MelonFus Fusarium crown,
root rot and wilt
Fusarium oxysporum
f.sp. melonis 		EggplantVert

Verticillium wilt
Verticillium albo-atrum
Verticillium dahliae
Methyl Bromide Transitions Grant
Award No. 2006-51102-03565, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service
Managing Soilborne Pathogens in Midwest Melon and Eggplant Crops Using
Methyl Bromide Alternatives and New Application Methods
2006-09
Dr. M.K. Hausbeck, Project Director
Department of Plant Pathology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1311
Methyl bromide is a critically important tool for managing soilborne pathogens in melon and eggplant crops in the Midwest. Although growers practice integrated pest management, soilborne pathogens are persistent in production fields and are especially difficult to control. Critical Use Exemptions (C.U.E.s) were submitted in 2002 for extended use of methyl bromide in Michigan's solanaceous (pepper, eggplant, tomato) and cucurbit (cucumber, cantaloupe, watermelon, squash, zucchini) crops. All of the C.U.E.s submitted were accepted by EPA and forwarded to the International Committee. The C.U.E. process has given vegetable growers more time to explore alternatives to methyl bromide and identify problems or setbacks caused by their use. Proposed methyl bromide alternatives may halt the devastating effects of disease and nematodes on the Midwest melon and eggplant industries. Given the phase-out of methyl bromide in 2005, it is imperative that growers of these crops identify effective and cost efficient alternatives. Our goal is to test potential fumigant alternatives and cultural strategies for effectiveness and compare them with methyl bromide to determine whether they are: 1.) effective against soil-borne pathogens, 2.) economically beneficial, and 3.) easily integrated into current production systems in the Midwest. Trials will be conducted with grower cooperators on a large scale basis to examine various fumigants, biofumigants, and virtually impermeable film. On-farm trials in Michigan and Indiana will be designed to collect critical production data associated with the proposed alternatives and strategies that will be translated into financial information. Results will be disseminated through intensive contact with grower cooperators, farmer groups, and through newsletters, meetings, and websites.