LIBRARY j STATE PLANT BOARD Uwluicii) SfASBti lffiPABTMftWIE OE AGHIGULTUifc* Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine Washington, D. C. June 9, 1939, b. e. p. q. U59. • - * - Sec. 30lJU3a' ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS TO INSPECTOR ON THE ^ATMEM OE NURSERY PRODUCTS, ERUITS, VEGETABI3S, AND SOIL, EOB THE JAPANESE BEETLE Existing methods authorized "for the treatment of sand, soil, earth, peat, compost, manure, nursery stock, fruits, and vegetables for the elimination of the Japanese "beetle have "been revised and consolidated in these instructions* Methods outlined herein are to be employed as a "basis of quarantine certification under regulations £, '6j and 7 (Sees. 301. UG- 5 to 301.HS-7) of Quarantine No. Us, revised (Sec. 301. ^). ' The issuance of these instructions cancels the methods of treat- ment prescribed in B. P. Q. 359 ind. its four supplements, 3, E. P. Q. ^73, B. E. P. Q. U7$t"and*B. E. 'P. Q.^USO. TThile no guarantee 6m be given that no injury will be caused to the commodity, the 'treatments are recommended only for those commodities which ex- perience has shown were 'not seriously" injured. It must be understood ^y the nurseryman and shipper' th,->t ho liability shall attach either to the United States Department of Agriculture or to any of its employees in event of injury. The in- spector must Bring this condition "of treatment and the facts in reference to the use of the chemicals to the attention of some responsible person at the nursery or shipping point before the treatments are applied. Inspectors must familiarize 'themselves with cautions for each chemical* TABLE 'OE CONTENTS Pa^e Grades required and cautions on the" use of authorized chemicals • • • 2 (a) Carbon disulphide »•«>•;•;* , * . ....... 3 (b) Carbon disulphide 'emulsion • • . • • 3 (c) Ethylene oxide ....*..... 3 (d) Hydrocyanic "acid . # ••*•*•• • • • • • (1) Liquid hydrocyanic acid.............. (2) Hydrocyanic acid discoids • • ••••• ^ (3) Calcium cyanide .................. h (e) Le'ad arsenate , • •»...••••...... U (f ) Methyl bromide . U (g) Naphthalene ........ U (h) Paradichlorobenzene U Treatment of soil In absence of plants *.. 5 (i) Potting soil 5 (1) Heat treatment .................. 5 (2) Carbon disulphide fumigation ........... 5 -2- ("3) Naphthalene fumigation • *••••*••••• o (U) Lead arsenate treatment »••••..*....• 6 (j) Shipments of. o and, soil, earth, peat, compost, and manure • . , ♦ ...♦........• 7 (1) Heat treatment . • 7' k • (2) Carbon 'disulphide fumigation ......... 7 (k) Soil in and around coldframes, plunging "beds, and heoling-in areas . . . . ......... '7 (l} Lead arsenate treatments »•••••••••« 8 (2) Heat treatment •,'•>.♦.! . • • 8 (3) Carbon disulphide fumigation ......... 8- (U) Carton disulphide emulsion treatment • • • • « 9 (5) » Naphthalene fumigat ion^ • ..••....•.» 9 Treatment of soil' about the roots • of plants »••••.•••«• 9 " , * (l) Treatment of plants after digging .,.......'. 10 (1) Removal of infestation • .«••»••.... 10 (2) Hot-water treatment »••.•••••*.••• 10 Q) Carton disulphide emulsion dip ........ 10 (4) Paradichlorobenzene fumigation • ••••••• 11 (5,) Methyl bromide fumigation • ••••...••• 13. (m) Treatment of plants before digging ••••••••• lU (1) Carbon disulphide emulsion . ( 1*+ (2) Lead arsenate treatment • •#...••••»• 15 Treatment of fruits and vegetables . • • ....... 17 (n) Carbon disulphide fumigation .••••,•••••• 17 (0) Cyanide fumigation • •••»••»*•••••.•• 18 (1) Liquid hydrocyanic acid • •........»• 18, (2) hydrocyanic acid discoids '• • . \\\\ ,• . . • 18 (3/ Calcium cyanide • •••.,•..•••.••• lg (p) Ethylene oxide fumigation *,.'•,•.'•.;.,.* 19 (q) Methyl bromide fumigation »«••»»*......• 19 GRADES REHIRED AND CAUTIONS ON 'THE USE Of ' l AUTHORIZED CHEMICALS The chemicals authorized* for' the' treatment 'of soil, nursery stockf fruits, and vegetables, especially carbon disulphide, carbpn disulphide emulsion, ethy- lene oxide, hydrocyanic acid, and methyl br6mide, are dangerous and proper care must be exercised in handling them. The facts in reference to these chemicals must be brought to the attention of'some responsible person '.at the nursery or shipping point before the ' treatments are applied.' * ' -3- (a) Garb on disuTphide.-- A technical, C. P., or U. S. P. grade ia required. It should "bo stored in tight drums or earn in a ccol, dry place. The vapor of carbon disulphide is inflatable and explosive. At a temper- ature of 297° F. it may take fire spontaneously and in the presence of certain metals, particularly copper, it may ignite at considerably lower temperatures. It must be kept away from fire, and from hot objects such as electric light bulbs, unprotected brush-type motors, steam pipes, etc. Lighted cigars, cigarettes, or pipes must never be brought near carbon disulphide. Carbon disulphide is a blood poison, but poisoning by this chemical is rare. Exposure to the vapor may cause giddiness and headache. When these symptoms devlop, the individual should get into the open air. (b) Carbon disulphide emulsion,— The required carbon disulphide emulsion consists of carbon disulphide, meeting the above requirements, mixed with an equal volume of a car tor-oil-soap emulsifier which has been prepared according to the directions published in the Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Volume 20, pages 8^9-850, August 1929* The carbon disulphide and the car tor-oil-soap emulsifier should be obtained in separate containers. The emulsion must never be prepared in a large quantity. It should be prepared in the field as it is used. In preparing the stock emulsion, equal volumes of enrbon disulphide and the emuleifier are nixed. This stock emul- sion, when diluted with the required amount of water, forms the treating solution. Carbon disulphide emulsion, even after dilution, is inflammable. The precautions given for handling carbon disulphide must be observed, (°) Ethylene oxide. — A. technical, C. P., or U. S. P. grade is required. The vapor of ethylene oxide is inflammable and explosive. It must be kept away from fire, nnd. from hot objects such as electric light b\ilbs, unprotected brush-type motors, steam pipes, etc. Lighted cigars, cigarettes, or pipes rust novel be brought near ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is not highly toxic to man.. Continued exposure to the vapor may cause giddiness and headache. When these symptoms develop, the In- dividual should get into the open air. (d) Hydrocyanic acid.