UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE y Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine LIBKA *** Washington, D. C. STATE PLANT BO, R.E.P.Q.— kSf) January 28, 1939- Sec. 301-72-5^ Administrative Instructions - Modifying the restrictions of the white- fringed "beetle quarantine by authorizing treatment of plants in pots or in soil- balls not exceeding three (3) inches in diameter Recent experimental work by the Burea\i of Entomology and Plant Quarantine of the U. S. Department of Agriculture has proven that cer- tain potted plants, hereinafter listed, can safely and successfully he fumigated for the control of white-fringed beetle. TREATMENT AUTHO PI ZED Under provisions contained in Regulation S(a)(Sec. 3O1 . 72-5) supplemental to Notice of Cua-antine No. J2 (Sec. 301.72), the Chief of the Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine authorizes as a prerequisite to certification, the following method of treatment, for certain kinds and size- of potted and baVed and burlaoped plants, when done under the su pervi3ion of an authorized inspector of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. FUMISATIPr TREATMENT .ETHOD (1) Fumigation must be done with methyl bromide at a dosage of one pound per 1,000 cubic feet, including the space occupied by the plants, for a period of U hours, the soil in which the pots ;. planted and the air in the fumigation chamber to be at a temperature of not less than 85° F. (2) Such fumigation shall apply only to those plants in 3-inch pots or smaller, or in soil-balls not larger than those which wou be contained in 3-inch pots, and the plants a so that the gas mixture can have access to all sides of the pots or soil-ball. (3) The fumigation shall be done in a tight chamber with gas- tight doors. (U) After the chamber is loaded and c1 amount of methyl bromide shall be volatilised therein. and th< mixture shall be circulated by means of a fan or entire ^-hour fumigation period. - 2 SUGGESTIONS (1) A fumigation chamber, lined with sheet metal throughout ith a metal-covered door closing a^-inst gaskets and held tightly ir. place by refrigerator door fasteners, is reccnr.tr. 1- . (2) A list of plants, which have "been fumigated experimentally with methyl bromide according to the recommendations here rive', and are classified as to their ability to withstand such treatment is Indicated by these experiments, is attached, DISCLAIMER In authorizing the movement of potted plants or nursery st;:ck fumigated according to the requirements stated above, it is understood that no liability shall attach either to the U. S. Department of Agricul- ture or to any of its employees in the event of injury resulting from the use of the fumigant. CAUTIOli Methyl bromide is a gas at ordinary temperatures. It is color- less and practically dnrless in concentrations used for fumigation of plants. It is a poison, and the operator should use an approved pas mash when exposed to the mas at concentrations used in fumigation. The plants in the fumigation chamber should be well aerated by blowing air throu and the room adequately ventilated before it is entered. (Sec. 301.72-5) /B.E.P.Q.-- 1+86, Jan. 28, 1Q39..J LEE A. STRONG Chief. Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine, The following plants, known to the trade by the following names, have been fumigated in up to 3-inch pots with methyl bromide at the rote, of one pound per 1,C00 cubic feet for 4 hours at 85n F. with the results indicated: : in.iury to the follov:ing: Areca lutescens Aspidistra lurida Boston fern Cape- jasmine (Gardenia) Christmas cactus Codineun, corkscrew crotrn croton Hobt, Craig " croton punctotum Cresculus arborences Dracaena , vai ssenge Ficus elantica (variegated) " (green) " nitida Habrus and Hahns ivy Lstania barbonica Nephthedes Norwood fern Panda nus veitchi. Plants which have pure white leaves not to be fumigated. Pedilanthus Peperomia (green) Peperomia (variegated) Philcdend^en cordatum Phoenix roeb^lir.i Sensevieria Injv.ry n ^t severe - confined to shedding some of lower, older leaves, to the following : Dracaena . M. Story Dieffenbachia Ficus pandurata Hibiscus (red) Poinsettia Injury very severe t" the following - fumigation not recommended: All amy n da j^hnmnl Chrysanthemum Dracaena warnockii Pothos wilcoxi UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA llllllllllllll 3 1262 09311 5128