For years, methyl bromide has been the magic bullet, a fumigant that almost completely eradicates pests and weed seeds in soil in preparation for planting. Unfortunately, it has also been identified as a chemical that depletes the earth's ozone layer, and thus its use is being phased out. It is scheduled to be completely out of use for soil fumigation in the United States in 2005. This, of course, leaves growers without a chemical that can do it all. To make the best use of any alternative, growers must not only be aware of the weeds, parasitic nematodes, and plant diseases present in their fields, but they must also have an understanding of the life cycles of each.
Researchers actively maintain ongoing relationships with the growers in their geographical areas.
By knowing the intimate details of the soil, weed, and pest types and the proposed alternatives, researchers can effectively approach the problems these growers face. For example, Chellemi maintains contact with growers in Fort Pierce, Florida, and encourages growers not only to test research alternatives, but also to try their own ideas. One grower in the Fort Pierce area was applying Telone C35 to his tomato and pepper crops with some effectiveness, but he wasn't satisfied with the results. So, he asked Chellemi for a detailed explanation of its chemical properties. From this description and his past farming experience, the grower designed and manufactured a machine to apply the chemical to his crop area, resulting in better chemical efficiency.