PLANTPRO 45: AN OVERVIEW ON SOILBORNE PATHOGEN AND WEED CONTROL

As reductions in the production and use of methyl bromide continue, research has focused on implementation of new alternatives for the control of soilborne pests. Two years of greenhouse and field trials on Plantpro 45, a low-risk iodine-based compound, has indicated potential for control of root-knot and sting nematodes, some soilborne fungal and bacterial pathogens, seedborne fungal pathogens, and important weed species. Use of Plantpro for nematode control has resulted in significant reductions in root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) damage on tomato at multiple field locations in Florida (Adams et al., 2000; Kokalis-Burelle and Fuentes-Borquez, 2000; Kokalis-Burelle et al. 2000). Field trials conducted in cooperation with the IR-4 methyl bromide alternatives research program on strawberry in Florida indicated that Plantpro 45 is an effective nematicide for controlling soil populations of sting nematode (Belonolaimus spp.) (Figure 1). Fungicidal and bacteriocidal effects of Plantpro were also demonstrated in field trials at several locations in Florida. Plantpro 45 provided significant control o