Dimethyl Disulfide, a New Alternative to Existing Fumigants on Strawberries in France and Italy

Existing soil fumigants used on strawberries in Europe are under re-evaluation in accordance with the directive 91/414/CE and their inscriptions or non in Annex I are forecasted before December 2008. Therefore, we also have to consider any other potential alternatives under development as Dimethyl Disulfure, DMDS (CH3-S-S-CH3). DMDS is a natural molecule naturally found in alliums and used as a flavour agent (Auger, 2005), produced by ARKEMA FRANCE in Lacq (South West part of France). For seven years Arkema and Cerexagri has been developing DMDS in the US, Europe and Mediterranean countries for soil disinfestation in shank and drip applications (pure product and 95% Emulsifiable Concentrate). This compound has a zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and has a favourable toxicological and eco-toxicological profile (Charles, 2003). Since 2003, several experimental trials were carried out in order to evaluate the effectiveness on strawberries for nematodes and soil diseases control in France and in Italy. The results, along with the other data available on the product, show that DMDS alone or in combination with chloropicrin could be a viable replacement for existing fumigants on strawberries.