PCC MarchApril Final Draft
Life After Methyl Bromide in California Berries Growers lean on newer fumigant alternatives to control key weed and disease pests. BY WARREN E. CLARK, Contributing Writer When methyl bromide was banned in 2005, California strawberry growers lost an effective tool in their crop care toolbox to control weeds, soilborne diseases, nematodes and symphylans. Special-use permits allowed them to continue using the fumigant through 2016, but growers feared final loss of the powerful soil fumigant might be the end of profitable production. The California Strawberry Commission agreed, noting that elimination of methyl bromide fumigation brought forth several soilborne diseases for which there is no post-plant control. Of particular concern were Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. fragariae), Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahlia) and charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina), according to the California Strawberry Commission. But once again, necessity proved to be the “mother of invention,” said independent agronomist and PCA Lee Stoeckle, owner of Stoeckle Agricultural Consulting in Ventura, Calif. Stoeckle has advised strawberry and caneberry growers for more than 30 years, and he noted that effective alternative fumigants have taken up the methyl bromide void and are now widely and successfully used. While California strawberry acreage has fallen, total production has actually increased thanks to innovation and application of new technology. Stoeckle’s family-owned business provides recommendations on 3,000 acres of strawberries and 100 acres of blackberries in Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County and 2,000 acres of strawberries in Ventura County. In addition, he consults on production of 800 acres of strawberry and 250 acres of raspberries in Baja Mexico. While he is primarily responsible for above-ground insect and disease control, he doesn’t write fumigation recommendations but instead advises based on what he learns about weeds and soil pathogens. A One-Two Punch Top problem soilborne diseases, according to Stoeckle, are Fusarium, Macrophomina, Phytophthora, Anthracnose and Verticillium wilt. Top Continued on Page 44 42 Progressive Crop Consultant March / April 2021
Go boldly into every battle. Including the one for your crops. They say farming is tougher than ever — like you didn’t already know that. You also know that allies still matter in the fight to protect crops. Allies like Atticus. We make branded-generic herbicides, fungicides and insecticides you can count on, and back them up with the expertise necessary for victory. Fierce times call for fierce partners. Find yours at AtticusLLC.com. ATTICUSLLC.COM ©2020 Atticus. Important: Always read and follow label instructions.
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Go boldly into every battle.<br />
Including the one for your crops.<br />
They say farming is tougher than ever — like you didn’t already<br />
know that. You also know that allies still matter in the fight to<br />
protect crops. Allies like Atticus. We make branded-generic<br />
herbicides, fungicides and insecticides you can count on, and<br />
back them up with the expertise necessary for victory. Fierce<br />
times call for fierce partners. Find yours at AtticusLLC.com.<br />
ATTICUSLLC.COM<br />
©2020 Atticus. Important: Always read and follow label instructions.
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