— Commercial liquid hydrocyanic acid, 96 to 98 per- cent HCN, or this material absorbed on fiber discoids (which are divided into two units, each comprising a series of discoids held together in the form of a chain) in- a can containing 6j ounces of HC17, or calcium cyanide, 88 percent pure, are required. The cylinders and cane of these cyanide products should be stored in a cool, dry place. Gaseous hydrocyanic acid is inflammable and explosive. All fire and un- protected brush-type motors must bo kept from contact with the gas. Lighted cigars, cigarettes, or pipes should never be carried. In addition it is known that liquid hydrocyanic acid undergoes decomposition on long storage in a closed con- tainer. It is advisable that onlv sufficient of these cyanide products be pro- cured for the senaon's work. The residue left after fumigation with calcium cyan- ide is dangerous and great care must be exorcised in disposing of it. J*- Hydrocyanic acid Is a violent poison. Inhaling hydrocyanic acid gas or absorbing it through the skin is very dangerous and crust be avoided. A suitable gas mask and rubber gloves trust be worn at all times when handling hydrocyanic acid, or calcium cyanide, and when opening the hatches of fumigated cars for aeration. If it is absorbed by the system, prompt action may prevent serious consequences. The established principles of first aid in HON poisoning are: (l) Induce continued heavy breathing of fresh air by artificial respiration, using the Shaefer (Prone pressure) method; (2) neutralize the gas poisoning with weak ammonia fumes or aromatic spirits of ammonia* (3) call a physician. Small bottles of ammonium carbonate, as the source of ammonia fumes, should be readily available as an inhalant at all times, (0) Lead arsenate. —.Lead arsenate which satisfies the standard require- ments of the chemical for use as an agricultural spray is required. It should contain at least 30 percent nrsenic pent oxide, and not more than 0.75 percent water-soluble metallic arsenic. It should be obtained in powdered form to which no stickers have been added. Lead arsenate should be stored in a dry place thrfc is not accessible to animals. Lead arsenate is poisonous to man and animals. When applying the materia^ the worker should wear gloves to protect his hands, since the poison may be ab- sorbed into the system through cuts and abrasions of the skin. The worker should keep his hands away from his mouth nt all times while handling the material and be sure to wash thoroughly before eating. If absorbed by the system, call a physician, give an emetic such as warm water and mustard, and give milk or white of ogg* (f) Methyl bromide. ,— The commercial grade is required. Containers of methyl bromide should be stored in a cool, well- ventilated place. Avoid leakage by seeing that the valves on t&e cylinders are tightly closed. Methyl bromide is a gas at ordinary temperatures. As it has only a very sli^it odor, toxic concentrations of methyl bromide may be encountered and the persons so exposed may be unaware of the danger. While methyl bromide is not so toxic as hydrocyanic acid, it is dangerous to inhale the gas or to get the liquid in contact with the skin. Rubber gloves should be worn while releasing the liquid methyl bromide either from cylinders or applicators, CAQTIOW: Rubber glovos absorb methyl bromide which may result in skin injury if they are worn continuously, (fl) ^nglthalene.— Flake naphthalene, free from tar, is roquired, Jtejktha- leno is not explosive and it bums only with difficulty. It is advisable, how- ever, to keep the material in the solid and gaseous form away from fire* Long exposure to naphthalene may cause giddiness and headache. When these symptoms develop, the individual should get into the open air. (h) ParadichIorobenzeno.--A technical or C. P. grade of small to medium Bize crystals is required. PuradiChl0r°l3enZOn0 Wrns only *ith diffi<^lty. It is advisable, however, to keep the material from fire. Long exposure to the gas may cause giddiness and neadacho. When these symptoms develop, tho individual should get into the open air* -5- TEEAIMSITT OF SOIL IN ABSENCE OF PLA1T15 (i) POTTING- SOIL Potting soil must "be treated by the use of heat, carbon disulphidQ, naphthalene, or lead arsenate* Fumigated or haat-troated soils should "be aerated to remove excessive fumigant or heat before using for potting plants , When stored, the soil must he kept and handled in such a manner as to prevent re infest at ion. When stored for a long time, without aeration, it is advisable to thoroughly nix the upper and lo?.»er layers in the "bin. When u^.ed as recommended, these treatments do not impair the fertility of the soil. Lead arsenate treatments are more limited in their application "because of the susceptibility of some nursery plants to arsenical poisoning* E-UlS of the Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine gives some information on the suscepti- bility of nursery plants to lead arsenate in the soil* (l) Beat, treat ment Condition and t:T>e of soil.~~Soil of any type may .he treated, provided it is friable. Temperature .--The soil must be heated throughout to 130° F. Period of treatment .--The temperature of the soil must be maintained at 130° F, for 30 minutes. (2) Carbon c.isulphide fumigation Equipment.