Alternatives To Methyl Bromide

Methyl bromide, a potent pest control chemical, was identified as an ozone depleting substance (ODS) in 1972. The phase out of this toxic chemical presents a special challenge. To replace methyl bromide, users around the world must have access to reliable and useful technical information. This publication was produced by the United Nations Environment Programme to promote the methyl bromide phase out. It allows the reader to carefully and thoroughly assess many available alternatives and decide on the best option for their situation. The publication also provides addresses of suppliers and specialists in alternatives; references and websites; and contacts for implementing agencies.

Methyl bromide (MeBr), used as a fumigant to control several soil-borne pests in various crops, is a strong ozone depleter, and governments and international agencies aware of the problem have agreed to establish a programme to phase out its use. As a result, some literature on new MeBr alternatives is available that describes the feasibility and disadvantages of each new pest control measure. Some of these publications result from workshops and symposia organized in different countries by the United Nations Environment Programme and by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. The present report provides information on successful alternatives in some countries or regions where MeBr is being phased out. Although the report often shows the lack of already validated alternatives, particularly for a region such as Africa, the material provides enough elements on the technical and economic success of a variety of alternatives to assist agricultural researchers and extensionists in carrying out further studies and/or for validation. The material can also serve as a reference, particularly for the training of trainers.