Evaluation of ethanedinitrile (EDN) as a preplant soil fumigant in Florida Strawberry Production.

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nEthanedinitrile (EDN) has shown promising efficacy against weeds, plant-parasitic nematodes, and soilborne pathogens. Field experiments were conducted for three strawberry (Fragaria× ananassa D.) seasons in Balm and Dover, FL to evaluate the control efficacy of EDN applied through drip tape on various weed species and the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina, the causal agent of charcoal rot of strawberry.\n\n\nRESULTS\nResults revealed that 224, 336, 448, or 560\u2009kg\u2009ha-1 EDN, and 104\u2009kg\u2009ha-1 1,3-D\u2009+\u2009176\u2009kg\u2009ha-1 Pic applied through drip tapes under the totally impermeable film (TIF) were safe for strawberry production, with no adverse effect on strawberry growth and yield. EDN rates at 224, 336, 448, and 560\u2009kg\u2009ha-1 were highly efficacious and equally effective in reducing purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) in two of three growing seasons. Compared to the efficacy on purple nutsedge, the evaluated EDN rates were generally less effective on various broadleaf and grass weeds emerging on the bare ground and planting holes, but at 560\u2009kg\u2009ha-1 consistently exhibited similar level of control as 1,3-D\u2009+\u2009Pic. For M. phaseolina, the evaluated EDN rates were more efficacious than 1,3-D\u2009+\u2009Pic and significantly reduced inoculum buried in different bed locations in plastic-mulched beds.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nEDN has potential to be an efficacious tool for soil disinfestation and weed control in plasticulture strawberry production. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.