-- A gas-tight bin or box is required. It i,s necessary to have the top, sides, and bottom tight • Condition and type of soilc~^5oil of any type may be fumigated, provided it is friable and thrown loosely into the bin or box. Wet soil must never be fumigated. Temper ature.^The temperature must be at least h^ F. when the fumigant is applied and must not fall below Uo° F. during the course of the treatment. Dosage.— On? pound (352 cubic centimeters) to 1 cubic yard. Application.~~One method is to apply the fumigant while the soil is being put into the bin or box. P^ace 18 inches of soil in the bin or box. Inject car- bon disulphide at tho rate of lfG cubic centimeters for each square yard of sur- face, distributing the material .uniformly in holes 2 inches deep and lg inches apart, using kk cubic centimeters to each hole. Fill the holes with soil immediate, ly after the liquid is injected. When the first 18 inches of soil hare been treated, put in 18 inches more and repeat the operation. This can be repeated until the container is filled. Another method is to apply the ftunigant after the box or "bin has "been filled. This is done "by making holes from tho surface to the different levels, so that the carbon disulphide is applied in the sane positions as "by the first method. The liquid, in this case, must "be poured into the deep holes through a tube, or injected to insure that it reaches the proper level. Period of fumigation, --The box or bin must be sealed and left undisturbed for Us hours, (3) Naphthalene fumigation Equipment, —.No special equipment is necessary. It is not necessary to cover the soil. Condition and type of soil.— Soil of any type may be fumigated, provided it is friable. Wet soil must never be fumigated. Tempera turo, -.-The temperature must be at least 50° F. Dosage.— Five pounds to 1 cubic yard. Application.— The furdgant must be thoroughly nixed with the soil, and the soil then placed in a pile. Period of fumigation.— The soil must be left undisturbed for 1 week, (U) Lead arsenate treatment Season— The treatment must be applied before August 1, Condition and type of soil,-- .The soil must be friable. Wet soil must never be treated. The treatment is recommended only for soils which are slightly acid or neutral in reaction. Any type of soil may be treated provided it meets ther-e requirements. Dosage. —Two pounds to 1 cubic yard. Appl icat ion»— Tho le^d arsenate must bo thoroughly nixed with the soil. Period of treatment.— Plants freed from soil and potted in soil treated in the above manner by August 1, nay be certified for shipment between the follow- ing October 1 and June 15. Handling of potted plants.— When plants potted in lead-arsenate- treated soil are plunged in beds or set in frames exposed to possible infestation, the soil of these bods or frames must previously have been treated with lead arsenate at the rate of 1,500 pounds per acre. Treated plants carried after June 15— When plants potted in soil treated as prescribed are carried after June 15f they nay be again eligible for certifica- tion between October 1 and Juno 15 of the second year if, on August 1 of the second year, analyses show tho soil to contain lead arsenate at the rate of 2 pounds per cubic yard. (j) SHIPMENTS 0? SAKTD, SOIL, EARTH, PEAT, COMPOST, AKD MANURE Shipments of sand, soil, earth, peat, compost, anA nanuro must "be treated by the use of he.it or carbon disulphido. The instructions given in (i) (l) and (i) (2) nust be followed. Type of c^r.-~TiiT-;ht box cars nust be used between June, 15 and October 15, inclusive, and nay be used at other tines of the year. Open freight cars, of the steel gondola type, nay be used between October 16 and. June lU. In cars of this type 4 with dunp bottons, planks nust be laid on the bottoms and covered with heavy pay.er, in a manner approved by the inspector. Doors. ~~ The doorways of box cars nust be boarded up raid covered with heavy paper up to a point beyond the height of the sand, soil, etc. Certified cars nust have the doors closed and fastened while en route within the reflated area. Depth of sand, soil, etc. — In box cars, the sand, soil, etc. nust not be loaded to such a depth as would restrict the overhead working space and hanper the work of the men applying the treatment. In the open type cars, the material should not be piled above the sides of the car. Covering with canvas. otc.-Jffhen open type cars are used, canvases or heavy paper must be used to cover the surface as tho treatment is applied. These covers nust be free from holes and a foot or more wider than the width of the car. Where several pieces are used, they nust be large enough to alio*" for overlapping at least 1 foot. The covers nust be fastened down at the sides of the car -and weighted on the surface, particularly where they overlap. (k) SOIL U AND AB0UHD COLDFRAMES, PLUJKJIHG BEIJS, At© HEELIJTGLJN AREAS Soil in and surrounding coldframes, plunging beds, heeling-in areas, etc., nust be treated with lead arsenate, except, under special conditions, when the inspector nay authorize the use of heat, carbon disulphi&e^ carbon disulphide emulsion, or naphtha! ene« With the exception of lead arsenate, the treatment nust not be applied when adult beetles are present.. An exception nay be made in the case of beds protected from beetles. Safety zone. -.-In addition to the area desired to be certified, a strip 3 feet wide must be tr sated around the entire coldfrano, plunging bed, or heeling-in ground. No plants will be certified from this strip*. In the case of coldframes, etc., extending into the ground to a depth of 12 inches or more, no safety zone is required. Marking, — In the case of coldframes, etc., having fixed boundaries t proper designations will be made on them by the Department representatives* In all other cases, the nurseryman shall furnish suitable stakes, at least H inches square and 30 inches long, to be placed at the boundaries of the certified plots and marked by the Department. (l) Load arsenate treatment Season.