Effects of Metam-Sodium Applied by Drip Irrigation on Root-Knot Nematodes, Pythium ultimum, and Fusarium sp. in Soil and on Carrot and Tomato Roots

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Abstract
Efficacy of metam-sodium in sandy loam and sandy clay loam soils was compared with that of dichloropropene (1,3-D) fumigation for control of Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica and Pythium ultimum and Fusarium sp. on tomato and carrot. Metam-sodium (32.7% a.i.) was injected continuously through drip irrigation lines on tomato and carrot beds before planting at rates of 63-702 L/ha in from 2.5 to 14.2 cm water. Applications treated the central 50-75% of the bed width. Metam-sodium at all rates significantly reduced nematodes in soil before planting, as well as root gall ratings at midseason and harvest, and increased yield in most cases. The 63-L/ha rate was less effective than higher rates. These efficacious metam-sodium responses were similar to those obtained with 1,3-D at rates of 75-144 L/ha. For P. ultimum and Fusarium sp., metam-sodium at rates of 187-702 L/ha reduced the number of sporangia and propagules per gram of dry soil, respectively, and the number of infections per 50 cm of tomato root. Metam-sodium applied by drip irrigation is an effective preplant alternative treatment to 1,3-D for nematode control in tomato and carrot, with the possible added benefit of reducing certain fungal root pathogens.