- Author: Chris M. Webb
Steam has been used successfully to disinfest soil in greenhouse production since the 1880’s. The steam heats the soil enough to kill weeds, pathogens, nematodes and more.
Steam can be just as beneficial in the field, but can be slow and expensive. The old method is simply extremely inefficient; however, new methods and equipment are being developed to improve speed and cost and reduce energy consumption.
Why the interest in steam? Steam is a flexible non-fumigant option for growers who are producing crops in which fumigants are commonly applied. At this time steam systems appear most practical in: organic fields, buffer zones, and in areas with high fumigant demands.
A group of UC scientists are testing an assortment of soil disinfestation techniques, looking for the best combination of effectiveness and reasonable cost including combining steam and solarization or by using solarization alone.
The researchers on this project are collaborators of Farm Advisor Oleg Daugovish. A presentation of the study was given at a recent fumigants update meeting at the Ventura County Cooperative Extension office. This presentation has been archived on our website with sound.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Mustard is often used as a cover crop in Ventura County. There are many benefits to using this plant in fields including:
- Excellent weed competitors
- Taproot breaks soil compaction
- Abundant, fast-degrading biomass
- Drought tolerance
- Supports bees and natural enemies
- Contains allelochemicals
These allelochemical compounds in mustard are similar to those found in fumigants. Current research shows it is possible to use this green biomass to prepare fields for production.
A presentation of this research was recently given by Ventura County Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor Oleg Daugovish. This presentation has been archived on our website with sound.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Ventura County Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor Oleg Daugovish and collaborators recently held an alternative fumigants update meeting at our office. Part of the meeting was devoted to California regulations and research regarding methyl bromide and methyl iodide.
Both of these fumigants are of great concern to many people. Oleg has been working hard for many years to find safe and effective alternatives for growers to use.
The California Strawberry Commission’s regulations and research presentation has been archived on our website with sound. You may find this presentation and many others on this page of our website. Once there, scroll to the Fumigants section and click on California Strawberry Commission Regulations and Research Updates.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
Anaerobic soil disinfestation is being developed as an ecological alternative to methyl bromide.
It controls a range of soilborne pathogens and nematodes across a range of crops including: onion, tomatoes, strawberries, eggplant, spinach and peppers.
Farm Advisor Oleg Daugovish and collaborators recently held an alternative fumigants update meeting at the Ventura County Cooperative Extension office. Part of the meeting was devoted to anaerobic soil disinfestation.
The presentation has been archived on our website with sound. You may find this presentation and many others on this page of our website.
- Author: Chris M. Webb
In Belgium, raising greenhouse strawberries in substrate (soil-less culture) is quite successful. Several California researchers are looking for ways to adjust this process for outdoor strawberry production in our state.
“Why?,” might be the question on many minds. The advantages of growing in substrate are: minimal plant diseases and weeds, and therefore no need to fumigate.
The researchers on this project are collaborators of Farm Advisor Oleg Daugovish. A presentation of the study was given at a recent fumigants update meeting at the Ventura County Cooperative Extension office. This presentation, which is also a great example of set-up, design, and overcoming problems encountered during research, has been archived on this page of our website with sound.
