Methyl Bromide and Ethylene Oxide Fumigation Ofsynchytrium Endobioticum

Methyl bromide (2.5% by volume) and ethylene oxide (2.0% by volume) in vacuum fumigation for 4 hr at 25 C killed all of the resting sporangia of the potato wart fungus, Synchytrium endobioticum (Schilb.) Perc. Methyl bromide was also effective at atmospheric pressure at 4.0% for 4 hr and at 0.25% for 16 hr at 25 C. No advantage was gained by mixing the two gases in any proportions. The use of these fumigants under normal commercial conditions to prevent the spread of the organism in commodities such as jute (burlap) bags is considered feasible.