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Methyl Bromide Controls Soil Organisms

Damping off diseases have caused heavy losses of northern pine seedlings for many years at the Mason State Tree Nursery in Central Illinois near Topeka. Various factors have contributed to the prevalence of damping-off. Two factors believed to be important are the hard well water used for, irrigation and the plowing under of green manure crops. Both of these factors are believed to be favorable to the development of fungi which cause damping-off. The alkalizing effect of the irrigation water and subsequent evaporation is believed to stimulate the growth of certain soil organisms. These soil organisms then attack the trees. A considerable degree of control has been attained through the development of a post-emergence treatment of seedbeds with an iron sulphate solution. Cultural practices which reduce evaporation and the need for irrigation have also been effective.


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Author(s): Hugh B. Wycoff

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Issue 12 (1952)