— The treatment must "be applied before August 1 if the land is to be us.ed in the fall. Condition of 3 oil. —The soil must be friable and in good tilth. Dosage.— Thirty~five pounds to each 1,000 square feet, or 1,500 pounds per acre. For subsequent re-treatments , the quantity required to restore the original concentration, as determined by chemical analyses, must be applied. Appl i ca t i on*«»~The 1 ead arsenate must be thoroughly mixed and incorporated with the upper 3 inches of soil. Period of treatment. --Plants must not be placed on or in the soil thus treated until after October 1. (2)' Heat troatment H0tbeds, equipped with steam pipes or electrical resistance coils in the soil, may be treated by heating the soil to at least 130° P. and maintaining this temperature from 30 minutes. (3) Sarbon dlsulphido fumigation Equipment.— «A heavy papor, or other gas-proof cover, must be provided to cover the soil during the fumigation period. Condition of soil.— (The soil must bo friable and in good tilth. A wet soil must never be treated. Tomge ratur e. ..-The temperature of the soil at a depth of 6 inches must be at least k^ P. when the fumigant is applied, and must not 'fall below Uoc during the period of treatment. leather conditions— «The ideal conditions are a warm, humid atmosphere without wind. £osage.— Six pounds (2,100 cubic centimeters) to 100 square feet of sur- face. Application,— Carbon disulphide must be uniformly distributed over the sur- face of the bed, plot, or hoeling-in area. Apply it in holes 12 inches apart and 1 to 2 inches deep, putting 21 cubic centimeters into each hole. Pill each hole with soil immediately after the liquid is poured. Cover each section as soon as the fumigant is applied. Period of treatment.— The soil must remain covered for kS hours* -9- (U) Carbon disulphide enulsion treatment Equipment. Suitable tanks, barrels, or tubs for preparing the enulsion and 2H-gage galvanized- iron collars 10 inches wide and not no re than U feet square, for applying the treatment, must "be provided. Condition of soil.~-*The soil must "be friable. The surf nee must be level and not disturbed by recent cultivation. Drainage conditions must be such that the solution does not disappear frori the surface in less than 10 minutes or nore than 5 hours. Tempo rature .—The temperature of the soil at a depth of 6 inched must be at least k$c F, when the treatment is applied, and oust not fall below Uo° during the period of the treatment. Dosage, — Two and one-half gallons of dilute emulsion to each square foot, The concentration is dependent upon the temperature, Follov: table 3 of paragraph (m) (1). Applicat ion,— Level the surface of the soil, removing weeds and debris. Force a galvanized- iron collar 3 inches ir.to the ground, and firm the soil -against the metal. Place another collar next to the first, and so on. When enough collars are in place, pour the dilute emulsion into the basins formed within the collars. As soon as the liquid has disappeared from the surf rose, the collar nay be lifted and set in another position. Period of treatment,— The soil must not be disturbed for U& hours.. (5) Naphthalene fumigation Condition of soil.— The soil must bo friable and in good tilth. Temperature.— The temperature of the soil rt a depth of 6 inches must not be less than 50° F, during the period of the treatment, Dos age . --Forty- s ix pounds, to 1,000 square feet, or 2,000 pounds per acre. Application,— The naphthalene must be thoroughly mixed and incorporated with the upper 3 inches of soil. Period of treatment. — The soil mist not be disturbed for 1 week. TREATMENT OF 6 OIL ABOUT THS ROOTS OF PUNTS The effect of insecticidal treatments on plants, when applied to soil about their roots, varies with the variety, age, vigor, and condition of the plar.ts. It should be understood that these treatments have not been tried on all varieties of plants, or under all of tn<* varied conditions in tho nurseries. In general, it is not possible to destroy «r. insect in close proximity to the roots without causing some damage to the -plant* While guarantees can not be given that no injury will be caused to the plants, the treatments arc recommended only for those plants which experience has shown were not seriously injured. -10- It must bo "understood by the nurseryman that no liability shall attach either to tho United States Department of Agriculture or to any of its employees in event of injury. After all treatments, the plants must "be handled in such a manner as to prevent re infestation. (l) TREATMENT OF PLANTS AFTER DIGGING (l) Removal of infestation With some deciduous and herbaceous plants, infestation can be removed by shaking and washing all soil from the roots. Only such root masses as can be thoroughly examined and absence of infestation -verified may be certified by this procedure. (2) Hot-water treatment Equipment, —A water tank, equijjped v/ith a suitable heating device and cir- culating system, must be provided. Temper at\;re .— ,Tte water must be maintained at 112° F., with a variation of not more than i 0.5°. Before the plants are immersed, thermometers must be in- serted in the center of at least three of the largest clumps, baskets, or root mas see placed at each end and at the center of the tank. In addition, throe thermometers must be placed in the water of the tank in the same relative posi- tions as those in the root masses. Temperature readings from eaoh of these ther- mometers must be recorded on Form No. 91m Application.— The root masses must be immersed completely. Period of treatment.— Seventy minutes after the root masses are heated to 112° F. Varieties of plants ..»