economically effective alternatives to methyl bromide.

Impact

One methyl bromide alternative developed by a team at The University of Georgia was first recommended for use by growers' during 2007. Adoption has increased each year with 25, 40, 50, and 65% of Georgia's vegetable plasticulture acreage using this alternative during 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. These efforts were facilitated by on-farm research trials, field days, and county delivery methods. Growers using this program produce yields similar to methyl bromide and reduce input costs by at least $150 per acre. These efforts have helped growers replace methyl bromide on over 10,000 acres of land over the past four years saving Georgia growers in excess of $1.5 million.

State Issue

Agricultural Profitability and Sustainability

Details

• Year: 2010
• Geographic Scope: International
• County: Tift
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources