We found no difference in nutsedge control in plots that were tilled with a rototiller, disk or field cultivator. Plant vigor and fruit production were greater in fumigated plots, but about the same in plots where Tillam had been incorporated by rototiller, disk or field cultivator. Trials on commercial tomato farms have demonstrated good weed control when Tillam was applied and incorporated with a S-tine harrow, followed by bed formation with bedding disks or disk hillers and a bed press. However, nutsedge was not a problem weed on these farms. Gilreath says that the acid test is under way this spring on a commercial tomato farm that has a history of nutsedge problems.
Growers are concerned with a number of factors related to fumigant alternatives to methyl bromide.
Besides efficacy, the ease with which a new procedure can be adapted is significantly important, as is the cost of equipment replacement and any inherent changes. Different fumigants have different price tags, but all of the currently available alternatives require the use of a herbicide like Tillam. Although proper application increases the cost factor due to equipment and manpower requirements, the cost is still nominal. Gilreath says that the package treatment of Telone C-17 and Tillam costs about the same as methyl bromide on an equivalent rate basis, but it costs more to apply these materials, and none of the alternatives are as foolproof as methyl bromide. Research has shown that Tillam works as well with chloropicrin and other fumigants as it does with Telone C-17.