Fumigation of agricultural products. XIII.—Trials of onion seed treated with methyl bromide, and an improved method for its analysis

Abstract

Abstract Two varieties of onion seed have been fumigated with methyl bromide over a range of moisture contents. Improvements in the method used for determination of methyl bromide are described. The highest concentration‐time product used was applied either as a high dose for a short time or a low dose for a longer period. The germination of seeds in soil is a better measure of the damage done by fumigating moist seed than are laboratory tests on paper pads. Once a seed succeeds in germinating in soil its eventual yield is independent of the treatment received by the seed. Seed dry enough to store with unimpaired germination should not contain more than 10% of moisture and will then withstand concentration‐time products of 1100 mg. h./1. irrespective of the way in which this product is made up.