1938] SERVICE AND REGULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS 85 
TREATMENT METHOD 
Fumigation of onions in dry refrigerator cars with methyl bromide at a 
dosage of 2 pounds per 1,000 cubic feet of space, including the space occupied 
by the onions and bunkers of the cars, for a period of 2 hours, during which 
time the car shall remain tightly closed with the plugs in place in the ventilator 
hatches. The temperature within the car when fumigated shall be not less 
than 70° F. Provision shall be made for circulating the mixture of air and 
fumigant in the car for as long a time as is deemed necessary by the inspector. 
At the end of the fumigation period the hatches shall be opened, the plugs 
removed, screens placed in the hatch openings, and the car shipped under 
standard ventilation. 
In authorizing the movement of onions fumigated according to the require- 
ments stated above, it is to be understood that no liability shall attach either 
to the United States Department of Agriculture or to any of its employees in 
the event of injury. 
Caution. — Methyl bromide is a gas at ordinary temperatures. It is color- 
less and practically odorless in concentration used for the fumigation of onions. 
It is a poison, and the operator should use an approved gas mask when ex- 
posed to the gas at concentrations used in fumigation, and when opening the 
hatches for ventilating the cars. The car should not be entered until it is 
well aerated. 
Lee A. Strong, 
Chief, Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine. 
B. E. P. Q. 480. 
ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS— FUMIGATION OF TOMATOES BY METHYL BROMIDE 
AS A CONDITION OF CERTIFICATION OF TOMATOES MOVING BY REFRIGERATOR 
CAR FROM THE AREA LISTED IN REGULATION 5 OF QUARANTINE NO. 48 
(Approved August 18, 1938; effective August 22, 1938) 
Regulation 5, section B, paragraph (2) of the Japanese beetle quarantine 
(No. 48) authorizes the issuance of certificates for the interstate movement of 
fruits and vegetables via refrigerator car from the area listed in that regulation 
to points outside the regulated areas between June 15 and October 15 when 
they have been handled or treated under the supervision of an inspector in 
maimer and by method to free them from any infestation. 
treatment authorized 
The treatment described herein has been found to be effective against the 
Japanese beetle and such treatment is authorized as a basis for certification 
of tomatoes moving to points outside the regulated areas between June 15 and 
October 15 via refrigerator car when such treatment is carried out under the 
supervision of an inspector and in a manner satisfactory to him. 
TREATMENT METHOD 
Fumigation of tomatoes in dry refrigerator ears with methyl bromide at a 
dosage of 2 pounds per 1,000 cubic feet of space, including the space occupied 
by the tomatoes and bunkers of the cars, for a period of 2 hours, during which 
time the car shall remain tightly closed with the plugs in place in the ventilator 
hatches. The temperature within the ear when fumigated shall be not Less 
than 70° F. Provision shall be made for circulating the mixture of air 
and fumigant in the ear for as long a time as is deemed necessary by the 
inspector. At the end of the fumigation period the hatches shall be opened, 
the plugs removed, screens placed in the hatch openings, and the ear shipped 
under standard ventilation. 
In authorizing the movement of tomatoes fumigated according to the require- 
ments stated above, it is to be understood that no liability shall attach either 
to the United States Department of Agriculture or to any of its employees in 
the event of injury. 
