Fungicide Application to Cottonseed Using Methylene Chloride Carrier1

Abstract

A method is described for quantitative application of chemicals to cottonseed (Gossypium hirsutum L.), using methylene chloride as a carrier. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of fungicides applied with methylene chloride with those of fungicides applied in wettable powder formulations in field studies. Nonsystemic fungicides used were PCNB (pentachloronitrobenzene) and ETMT [5,ethoxy‐3‐(trichloromethyl)‐l,2, 4‐thiadiazolel. Systemic fungicides used were chloroneb (l,4‐dicholoro‐2,5‐dimethoxybenzene) and carboxin (5,6‐ dihydro‐2‐methyl‐1,4‐oxathiin‐3‐carboxanilide). Germination of cottonseed was reduced by methylene chloride, apparently because it killed mechanically damaged seeds. This reduction was reflected in field studies where stands from seeds treated with fungicides in the solvent averaged 6% less than stands from seeds treated with fungicides in wettable powder formulations. Solvent‐applied fungicides, both systemic and nonsystemic, gave no more seed protection than wettable powders.