VATIS UPDATE Article

In a study, researchers from University of California, the United States, Reiter Affiliated Companies, the United States, Ramco Norcal, the United States, Driscoll’s Strawberry Assoc. Inc., the United States, reported weed and pathogen control results with steam as well as fruit yields over four strawberry production seasons (2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15).

They studied the efficacy of steam compared to chemical and non-chemical soil disinfestation methods in California. Steam controls weeds and soil borne pests and strawberry yields usually increase with steam up to 20 % compared to common non-chemical pre plant soil disinfestation treatments in CA.

Furthermore they investigated steam induced changes in soil microbial community and the utilization of steam in combination with allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and cover crops as management tool. A commercial flat field steam applicator is being manufactured in cooperation with industry. Previous and current investigations show that steam has to be considered as alternative soil disinfestation method for California strawberry production. However, it is critical that constant soil temperatures are achieved throughout the treatment.