Abstract

Farmers stock peanuts, bulk stored inside large warehouses, were fumigated for 24 hr with methyl bromide (bromomethane) after thorough sealing of the facilities. Temperature of the peanuts varied from 21.8⁰ to 26.8⁰ C and gas concentrations monitored in the headspace above the peanuts decreased from 20.1 to 12.2 mg/liter during fumigation. Gas concentrations in the mass varied considerably during fumigation, being highest at the bottom of the peanuts. Gas concentrations decreased to less than 1 mg/liter after 48 h of aeration. Although tremendous populations of insects existed before fumigation, no insects survived the treatment. Bromide residues were much below the tolerance on the peanuts, although looseshelled kernels accumulated slightly higher residues than did sound mature kernels from pods. The success of the fumigation was attributed to the good construction of the warehouses and to the thorough sealing performed before the fumigation.

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Keywords: fumigation, methyl bromide, peanuts, bulk storage, residues, warehouses

How to Cite:

Leesch, J. & Redlinger, L. & Dennis, N., (1978) “Methyl Bromide Fumigation of Farmers Stock Peanuts In Flat Storage^1,2”, Peanut Science 5(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.3146/i0095-3679-5-1-10

Author Notes

¹Stored-Product Insects Research and Development Laboratory Agric. Res. Serv., USDA, Savannah, GA 31403

²This paper reports the results of research only. Mention of a pesticide in this paper does not constitute a recommendation for use by the U.S. Dep. of Agr. nor does it imply registration under FIFRA as amended. Mention of a commercial or proprietary product in this paper does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Dep. of Agr.