Blog Post
Replanting a stone fruit orchard means giving new trees the best possible start in soil that has already supported a previous crop.
A recent Pic-Plus soil fumigation trial in a replanted peach orchard in Bay View, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, showed positive results, including greater early tree growth and measurable changes in the soil microbiome.
The Results
The trial evaluated Tatura Belle peaches grafted onto GQ rootstock. Trunk circumference was measured after planting and again approximately one year later.
Trees planted in Pic-Plus soil fumigated rows showed an additional:
- 2.5 cm of trunk growth, or 72% greater growth compared with untreated previous inter-row areas.
- 4 cm of trunk growth, or 194% greater growth compared with untreated areas corresponding to previous orchard rows.
These results indicate that Pic-Plus soil fumigation was associated with stronger early tree growth during the first year of establishment.
What Happened in the Soil?
The trial also included a soil microbiome assessment before and after soil fumigation.
Following Pic-Plus soil fumigation, representative beneficial bacteria increased by more than 80%, while representative beneficial fungi increased by approximately 180%.
Genera identified included Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Trichoderma, Glomus, and others.
These findings highlight why understanding the soil microbiome can be an important part of evaluating soil fumigation and orchard establishment.
What Can U.S. Growers Take Away?
While growing conditions in New Zealand differ from those in the United States, the challenges of orchard replanting are familiar.
The trial highlights the value of looking at both crop performance and soil biology when evaluating a soil fumigation program.
Pic-Plus and Tri-Clor Soil Fumigant are both chloropicrin-based soil fumigants, but they are distinct products with different formulations. Pic-Plus contains 85.5% chloropicrin, while Tri-Clor Soil Fumigant contains 99% chloropicrin.
The New Zealand research with Pic-Plus provides an interesting example of chloropicrin soil fumigation in a stone fruit replant situation and offers insights that can inform continued research and field experience in other production regions.
The biggest lesson? A successful orchard starts with the soil.
Results are from a specific New Zealand field trial and should not be interpreted as representative of all crops, locations, or conditions.
Pic-Plus and Tri-Clor are Federally Restricted Use Pesticides. Always read and follow label directions.
For more information about our product, or to discuss Tri-Clor for your operation, contact us at (669) 327-5076 or email info@trical.com.
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