- The varieties which have been treated successfully by this procedure are given in Technical Bulletin 27*+. Preparation of plants.— Large clumps should be divided as much as possible without injuring the roots. Excess soil should be removed and the roots pruned. Small plants and root stocks may be packed loosely in wiro baskets or In other' suitable containers, provided the water can circulate thttsu^h the masses. Large plants must be placed individually in the water. Care of plants after treatment*— Plants should be cooled slowly to room temperature. Pot or heel them in the iground as soon as possible after cooling. Tubers should be dry when packed. Avoid subjecting treated plants to freezing temperatures shortly after treatment, (3) Carbon disulphide emulsion dip Egjjdpment.-.«Water-tight tanks or tubs must be provided. -11- Temperature ,,,-The temperature of the dip must "be naintained "hot-ween 650 and 70° P. Dojso^e. --Forty-five cubic ^centimeters of carbon disulphide emulsion to 10 gallons of vater. The treating solution must he prepared immediately "before using. Application.— The root masses must he immersed completely. Period of treatment.— The root masses must he immersed 2U hours • Varieties of plants,-- The varieties which have been treated successfully "by this procedure are given in Technical Bulletin U7S. Preparation of plants .--Large clumps should he divided ,as much as possible without injuring the roots. Excess soil should be removed. No wet root masses or root masses measuring more than 6 inches across the narrowest dimension must be treated. The temperature of the root masses must be at least 60° F. before treat- ment. Small plants and root stocks nay bo packed loosely in wire baskets or other suitable containers, provided the dipping solution can circulate through the masses. Larger root masses must be placed individual ly in the dip. Care of plants after treatment.— Tubers should be dry when packed. Avoid subjecting treated plnnts to freezing temperatures shortly after treatment. It is advisable to allow plants which are to be potted to stand in the open to per- mit evaporation of the fumigant before placing them in soil. (*+) Paradichlorobenzene fumigation Season.— The treatment must be applied "between October 1 and May 1, Varieties of plants. — The following varieties of plnnts have been treated successfully by this procedure? Aquilegia sp, var. Mrs* Scott Elliott's hybrid, Anemone hupehona !■.. Artemisia dracunculus . Azalea amoena, *A. kaempferi" vars, Cleopatra, Fedora, Othello, and Salmon Beauty, A. hinodcgiri. A. obtusa kius iana var. Coral Bells, Aster alpinus « Campanula medium. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides . Chrysanthemum sp. , Dianthus caryophyllus var. Abbots ford Pink, Digitalis purpurea, Eupatorium coelestinun. Helianthemum glaucum croceum. Iberis aroara. M.yqfeetis sp., Pachysandra terminal jr. Phlox sp. var. H. P, Struthers, Santolina chamaocyparissus incan/fr Sedum acre. Somp^rvivum albert i, Stokesia laevig,. Th.ymus serpyllum. Viola sp, vars, Jersey Gem and Eosina. Preparation of plants. — Excess soil should be removed and the mass reduced as much as possible without injuring the roots. The plant ball should be moist, but not wet. Pot? must be removed from potted plnnts. When burlap on balled plant is of coarso woave, it may be left on the balls, but when it is closely woven, it must be removed. Preparation of plunging soil,— The paradichlorobenzene must be thoroughly mixed with a light sandy loam, or sand, which is moist but not vetf and free from lumps, stones, and debris. It must be mixed immediately before using* J&*~ pare of -plants during tre-itnent.-»If it i6 necessary to writer the plants during the treatment to prevent dosiccationf the operation oust be limited to a light syringing, under the stipe rvis ion of an inspector* Cr.re of j»lnntg after troatnent.-.-It is advisable to avoid excessive waters ing of the plants -after treatnent in order to pemit any residual gas to escape fron the plant halls. (i) Conplete coverage Temper aturo ..»~ The tenperature of "both the' treating soil and the soil "ball nust not "be less than 50° F, during the period of treatnent. To prevent injury to the plants, it should not go above 65 . Sogago.-^Ten pounds per cubic yard of nixing soil (6 oz. per cu. ft#) for soil halls up to 6n in dianeter at the narrowest dimension. Twenty pounds per cubic yard of nixing soil (12 oz. per cu. ft.) for soil b^lls fron 6n to 6* in dianeter at the narrowest dinensioft. Application.-- Spread a layer of the treated plunging soil on a' smooth hard surface, such as a floor or "bench, and then place a row of plants, with the halls spaced at least 1 inch apart, on this soil. Fill the spaces "between tho plant "balls with treated soil and cover the plant "balls to a depth of 1 inch. Then, place ah out 1 inch of treated soil against the row of plants. This operation is repeated until all the plants are plunged* Period of t reat pent .««- The plants nust he left undisturbed for a period of 5 days. (ii) Side application Tenperature. dosage., period of treatnenfr««~Tho various combinations of dosage and exposure which nay he used at different temperatures are given in table 1. It is desirable to maintain the tenperature fairly constant. The temperatures given at the head of the column in table 1 are the nininun temperatures during the per iod of treatment. -13. Table 1. — Temperature , dosage, and period of treatment for paradichlorobonzene Width or depth of plant ball {Crystals per : cubic yard :of plunging \ soil i Period of treatment required when the minimum temperature in °F. is within the ran^e indicated "below • U^U9 : 50- 5^ R5-S9 : 60-6U s 65-69 : 70-7U Up to 2 inches- ! Pounds : 1 \ 5 ! 10 } 20 Days : Days I 9 : 7 " 7 : 6 5 : 5 \ Days 10 6 ! I : Days ! 9 i 5 : 4 : 3 Days 7 3 ! 2 ! Days ! 5 2 2 : 1 2-U inches-™ — ! 