1	Reducing Methyl Bromide Rates with Virtually Impermeable Films for Soilborne Pest Control in Pepper Bielinski M. Santos James P. Gilreath Timothy N. Motis
2	Florida Vegetables 2003 Season
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5	MBr + Pic Injection 392 kg/ha, 0.25 m deep. Beds covered with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) mulch.
6	Critical Use Exemptions (CUE) Applying every year for selected crops in the US. Allowing limited use of MBr until suitable alternatives are widely accepted. With approved CUE, reduced rates of MBr are needed: Offset the rising cost of the fumigant, Reduce atmospheric emissions.
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8	Objective Determine the effect of reduced MBr + Pic rates under VIF on Cyperus and Tylenchorhynchus control in bell pepper.
9	Materials and Methods Fall 2002 and spring 2003 at the Gulf Coast REC (UF). A split-plot design with six replications. Main plots: MBr + Pic (67:33 v/v): 0, 98, 196, and 392 kg/ha. Subplots: LDPE (Pliant Corp., USA) mulch, VIF by Hytibar (Klerks Plastic, Belgium), and VIF by Bromostop (IPM, Italy).
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11	Materials and Methods Cyperus shoots on the top of each bed: 5, 8, and 16 weeks after transplanting. Stunt nematode populations: 14 weeks after transplanting. Marketable pepper fruits were harvested three times. Orthogonal contrasts. Regression analysis.
12	Results and Discussion There were no differences between the two VIF films. Therefore, data from both VIF were combined for comparisons against LDPE mulch.
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17	Summary It appeared that MBr + Pic rate could be reduced between 25 to 50% of the commercial rate under either VIF. Effective nutsedge and stunt nematode control could be obtained this reduced MBr + Pic rate under VIF.
18	The Bottom Line Gilreath and Santos (2004) discussed similar results with other VIF brands in bell pepper. From the practical standpoint: Bell pepper growers could plan applying less MBr + Pic if VIF is utilized, Results should be validated in grower demonstration/validation trials.