Studies on the possible use of sulfuryl fluoride fumigation against Ceratocystis fagacearum
Studies have been carried out in USA on the possible use of sulfuryl fluoride fumigation to eradicate Ceratocystis fagacearum (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) from red oak logs, as it may not be possible to use methyl bromide in the future. Laboratory tests have been made on 10-day-old cultures of C. fagacearum with various concentrations of sulfuryl fluoride for 24 and 48 h. Rates of 80 g/m3 for 48 h and 120 g/m3 for 24 h were sufficient to render the cultures unable to grow. In addition, by using Janus B staining, it was shown that both mycelia and conidia are non viable after such treatments. Log sections from wilted red oak trees were fumigated at 160, 220 and 280 g/m3 for 72 h. No discoloration of sapwood was observed after the fumigation of logs. Eradication of C. fagacearum was achieved with an exposure of 280 g/m3 for 72 h. The authors concluded that the properties of sulfuryl fluoride should be further studied and that fumigation experiments made under practical conditions are needed.
Sources
Woodward, R.P.; Schmidt, E.L. (1995) Fungitoxicity of sulfuryl fluoride to Ceratocystis fagacearum in vitro and in wilted red oak log sections.
Plant Disease, 79(12), 1237-1239.