Evaluation of Pic-clor 60 [choloropicrin pre-mixed with 1,3 dicholoropropene] and soil-applied fungicides for the Fusarium wilt management in watermelon

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) yield losses due to Fusarium wilt can be considerable and have been increasing in the United States, mainly emergence of new races oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON). One potential management strategies reduce is use fumigants soil-applied fungicides. Field experiments were conducted 2018 2020 evaluate fumigant Pic-clor 60 (choloropicrin pre-mixed with 1,3 dicholoropropene) post-plant fungicides (prothioconazole pydiflumetofen) for their effectiveness against wilt. The field was fumigated 21 days before transplanting, three applications either fungicide made at 14-day intervals via a drip irrigation system starting day after transplanting. In 2018, based on disease ratings harvest maturity, all treatments significantly reduced final incidence compared non-treated control, highest reduction observed when applied 336.26 kg/ha along application fumigant, together fungicides, had higher stand-alone (fumigant or fungicides). Also, provided than 280.21 kg/ha. 2020, results showed similar trend where combination prothioconazole pydiflumetofen lower incidence. rate kg/ha, alone presented here are first demonstrate that may provide an effective option watermelon.