What the Two Soil Fumigants Have in Common
Both products are volatile soil treatments normally applied before planting. Their performance depends on field preparation, soil moisture and temperature, soil texture, application method, sealing or tarp use, and the required aeration period. Applications must follow the product registration, label directions and safety requirements in the destination country.
Differences in Nematode Activity
DMDS is a sulfur-based fumigant with strong activity against root-knot nematodes and some activity against selected soilborne pathogens. 1,3-Dichloropropene is a well-established nematicidal fumigant and has demonstrated strong nematode suppression in laboratory and field studies. Where the treatment objective also includes broader soilborne disease control, local programs may evaluate registered combinations with products such as chloropicrin or metam sodium.
A Chinese greenhouse study reported field efficacy of 80%–94% for DMDS against root-knot nematodes in tomato. For a directly comparable measure, the same study tested both fumigants under the same laboratory soil-fumigation conditions. The LC50 values were 6.438 mg/L for DMDS and 3.061 mg/L for 1,3-Dichloropropene. Because a lower LC50 indicates greater activity, DMDS had approximately 48% of the relative activity of 1,3-D in that specific test, or required about 2.10 times the concentration to reach the same 50% response level.
| Comparison | DMDS | 1,3-Dichloropropene (1,3-D) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary position | Pre-plant soil fumigation; nematode control is a key use | Pre-plant soil fumigation; nematode control is a key use |
| Root-knot nematode performance | High efficacy reported in field research | Strong nematicidal activity; higher activity in the same laboratory comparison |
| Same-test LC50 | 6.438 mg/L | 3.061 mg/L |
| Relative activity in that test | Approximately 48% | 100% reference |
| Concentration relationship | About 2.10 times the concentration of 1,3-D for the same LC50 response | Reference concentration |
| Key performance factors | Rate, tarp, soil temperature and moisture, aeration | Rate, soil texture and moisture, injection depth, sealing |
| Use principle | Follow local registration and label directions | Follow local registration and label directions |
Conclusion
Choosing between DMDS and 1,3-Dichloropropene should not depend on a single efficacy figure. Growers should first identify the nematode species and density through soil testing, then consider the target crop, soilborne disease pressure, local registration label, application equipment and safety-management conditions. Crop rotation, resistant or grafted planting materials, clean seedlings and biological control should also be used to reduce dependence on a single fumigation treatment.
Based on practical field research, soil types and moisture contents differ across the world. Considering the application volume of 1,3-Dichloropropene or DMDS, farmland in China, Asia, uses an average of 20 kg of 1,3-Dichloropropene per mu together with an appropriate amount of chloropicrin or metam sodium. Compared with the per-mu application volume of DMDS, 1,3-Dichloropropene appears to offer better cost performance. Moreover, 1,3-Dichloropropene is safer than DMDS, but the European Union has listed 1,3-Dichloropropene as a restricted pesticide. If you are located in an EU country and need such products, you must also obtain coverage from a local company providing REACH compliance and apply for the intended volume in order to complete the import.
Research References
- DMDS as an effective soil fumigant against nematodes in China
- Cost-benefit analysis of soil disinfestation methods against root-knot nematodes
- European Commission EU Pesticides Database
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