Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
60
LDPE film
Ecotex
Double mulch
50
40
10 cm
20 cm
30 cm
40 cm
30
20
07:00 19:00 07:00 19:00
07:00 19:00 07:00 19:00
07:00 19:00 07:00 19:00
Hour
Figure 10.2
Soil temperatures at various depths during soil solarization at the summer time in Israel
using various mulches. LDPE - low-density polyethylene sheets, Ecotex - black sprayable polymer;
double mulch - clear LDPE, over Ecotex mulch.
a bioassay. French-Monar
et al.
(2007) demonstrated the importance of using more
than one technique for assessing pathogen populations in such studies. Assessing
weed control is another simple approach to evaluating the effectiveness of solariza-
tion. Systems which reliably simulate SH under controlled conditions (Klein
et al.,
2007) can be very useful for SH research.
The ultimate test for the effectiveness of SH, or of any control method, is to assess its
(f)
effectiveness in controlling diseases (and other pests, e.g. weeds) and increasing yield
and quality under fi eld conditions and local agricultural practices. Such tests must be
done, repeated and carefully analyzed before drawing conclusions regarding solariza-
tion potential or recommending it for use by farmers.
As with any new method of control, the introduction of SH to a new region has to be
(g)
done gradually by professionals in extension with continuous monitoring.
As with any disinfestation method, recontamination of the soil after the termination
(h)
of solarization, for example, by infected propagation material, or infested soil or
water, should be absolutely avoided.
The main goal of any pest-management method is to ensure economic reduction in
(i)
pest populations of the relevant crop. This depends, among other things, on the level of
pest control, yield increase, the price of a yield unit and the cost of the management.
10.3
Pathogen and weed control
All agricultural crops are plagued by numerous soil-borne pathogens, including fungi,
bacteria, nematodes and parasitic plants. Many pathogens can cause severe damage to
crops at all growth and production stages. Thus, SH under appropriate climatic condi-
tions is a potentially effective tool for mitigating this production limitation. Lists describ-
ing the pathogens which are controlled (or not controlled) by SH have been reported