1 i 5 10 20 — : 10 9 : 6 7 : 7.1 I 10 • s 6 r 9 » 7 ! 6 ! 10 : S I 6 5 6 H 3 2 U-6 inches- - : l i — : mmm — \ — — 4 — — 5 i 10 ! 20 j : — , s 7 1 9 6 7 I* Blank spaces indicate that the exposure period is more than 10 days. Application.— S -pre ad a layer of the treated plunging soil on a smooth hard surface, such as a floor or "bench, and then place a row of plants, with the halls spaced at least 1 inch apart, on this soil. Fill the spaces "between the plant balls with treated soil, taking care not to get the treated soil in contact with the stems of the plants, and cover the upper side of the plant balls with treated soil to within 2 inches of the stems. Then, place about 1 inch of treated soil against the row of plants. The operation is repeated until all the plants are plunged, (5) Methyl bromide fumigation Equipment.— A fumigation chamber, of approved design, equipped with vaporizing, air-circulating, and ventilating systems must be provided. Application. — After the chamber is loaded, the methyl bromide must be vaporized within it. The air within the chamber must be kept in circulation dur- ing the period .of fumigation. At the completion of the treatment, the chamber must be well Witilated before it is entered and the plants removed. The venti- lating system should also be in continuous operation during the entire period of removal of the fumigated articles. (i) Fumigation of plants, with or without soil Temperature, — The temperature of the soil (with bare root stock, the root spaces) and air must be at least 630 F, during the entire fumigation period. Dojjage..-.-Two and one-half pounds of methyl "bromide per 1,000 cubic feet, including tho space occupied "by the load* Period of treatment t— Two and one-half hours. Preparation of plants . —.The treatment is to "be applied only to plants with bare roots, or in 8-inch pots, or smaller, or in soil "balls not larger than S inches in diameter or thicker than 8 inches when not spherical. The soil should not be puddled or saturated. With wet material drying for a period of 12 hours is advisable before treatment. The plants should be stacked on racks or separated sc that the gas can have access to both top and bottom surfaces of pots or soil balls. While not essential that the balls be completely separated from each other, they should not be jammed tightly together. Varieties of plants .—The list of plants, including greenhouse, perennial, and nursery stock types treated experimentally is subject to continual expansion and, moreover, is too great to include in those instructions. Such a list, in*, eluding also those which have been injured by the treatment, will be supplied on request. (ii) Punigation of strawberry plants in shipping crates of field-packed baskets Temperature.— The temperature of the plants and air must bo at least 60° P. during the entire fumigation period. Dosage— Three pounds of methyl bromide per 1,000 cubic feet, including the space occupied by the load. Period of treatment ..—Pour hours. Preparation of plants.— Strawberry plants may be fumigated either bundled and packed in damp moss in slatted shipping crates or in field-packed baskets of 1 bushel, or less. The load in the fumigation space should be arranged to allow the gas to enter from all sides of the containers. Varieties of plants— This treatment has been authorised for strawberry plants only. (m) TREATMENT OF PLANTS BEF0HE DIGGING (l) Oarbon digulphide emulsion Equipment . —S trips or squares of 2*Ugage galvanized iron, 10 inches wide of the proper size, and water-tight cans or tubs must be provided. Season,— This treatment must not be used when adult beetle* are present. Temperature— The treatment must not be applied when tho temperature of the soil at a depth of 6 inches is below Uo° P., or it is anticipated that the temperature will fall below this during the period of treatment. -15- Doj>a£e_.-- The dosage of stock emulsion which must "be used is dependent upon the minimum soil temperature anticipated during the period of the treatment. Schedules 1, 2, «nd 3 in tables 2 and 3 give the dosages required for the treat- ment of plant "balls of various sizes* Period of treatment. —-The soil must not he disturbed for Ug hours. Period of digging*— The plants must he dug within 3 clays after the com- pletion of the treatment. Varieties of plants. —The varieties which have "been treated successfully "by this method are given in Technical Bulletin U73. Preparation of plants.— The surface of the soil ahout the "base of the plant must "be practically level; treatment must not "be applied on a slope which cannot be levelled without filling. Weeds and debris must "be removed from tho^ surface of the soil. It is advisable to tie low-hanging branches so they will not dip into the treating solution. After the size of the "ball to he lifted with the plant has been determined, a galvanized- iron collar of the proper size is placed about the base of the plant and forced to a depth of 3 inches into the soil. The soil must be firmed carefully on each side of the galvanized iron to prevent seepage. Application.— The quantity of treating solution to be- used must be de~ termined from tables 2 and 3» The required quantity of stock emulsion is added to water and mixed ^ell. Then the solution is poured into the collar, avoiding splashing or unnecessary disturbance of the soil. Pouring the solution on a spade will be of considerable help. A record must be made of the time required for the treating solution to disappear from the surface. Drainage conditions must bo such that the solution does not disappear from the surface in less than 10 minutes or more than 5 hours. An examination must be made after the treat- ment has been applied to determine the uniformity of penetration. Handling plants after treatment. — The inspector must be sure that a ball of soil no larger than that originally planned is removed with the plant. (2) Lead arsenate treatment Season. — Treatment must be applied by July 1. Plants may be certified when the period of treatment is completed, and until the following June 15. Condition of soil.