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Accelerated degradation of metam-sodium in soil and consequences for root-disease management

Shachaf Triky-Dotan1, Miriam Austerweil, Bracha Steiner

  • 1Laboratory for Pest Management Research, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, ARO, The Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.

Phytopathology
|March 11, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Repeated application of metam-sodium (MS) can lead to accelerated degradation (AD) of methyl isothiocyanate (MITC), reducing its effectiveness in controlling soil-borne diseases. Management strategies are needed to prevent this loss of efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Soil Science
  • Pest Management

Background:

  • Metam-sodium (MS) is a soil fumigant used to control plant pathogens.
  • Repeated use of MS can lead to accelerated degradation (AD) of its active compound, methyl isothiocyanate (MITC).
  • Understanding AD is crucial for maintaining the efficacy of MS in agricultural practices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the development of accelerated degradation (AD) of methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) after repeated applications of metam-sodium (MS).
  • To assess the impact of MS repeated applications on controlling soil-borne diseases in commercial fields.
  • To evaluate the potential loss of MS activity and the need for management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Laboratory studies and field experiments were conducted in Israel from 2002-04.
  • Repeated applications of MS were applied to different soil types under controlled and field conditions.
  • Disease incidence and severity were monitored in peanut, potato, and melon fields.

Main Results:

  • Accelerated degradation (AD) of MITC was observed in some soils after repeated MS applications.
  • The efficacy of MS in controlling Pythium pod rot and Verticillium wilt diminished significantly after repeated applications.
  • MS fumigation was more effective in reducing disease severity after single or double applications compared to triple applications.
  • Soils that did not develop AD of MITC were also identified.

Conclusions:

  • Repeated applications of metam-sodium (MS) can lead to the accelerated degradation (AD) of methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) in commercial fields.
  • This degradation can result in a significant loss of MS efficacy for disease control.
  • Development of AD necessitates management strategies to ensure the continued effectiveness of MS in agriculture.

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