Evaluation of 1,3-dichloropropene as a methyl bromide alternative in tomato crops in China

1,3-Dichloropropene (1,3-D, C3H4Cl2) is a potential candidate as a soil disinfectant because of the restriction of methyl bromide (MeBr) in soil fumigation due to its ecological risk. Field trials were conducted to ascertain the efficiency of 1,3-D as a MeBr alternative in tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) and evaluate its application prospects in China. Five treatments were replicated five times in a randomized complete block design: fumigation with MeBr (400 kg ha(-1)), three 1,3-D doses (180, 120, and 90 L ha(-1)), an avermectin dose (7.5 L ha(-1)), and a nontreated control. Results consistently indicated that MeBr was generally superior to the treatments involving all 1,3-D levels and avermectin, which in turn were superior to the control, for improving tomato yield and inhibiting nematode, weed, and mortality caused by plant disease. In both seasons, 1,3-D at the dose of 180 L ha(-1) was as effective as MeBr in increasing plant height, vigor, and tomato yield and in reducing the incidence of soilborne disease, especially in maintaining excellent nematode control efficiency, but it provided relatively poor control over weeds. On the basis of these results, 1,3-D, in combination with other alternatives to MeBr, is recommended to achieve integrated pest management.