Experiments on the use of ethylene dibromide as a fumigant for grain and seed

The toxicity of ethylene dibromide to Calandra oryzae and Tribolium species was determined in the absence and presence of grain. Its toxicity by oral administration was studied on rats and guinea‐pigs. The quality of bread baked from flour fumigated with ethylene dibromide was found to be unimpaired. The germination capacity of wheat, barley, maize, peas and beans was not adversely affected by fumigation with ethylene dibromide. The results of large‐scale fumigations are reported and the conditions discussed under which ethylene dibromide can be used advantageously as a fumigant for grain and seed stores on a commercial scale. A concentration of 50‐75 g./m.2 was found satisfactory.