Evaluation of a Steam Application by a Mobile Applicator for Soil Disinfestation in Strawberry Nurseries

Soil disinfestation with steam has been evaluated in strawberry fruiting fields as a nonchemical method of soil disinfestation; however, little is known about the use for field production daughter plants. The objective this study was to compare plant soils previously treated compared those standard methyl bromide (MB) and chloropicrin (Pic) treatments. A prototype applicator self-propelled diesel-fueled generator were tested at two high-elevation nurseries near Macdoel, CA, Sept. 2018 Aug. 2020, respectively. application heated above 60 °C ≈60 minutes depth 25 cm both nurseries. pest control efficacy applications against weeds, Verticillium spp., Tylenchulus semipenetrans , Pythium ultimum similar that MB:Pic. stolons plants densities treatment MB:Pic treatment. Therefore, we suggest may be viable producing healthy However, more research needed verify sanitation quality.