Methyl Bromide Alternatives Case Studies

Methyl Bromide Alternatives
10 Case Studies Volume Three

EPA 430-R-97-030
September 1997

Foreword

This is the third EPA publication of case studies describing alternatives to the use of the pesticide, methyl bromide. As with the first two volumes of case studies, the alternatives listed here were chosen because of their level of development and availability, and should not be construed to be the only alternatives to methyl bromide.

The alternatives described in this document are in response to the fact that methyl bromide is a significant stratospheric ozone depleting chemical, and therefore contributes to environmental degradation. Because of this, methyl bromide will soon be phased out both in the United States and internationally. This pesticide has been used since the early 1960's, primarily as a pre-plant soil fumigant (often for high-value crops such as strawberries and tomatoes), as well as a post-harvest (commodity) and structural treatment.

In it's current use pattern, methyl bromide is an important production component for many in the agricultural community. Since effective pest management is essential to field agricultural production, commodity storage, natural resource protection, and public health, alternatives to methyl bromide which are efficacious, cost effective, and environmentally sound must be available before methyl bromide is phased out. To assist in this effort, EPA has published this document, as well as the first two sets of case studies, and has committed to publish additional case studies.

The alternative materials and methods discussed in these case studies are not intended to be complete replacements for methyl bromide, but tools which are efficacious against the pests that are currently controlled by this pesticide. Many of the alternatives described herein are part of an overall integrated pest management system, and must be combined with other pest control tools to achieve an economically viable level of management.

All efforts were made to insure that the information in this document is correct and factual. Comments on this document, as well as your experiences with these and other alternatives to methyl bromide, are welcome via the contacts listed below.

(click on the following to link to case study)

Soil Use:

Commodity/Structural Use:

This publication discusses specific proprietary products and pest control methods. Some of these alternatives are now commercially available, while others are in an advanced stage of development. In all cases, the information presented does not constitute a recommendation or an endorsement of these products or methods by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or other involved parties. Neither should the absence of an item or pest control method necessarily be interpreted as EPA disapproval.