Effects of 1,3-dichloropropene on nematode, weed seed viability and soil-borne pathogen

1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D, C3H4Cl2) is one of the potential candidates as soil disinfectant since the restriction of methyl bromide (MeBr) in soil fumigation due to its ecological risk. Its nematode, soil-borne pathogen and weed control efficacies were evaluated in a laboratory dose-response study and in two commercial tomato fields. Laboratory studies found that the seeds of Digitaria chinensis Hornem. were the most sensitive to soil fumigation with 1,3-D, followed by Eleusina indica (Linn.) Gaertn., Echinochloa crusgalli (L) Beauv. and Amaranthus retroflexus L with the LC90 values between 14.23 and 73.59 mg kg(-1) soil. Among the pathogens, Phytophthora capsici Leonian was the most sensitive and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae was the least sensitive to 1,3-D fumigation with the LC50 values were 0.24 and 1.55 g m(-2). Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn., Phytophthora nicotianae var. nicotianae and Botrytis cinerea Persoon exhibited intermediate susceptibility. Field trials revealed that 1,3-D applied to the field at 180, 120 and 80 L ha(-1) could suppress Meloidogyne incognita root galling while maintaining high tomato marketable yields, better than Dazomet at the concentration of 400 kg ha(-1). Our results indicated that 1,3-D was an excellent nematicide and could provide good to moderate weed and pathogen control. Based on our results, 1,3-D, in combination with other alternatives to MeBr is recommended to reach an integrated pest management. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.