ARS | Publication request: Efficacy of ethanedinitrile (C2N2) at low temperature against cereal pathogens: a situation report

Submitted to: International Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 2008
Publication Date: November 11, 2008
Citation: Waterford, C.J., Peterson, G.L., Van Someren Graver, J. 2008. Efficacy of ethanedinitrile (C2N2) at low temperature against cereal pathogens: a situation report. International Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions.

Technical Abstract: Drought causes periodic shortfalls in feed availability for the Australian intensive livestock industry. Importation of feed into Australia is one solution but presents quarantine concerns as many serious pests and pathogens carried on feed grains are not established in Australia. Ethanedinitrile (EDN) is being investigated by Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)Australia as an alternative to methyl bromide for a range of other uses, including soil and timber fumigation. The feasibility of using EDN to sterilise imported commodities of quarantine risks was tested and was successful in devitalising barley, maize, sorghum and wheat and is being evaluated as part of an import treatment protocol for devitalising feed grain imports into Australia to provide an acceptable method for managing these concerns. This paper reports preliminary assessment of efficacy at temperatures between 3-22 degrees C against target pathogens of concern including Tilletia indica Mitra (Karnal bunt), Peronosclerospora sorghi Weston & Uppal (sorghum downy mildew), Tilletia controversa Kühn (dwarf bunt) and Ustilago maydis (DC.) Corda (boil smut), which is being conducted in collaboration with the USDA,ARS.