Administrative instructions : fumigation of potatoes by methyl bromide as a condition of certification of potatoes movin...

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTRE Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quirantine
Washington, D. C.

B. E. P. Q.--473

ADlMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

FUMIGATION OF POTATOES BY METHYL BROMIDE AS A CONDITION OF CERTIFICATION
OF POTATOES MOVING BY RE-RIGERATOR CAP.R FROM THE AF2A
LISTED IN REGULATION 5 OF qJAR.ANTIME No. 48

(Approved April 30, 1938; effective May 2, 193,)

Regulation 5, Sec. B, paragraph (6) of the Japanese beetle quarantine (No. 48) authorizes the issuance of certificates for the interstate movement of potatoes via refrigerator car from the area listed in that regulation to points outside the regulated areas between June 15 and October 15 when the potatoes have been fumigated in the car, when deemed n cessary in the judgment of the inspector and when the doors and hatches of the car have been tightly closed or adequately screened under the supervision of an inspector.

TEEAT1ENT AUTHOR ZED

The treatment described heroin has been found to be effective against the Japanese beetle and such treatment is authorized as a basis for certification of potatoes moving to points outside the regulated areas between June 15 and October 15 via refrigerator car when such treatment is carried out under the supervision of an inspector and in a manner satisfactory to him.

TREAT'iNT METHOD

Fumigation of potatoes in dry refrigerator cars with methyl bromide
at a dosage of 2 pounds per 1,000 cubic feet of space, incrudinJ the space occupied by the potatoes and bunkers of the cars, for a period of 2 hours during which time the car shall remain tightly closed with the plugs in place in the ventilator hatches. The temperature within the car when f-umigated shall be not less than 700F. Provision shall be made for circulating ther mixture of air and fumigant in the car for as long a time as is deemed necessary by the inspector. At the end of the fumigation per-iod the hatches shall be opened, the plugs removed, ccreune placed in the hatch openings, and the car shipped under standard ventilation.

In authorizing the movement of potatoes fumigated according to the requirements stated above, it is to be understood that no liability shall attach either to the United States Department of Agriculture or tu any of its employees in the event of injury.

Caution: Methyl bromide is a gas at ordinary temperatures. It is
colorless and practically odorless in concentration used for the fumigation of potatoes. It is a poison, and the operator should use an approved gas mask when exposed. to the gas at concentrations used in fur.igation, an:1 when opening the hatches for ventilating the cars. The car should not be entered until it is well aerated. AEY S. HOYT,
Acting Chief, Bureau of Entomology end Plant Quarandm.






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