Author
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Brodie, Bill |
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Submitted to: Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Research Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 11/15/1996 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Not required. Technical Abstract: Methyl bromide (Mbr) fumigation is the treatment of choice for disinfesting equipment and other articles to free them of the golden nematode. The impending phase-out of Mbr, has forced the development of more environmentally compatible procedures for disinfesting items that are contaminated with the golden nematode to ensure the integrity of the golden nnematode quarantine. High temperature holds the greatest potential as an environmentally safe treatment to disinfect items contaminated with the golden nematode. In these experiments, we tested the effects of different types of heat on golden nematode survival. Results indicated that solar heat alone in the Northeastern USA is not sufficient to disinfect equipment contaminated with the golden nematode. Although lethal temperatures were achieved with dry heat under polyethylene it did not sufficiently disinfest equipment contaminated with the golden nematode. The use of steam heat was as effective as Mbr in disinfesting equipment contaminated with the golden nematode. Prewashing equipment with high pressure water increased the sensitivity of the eggs to high temperatures but was not sufficient moisture to significantly increase nematode kill. |