-- -The soil must be friable and in good tilth. This treatment is recommended only for soils that are slightly acid or neutral in reaction. Dosage.— Thirty- five pounds to each 1,000 square feet, or 1,500 pounds per acre. For subsequent re-treatments, the quantity required to restore the original concentration, as determined by chemical analyses, must be applied. Period of treatment. — Plants in plots treated initially must not be dug until October 1; those on re-treated plots may be dug on September 20. •i6- Application. — Lead arsenate must be thoroughly mixed and incorporated with the upper 3 inches of soil. The rid&e of soil between the plants in the rows and the soil about the base of the plants must be removed to a depth of 2 inches and placed in the space between the rows of plants. Lead arsenate may be, applied with a suitable distributor, or broadcast by hand, before or after the hoeing operation is completed. Then the soil botwoen the rows of plants must be cultivated three times. On the last cultivation, the cultivator is adjusted in such a manner that the treated soil is thrown toward the rows of plants. At least 3 inches of treated soil must be placed in the rows about the bases of the plants. Varieties of plants. — The varieties of plants which have been treated successfully by this method are given in Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quar- antine E~4l8. Safety zone. — Same as that prescribed in (k). Marking. — Same as that prescribed in (k). Table 2. --Do sage for circular collars • * Diameter of balls Diameter J Water : Stock carbon disulphide emulsion to be dug : of j : collar ! Schedule Ho. lj 40-^50° F. Schedule No, 2; Schedule No. 3 F)0-6o° P. : 60-70° F. • Inches i Gallons J cc. . . g ■" : 68 \ 82 1 102 1 .119 1 143 1 164 ! 187 1 215 cc. J cc. 12 inches or less-! 14 inches i 18 inches — J 20 inches . i 22 inches 18 21 27 30 33 1 36 ! 39 ! H-2 1 1+5 1 48 '4,5 1 6.0 j ! 10.0 ! : 12.0 j : 15.0 i 17.5 I 21.0 ! 24.0 5 27.5 ! 31.5 25 J ! & 1 \ 57 1 : 68 1 ! S5 1 99 ; \ 119 : 1 136 s 156 1 179 20 27 45 i 5h 1 68 80 95 \ 108 1 125 | 1U3 25-27 inches 28-30 inches 33 inches 36 inches .17- Table 3.~-Dcsa?e fox- square collars t Length t Diane ter of "ball :of side; to be dug : of : Water : collar Stock carbon disulphide emulsion iSchodule No. 1 UCL.5O0 F. Schedule No. 2iSchedule No. 3 50~6o° F. : 6o-70c g> 1 Inches .'Gallons 12 inches or less: 13 : 5*5 Ik inches™ ; 21 - : 7-5 IS inches-— -: 27 V 12.5 20 inches— : 30 : 15. 5 22 inches- : 33 : 19.0 2k inches : 36 t 22.5 25-27 inches : 39 : 26. 0 2f-30 inches- -: U2 ■ J 30.5 33 inches : *+5 J 35.0 36 inches- 1 H8 : 40. 0 CC, 37 51 Sl 106 129 153 177 '208 23$ 272 cc. %■ 71 . S3- 10s 128 lUg 173 199 227 CO, % 57 70 86 102 118 139 159 182 TREATMENT OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES The effect of insect icidal treatments on fruits and vegetables varies with the variety and the condition. While guarantees cannot he given that no injury will he caused to the fruits and voge tables, the treatments are recommend- ed only for those commodities which experience has shown- were not seriously in- jured. It must "be understood by the shipper that no liability shall attach either to the United States Department of Agriculture or to any of its employees in event of injury to the commodities. After all treatments, the commodities must be handled in such a manner as to prevent re infestation by the adult Japanese beetles. (n) CAEBON BISULPHIDE FUMIGATION Equipment.— A fumigation chamber, of approved design, equipped with a vaporizing, air-circulating, and ventilating. system, must be provided. ment. Temperature .-^.The temperature must bo at least 80° F. during the treats Dosage. -^-Ten pounds to each 1,000 cubic feet in the chamber. Period of treatment.— Two hours. Varieties of fruit. — The varieties of fruit treated successfully by this method are given in Circular 373. Preparation of fruit.— The crates and baskets of fruit must be stacked in the chamber in such' a manner that the gas will have* ace ess to all sides of the containers.' '< ♦• •: - , Applicat ion.^»After the chamber is loaded, the carbon di sulphide must "be vaporized within it. The water in the coils of the vaporizing pan oast "be at l^ast lUc° F. and should never exceed 180°. The water mist "be circulated through the coils of the vaporising pan for 60 minutes after the funigant has been put into tho pan. The air within the chamber must "bo kept in circulation during the period of fumigation. At tho completion of the tr ;atment, the chamber :iust "be well ventilated before it is entered and the fruit removed. (o) CYANIDE FUMIGATION Equipment .^..Refrigerator cars in good condition .and dry must "be provided. Pour screens, made of cotton netting on light wooden frames which fit tightly over the hatch openings, and equipped with three wires for fastening to the hatch cover, hinges, and graduating arm, roust "be provided fo:r each car. When liquid hydrocyanic acid is used, two metal trays having an area of' 2 square feet and equipped to he suspended about 2H inches below the hatch cover, a 3-ounce measuring cup, and a tube for putting the material into the pans must "be provided, When HON discoids pre used, an approved type of can opener must be pro- vided. When calcium pyanide is used, two trays of light wooden cons true tion^ 6 to o feet long, 2 feet wide., and 2 inches deep, and sufficient building paper to properly cover these trays must be provided. Temperature.^-The temperature must bo at least 75° F. in the cor during the treatment. Dos age. -..Liquid hydrocyanic acid ...... G ounces per car. HCIT discoids ..••«•••••• 6,5 ounces per car Calcium cyanide, SS percent .... 