The absorption, translocation and metabolism of 1,3-dichloropropene (a soil fumigant) in bush beans, tomato and carrot was studied under growth chamber and greenhouse conditions using solution culture, vermiculite and sand. Absorption was monitored using gas chromatographic analysis and isotope techniques. Plants were shown to absorb a maximum amount of dichloropropene by 24 to 48 hr from solution culture and vermiculite. The plant absorbed and translocated 1,3-dichlorpropene-14C-U readily to aerial parts of the plant. Bush beans, tomatoes and carrots absorbed and translocated 3-chlorallyl alcohol-14C-U from solution culture and vermiculite. Levels of 3-chloroallyl alcohol reached maximum at 24 to 48 hr after inoculation The gas chromatographic analysis of plant materials showed that 1,3-dichloropropene and 3-chloroallyl alcohol were rapidly metabolized by the plant. The three plants metabolize 1,3-dichloropropene to 3-chloroallyl alcohol, part of which is converted to 3-choroacrylic acid and 3-chloro-1-propanol. The metabolite identities were convirmed by co-chromatography with standard compounds and by mass spectral analysis. The sequence from this point (3-chloroacrylic of 3-chloro-1-propanol) is not known but coupled with the evidence from metabolite studies, it is apparent that a central metabolite (acetate pathway is indicated) has to be an intermediate in dichloropropene metabolism as label is located in glucose, TCA acids, amino acids, lipids and other normal plant products. The dichloropropenes are rapidly absorbed, translocated and metabolized by the plant. No parent dichloropropene was found in the plant after 72 hr incubation period and 3-chloroallyl alcohol was not detected after 96 hr in the plant. The data indicates that the dichloropropenes and 3-chloroallyl alcohols are not potential residue problems and that environmental concern about the ultimate fate of these compounds should be minimal.