Abstract
Peanut pod rot, caused by a Pythium-centered disease complex, was efficiently controlled by metham sodium. The biocide was applied through sprinkler irrigation to a depth below the geocarposphere. Although methyl isothiocyanate was not highly effective against Pythium oospores, the treatment considerably reduced pod rot in the same season''s yield but had no aftereffect on the next peanut crop. Apparently, for one season metham sodium efficiently reduced microbial populations that are synergistic with Pythium spp. in causing pod rot. The treatment also controlled Verticillium wilt by killing microsclerotia of Verticillium dahliae.