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Home → Publications → National Nursery Proceedings → 1996 → Methyl Bromide- Environmental Issues Overview and Position of the US Environmental Protection Agency

Methyl Bromide- Environmental Issues Overview and Position of the US Environmental Protection Agency

Methyl bromide is used extensively on a global basis as a pesticide against nematodes, weeds, insects, fungi, bacteria, and rodents. As a soil fumigant, it is utilized in significant quantities in the production of strawberries, tomatoes, nursery crops, as well as other agriculture commodities. Grain, fresh fruit, forestry products, and other materials are fumigated with Methyl Bromide to control pest infestations during transport and storage. Structures are also treated with this chemical to control wood destroying insects and rodents. However, methyl bromide has been identified as a significant ozone depleting substance, resulting in regulatory actions being taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and by the United Nations Environment Program (Montreal Protocol). In the United States, production and importation of this material will cease in 2001. Internationally, production will be halted in 2010. It is critical to identify and implement efficacious and viable alternatives in the near-term. Keywords: pest control, methyl bromide, fumigant, environment, ozone, policy


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Author(s): Bill Thomas

Publication: National Nursery Proceedings - 1996

Event: Western Forest and Conservation Nursery Association Meeting
1996 - Salem, OR