Ozone is a gas with biocidal properties that can cheaply be mass- produced and injected directly into the soil or into existing drip irrigation systems.
Ozone controls many pathogens and nematodes and requires no federal registration.
When applied separately, the individual products do not perform to standards associated with methyl bromide. However, research has shown that when applied together, the two products act synergistically to improve disease control and yield performance in crops like strawberries, where extensive methyl bromide use occurs. The objective of this research is to evaluate the potential economical and efficacious rates of ozone when combined with selected rates of T-22 granules for controlling Verticillium species in strawberries and on crop quality and yield performance. Based on preliminary results, the success of the anticipated research is high. Years of previous research support the biocontrol and growth stimulation associated with T. harzianum strain T-22.