EFFECT OF MIXTURES OF BASAMID AND METHAM SODIUM ON PRODUCTION OF MITCIN DOUGLAS-FIR AND SOUTHERN PINE

The ability of mixtures of Basamid and metham sodium to produce methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) in small blocks and sawdust of Douglas-fir (Pseu dotsuga menziesii) and southern pine (Pinus spp.) was studied under va rying moisture and temperature regimes. Mixtures of the two fumigants appeared to produce higher levels of MITC in small blocks than did the fumigants alone. Subsequent sawdust trials produced more variable res ults. MITC levels were similar for both wood species, and increased dr amatically with increases in wood moisture content. Slight improvement s in MITC levels were also noted with temperature increases. Addition of copper sulfate to the Basamid/metham sodium mixture resulted in inc reased MITC production early in the tests, but this effect diminished with time. The results suggest that mixtures of Basamid, metham sodium and copper sulfate could be used to provide a safer remedial treatmen t with the potential for both rapid initial and longterm control of fu ngal infestations.