- 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 This presentation has been archived on our website with sound.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 This presentation has been archived on our website with sound.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The California Strawberry Commission’s regulations and research presentation has been archived on our website with sound.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
Spotted wing drosophila (previously known as the cherry vinegar fruit fly) is an invasive species that was first spotted in California in August 2008 in Santa Cruz County. It can now be found all throughout California and further north to Canada and arrived in our area late last spring. It has been found on a variety of commercial and backyard host crops including: cherry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, strawberry, boysenberry, varieties of Japanese plums, plumcots, and nectarines.
The spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is native to Southeast Asia. It lays its eggs in fresh soft fruit underneath the skin. The larvae hatch and then burrow inside the fruit to continue their development. In the earliest stage of infestation there is virtually no visible signs of damage to fruit. This pest has the potential to create severe economic losses for commercial growers and a loss of produce at home and community gardens.
Much work is being done by UC researchers throughout the state to find safe and effective ways to combat this insect. Monitoring is being conducted in Ventura County by Farm Advisors Oleg Daugovish and Ben Faber, Research Associate Maren Mochizuki, and Lab Assistant Marjie Bartels.
What can you do? Stay informed. Up-to-date information regarding this pest can be found on the UCR Center for Invasive Species Research website .
A prior version of this post incorrectly stated SWD had been found in apples and pears. There have been no reports of damage to these fruits in California or Oregon. For further information, please refer to this UC IPM page.
- 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.