Observations on Methyl Bromide Fumigation of Fruit Under Plastic Tarpaulins and at Cold Temperatures

Abstract

Methyl bromide gas distribution and other tests were made on some commercial fumigations of plums and other fruit stacked under plastic tarpaulins on covered barges, at temperatures near 40° to 45°F. The tarpaulin was an 8-gauge polyvinyl plastic material and was held to the floor of the barge by means of “sand snakes.” Where two fans were used, one at one end at the top and one at the other end at the bottom, both pointing to the center, good gas distribution occurred within 30 minutes. When the fans were shut off after 30 minutes the gas concentration held up well for the rest of the exposure. Some small-scale fumigations near 45° to 50°F. indicated plums had a good margin of tolerance to the methyl bromide.