By: Dr Kristi Sanchez and Dr. Jeff Chieppa

As growers, you make decisions every season that impact not only this year’s harvest but the long-term productivity of your fields. One of the questions I hear most often is, “Will soil fumigation sterilize my soil?”

It is a fair question, and one that deserves a science-based answer.

That is exactly why our team at TriCal, Inc. recently completed two Sweetpotato field trials near Atwater and Turlock, California. Alongside Dr. Jeff Chieppa, I led this research to better understand how different soil fumigation treatments influence nematode control, soil biology, and ultimately crop performance.

Our goal was simple. We wanted to provide growers with real field data that could help guide management decisions with confidence.

Looking Beyond Nematode Management

This research evaluated 1,3-D, chloropicrin, and commercial blend treatments in commercial Sweetpotato production systems. While managing root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) remains a primary objective, we also wanted to understand what happens beneath the soil surface after soil fumigation.

To answer that question, we combined several layers of analysis, including:

• Root-knot nematode monitoring
• Soil microbiome sequencing
• Yield and crop performance evaluations

Looking at these factors together gives us a much more complete picture of how soil fumigation affects both crop productivity and overall soil function.

Can Soil Fumigation Protect Your Crop Without Hurting Soil Health?

One of the biggest misconceptions about soil fumigation is that it permanently damages beneficial soil microbes.

Our early findings suggest otherwise.

The treatments provided strong suppression of root-knot nematodes while maintaining the microbial stability needed to support healthy soil function. In other words, effective soil fumigation and long-term soil health do not have to be competing goals.

That is encouraging news for Sweetpotato growers who depend on healthy roots, productive fields, and consistent yields year after year.

Turning Research into Practical Recommendations

Research only has value if it helps growers make better decisions.

That is one of the reasons TriCal, Inc. created the Director of Applied Research and Informatics (DARI) role. Jeff is focused on bridging the gap between scientific research and practical recommendations by transforming complex datasets into information growers can actually use in the field.

Whether it is interpreting microbiome data, evaluating yield responses, or communicating research findings, the goal remains the same. We want to provide science-backed guidance that supports your operation and helps you make informed decisions.

The Work Continues

While we are excited about these early results, this is only the beginning.

We are preparing a peer-reviewed manuscript for submission in autumn 2026, and additional field trials are already underway. These studies will continue evaluating TELONE™ by Teleos and chloropicrin blends across a wider range of production environments to strengthen our understanding of how soil fumigation performs under different growing conditions.

Every new trial helps us build a stronger foundation of knowledge that benefits growers across the industry.

The Bottom Line for Growers

Our latest research reinforces something many growers have experienced in the field. When managed properly, effective soil fumigation can protect Sweetpotato roots from damaging nematodes while preserving the soil function for healthy crop growth.

At TriCal, Inc., we remain committed to delivering science that translates into practical solutions. By combining field research with real-world production experience, we can continue helping growers achieve stronger yields today while supporting productive soils for the future.

Ready to Put Research to Work in Your Field?

If you’re looking for science-backed research to help guide decisions in your field, we’re here to help. Contact the TriCal team at (669) 327-5076 or info@trical.com. We’ll work with you to evaluate your production goals and help you select the right solution for your field.

TELONE™ and Teleos Ag Solutions™ are registered trademarks of Teleos Ag Solutions, Inc. TELONE™ by Teleos is a federally Restricted Use Pesticide. Always read and follow label directions.

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