Effects of the granular soil fumigant “Basamid” on germination, growth, weed control and nutrition of Pinus radiata seedlings in the Benalla Nursery.  F.G. Neumann.  November 1972.  15 pp. (unpubl.)

SUMMARY

1. The granular soil fumigant “basamid” was found to be an effective, safe, and easily applied chemical for the destruction of soil pathogens in the Benalla nursery. However, it's cost ($390 per acre) limits its use to special applications.
2. When used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, “basamid” increased germination, reduced post-emergence mortality, eliminated perennial weeds, increased seedling growth, and enhanced root growth in the formation of mycorrhizae.
3. Worthwhile increases in survival achieved with “basamid”, were relatively much greater for non-irrigated than for irrigated nursery beds. However, subsequent growth of seedlings was only acceptable under irrigation. Thus fumigation did not substitute for irrigation. Nor did it substitute for mycorrhizal inoculation.
4. The effectiveness of the fumigant in increasing seedling growth was not due to enhance nutrition at Benalla. It is possible that increased growth was achieved by the elimination of root pathogens, leading to accelerated root growth.
5. “Basamid” is recommended for trials in nurseries where soil pathogens are a problem.

Also published:

Minko, G. (1975)  Effects of the granular soil fumigant “Basamid” on germination, growth, weed control and nutrition of Pinus radiata seedlings in the Benalla Nursery.  For. Comm. Vic., For. Tech. Pap. 22: 37-41.