3 pounds per car Period of treatment.-^Liquid hydrocyanic acid) _ . HCIT discoids .....) 2 hours Calcium cyanide .... 1.5 hours Varieties of fruits and vegetables ,«-~ This treatment is authorized for bananas and empty refrigerator cars. Preparation of commodities ,~~ The bananas must be stacked in such a manner that the gas will have access to all sides. Application, liquid hydrocyanic apid.^-The doors must be closed tightly' and the ice drips properly plugged. Remove one insulating plug from each bunker and suspend p. tray therein. Fill the 3-ounce measuring device with liquid hydrooyanic acid, and pour through the tube into tho pan. Replace the plug and close the hatch cover tightly. Then repeat the operation in the ice bunker at the opposite end of the car. HCN discoids..— .The doors must be closed tightly and the ice drips properly plugged. Remove one insulating plug from each ice bunker. Open the can. remove one discoid unit and suspend it immediately in the bunker, holding the string at / ' ^ -19- the edge of the opening and wedge it in position "by closing and fastening the in- sulating plug* The open end of the can must "be covered with' the fiber cap immediate, ly after the unit is removed to prevent loss of gas. Then, place the second dis-. co id unit in the bunker at the opposite end of the car* Calcium cyanide.— The doors and the hatches must be tightly closed and the ice drips properly plugged. Open one door. Cover the trays with paper and apply 1| pounds of calcium cyanide uniformly to the paper in each tray. Then place the trays on the load near the door of the car. Finally, close the door tightly. After the treatment, is completed, open the hatches and place the screens in position and remove the plugs from the ice drips. Remove the pans and trays. Doors must be kept closed, unless an approved screen has been provided." (p) ETHYLENE OXIDE FUMIGATION Equipment.— A fumigation chamber, of approved design', equipped with vapor- izing, air-circulating, and ventilating systems must be provided. Temperature.— The temperature must be at least 75° *\ during the treatment. Dosage.— Two pounds for each 1,000 cubic feet in the chamber. Period of treatment— Two hours. Varieties of fruit.— The varieties of fruit treated successfully by this method are given in Circular 373. - - Preparation of fruit.— The crates and baskets of fruit must be stacked in the chamber in' such a manner that 'the gas will have access to all sides of the con- tainers. Application.— After the chamber. is loaded, the ethylene oxide must be vaporized in the pan in the chamber. The air within the chamber must be kept in circulation during the period of fumigation. At the completion of the treatment, the chamber must be well ventilated before it is entered and the fruits removed. (q\ METHYL BROMIDE FUMIGATION (l) Refrigerator cnrs Equipment.— Refrigerator cars must be in fair condition with sound, well- fitting doors and hatches. Standard cloth screens for covering the hatches and a temporary cloth screen for covering one door during ventilation are essential. An electric blower of not less than 750 CFM capacity against ^-inch water pressure, equipped with devices for lowering into the bunker and securing, so that the blower outlet butts against the bunker screen unimpeded either by etude or burglar bar. Temperature.— The temperature within the car must be at least 70° F. during the treatment. Dosage.— Two pounds for each 1,000 cubic feet; or 5 pounds per refrigerator car. UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA ii i iiiiii 111 ii 3 1262 09311 5284 -20L Pcriod of treatment .--T^o hours fron the end of the funigant release period. Applied ion. «~ The doors must be closed tightly and the ice drips properly od. The nethyl bromide nay be released either by weight or measure, through a co- per or brasr, applicator tube of £-inch bore. This tube must be fitted with . .ic-type spray nozzle and must be bent in a nUw shape at the end, so that the* spra" nozzle is directed upward toward the center of the bunker and not less than 1 fo"'t below the coiling during the release of the fumigant. The blower roust be in continuous operation daring the release of the fumigant and for 5 minutes there- after. At the end of this period the blower may be removed and transferred to the next car. The fumigant must be released in a split dosage consisting of 3 pounds in the bunker end through the hatch across from the blower and 2 pounds in the hatcJ at the opposite end of the car and in line with the blower. Vent ilation. -..At the end of the exposure period, all hatches must be immediately propped open -and screened, 'and the drip plugs removed. One door must be opened and rcreened for a period of 20 minutes, following which it should be closed and sealed. If the car is to be moved within one-half hour, the opening of the door may be omitted, C on" :o di t i es t r e at e d . — The treatment is approved for the following fruits and vegetables : White potatoes, sweetpotatoes, onions, tomatoes, snapbeans, Lima beans, sweet corn, cabbage, carrots, beets, apples, and peaches, (2) Fumigation house, room, and box The commodities listed above may be fumigated in approved fumigation chambers. The sane requirements as to dosage, circulation period, exposure, temperature, and screening of doors listed under refrigerator car fumigation apply. The chamber must be ventilated with the ventilating equipment in continuous operation for one^half hour. All ventilator intakes must be protected with 8~mesh wire screen. The ventilating fan must run during both the placing and rDmoval of the load. In addition, the requirements for screened loading facilities and the subsequent certification of loads must be met. (issued under Sec, 301. Ug) [3. E. P. Q, U99, June 9, 1939] S. A. ROMEE. Acting Chief, Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine.