Efficacy of Ethanedinitrile against Pinewood Nematode in Woodchips under Field Conditions

Abstract

As the ban on methyl bromide widens, the need for an effective phytosanitary fumigant alternative grows. Currently available alternatives, phosphine and sulfuryl fluoride, lack efficacy against the pinewood nematode. Ethanedinitrile is a highly efficacious fumigant with chemical properties similar to methyl bromide. Ethanedinitrile was tested against pinewood nematodes in a large-scale field setting with southern yellow pine wood chips at dose rates of 75 and 120 g/m3 for 24 hours. All treatments resulted in complete control of pinewood nematodes whereas a nontreated control confirmed the presence of live nematodes. These preliminary results confirm the efficacy of ethanedinitrile against pinewood nematodes in pine wood chips under field conditions.