We are proposing a "new" DANR Workgroup for those interested in soil solarization, biofumigation, and other, non-traditional and IPM strategies for managing soilborne pests...

Statewide Soil Solarization Materials and Benefits Demonstration
Chemical and nonchemical alternatives to methyl bromide are being researched and identified. Researchers have found that solarization is a useful soil disinfestation method in areas with warmer arid conditions during the summer months. This fact combined with statistics that show the Central Valley of California is a major producing agricultural area and more minority Small Family farmers are found in the Central Valley, make this a very desirable and environmentally sound process for adoption. The proposal will evaluate newer methodologies and materials for solarization including virtually impermeable films (VIF), polylactide, starch plastics, and high density plastics, as well as, single bed, multiple bed, and flat solarization. The trials will also include demonstrations of treatment effects on strawberry production in the central valley. Field meetings utilizing the community groups above will help to disseminate the results