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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #128573
Title: THE DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER TO END USER OF A METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT TO DECONTAMINATE ITEMS INFESTED WITH THE GOLDEN NEMATODE

Author
item Brodie, Bill
item Norris, Rebecca

Submitted to: Proceedings of International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/5/2001
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Methyl bromide is the treatment of choice for decontaminating items infested with the golden nematode (Globodera rostochiensis). The impending phase out of methyl bromide prompted research to identify alternative treatments to replace methyl bromide. Several experiments demonstrated that steam treatment at 60C for one hour was lethal to 100% of encysted golden nematode eggs. Tests were conducted to determine if this treatment could be effectively implemented at the field level. The Sioux Steam Cleaner Corp. developed steam-generating equipment necessary to achieve the treatment protocol and weather resistant canvas tents to use in such studies. Recording thermometers with four thermocouples each were used to record temperatures on the equipment placed in the tent. Packets of golden nematode cysts were placed at various locations on the equipment. Steam was applied and temperatures of 60C or higher were maintained at all locations on the equipment surface for a minimum of one hour. No eggs hatched from the treated cysts and no new cysts developed on plants that were inoculated with non-hatched eggs from treated cysts. This treatment has been proposed as an official alternative to methyl bromide for treatment of golden nematode infested equipment.