Effects of Application Strategies of Fumigant and Nonfumigant Nematicides on Cantaloupe Grown in Deep Sand Soils in Florida

Abstract

A 2-year study was conducted in which three treatment tactics of oxamyl (at planting application, application every 2 weeks, and rescue applications, as determined by crop symptoms) were compared to fumigant treatments with methyl bromide, 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), and 1,3-D plus chloropicrin for management of Meloidogyne spp. In 2002, treatments that included 1,3-D produced higher yields as determined both by number and weight of marketable fruit. All treatment tactics relying solely on oxamyl, at planting, scheduled treatments, and rescue, were not different from untreated controls for both marketable yield and number of fruit. Gall ratings in 2002 were lowest for 1,3-D at the 112-liters/ha rate, followed by 1,3-D at 84 liters/ha with and without oxamyl. All treatments of oxamyl, except when combined with 1,3-D, had gall ratings not different from untreated plots. In 2004, treatments of methyl bromide and 1,3-D plus chloropicrin had the highest total number of both marketable fruit and highest marketable yields. All treatment strategies relying solely on oxamyl had yields equivalent to the untreated controls. Mean root-gall ratings were lowest for methyl bromide plus chloropicrin and 1,3-D plus chloropicrin treatments. Root-gall ratings for all treatment tactics relying solely on oxamyl were not different from untreated controls.