Methyl Bromide Alternatives Case Studies

EPA430-R-95-009, July 1995

Table of Contents

These case studies illustrate the fact that materials do exist which can manage pests where methyl bromide is now used. The alternative materials and methods discussed here are not intended to be complete replacements for methyl bromide, but tools which are effective on the pests that are currently controlled by this pesticide.

This is the first of many such Methyl Bromide Alternative Case Studies to be produced and distributed by the EPA. Because of the wide array of uses now allocated to methyl bromide, there is an equally high number of alternatives in existence and in development. The Case Studies described here were chosen because of their level of development and availability, and should not be construed to the only alternatives to methyl bromide.

Users cannot expect an alternative to methyl bromide to instantly become a methyl bromide clone. The use, application, and knowledge base of methyl bromide use has been in development for over forty years. An alternative that is just beginning to be evaluated may require additional development and optimization to become an effective pest control tool. Problems with an alternative should not be seen as reason to discard it, but as part of the process of making the alternative work better as a pest control tool.

Soil Use:

1. Hot Water Technology
2. Basamid for Tree Nurseries
3. Metam Sodium for Fruits and Vegetables
4. Telone C-17 and Tillam
5. Greenhouse Tobacco Production
6. IPM Approach

Commodity Use:

1. Controlled Atmospheres
2. Systems Approach

Structural Use:

1. Phosphine, heat and CO2
2. Heat Treatments

EPA Methyl Bromide Home Page

Written by EPA's Stratospheric Protection Division

Last updated on October 21, 1997 | Visits since January 26, 1996: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/mbr/csstart.html