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Methyl Bromide Alternatives

12/18/00 Researchers Study MB Alternatives for Caladium The majority of the world's caladium tubers are produced in the surrounding area of Lake Placid, FL. The tubers are normally grown in muck or high organic matter soils, making soilborne pest control a major concern for caladium producers. Most caladium producers fumigate their soil with methyl bromide (MB). However, upcoming international regulations designed to protect the Earth's stratospheric ozone layer will soon phaseout use of the ozone-depleting fumigant. Scientists recently completed a two-year study intended to find an acceptable substitute to MB as a soil fumigant in caladium tuber production. The study was conducted on a commercial farm near Lake Placid that had been fumigated with MB for several years prior. Researchers applied treatments to 50-foot-long by 22-foot-wide plots. Each plot contained five beds with four rows each. The study examined such MB alternatives as chloropicrin, 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and metam sodium in various combinations. In addition, researchers applied metolachlor herbicide to plots treated with 1,3-D or metam sodium. The plots also received treatments of oryzalin seven weeks after planting. Non-treated control plots received no fumigant or herbicide treatment during the study. The scientists found that during the first year of the study, plots treated with a combination of 83 percent 1,3-D and 17 percent chloropicrin at 35 gallons per acre grew "just as vigorous as those where methyl bromide had been applied." For the second year of the study, researchers found that plots treated with the 1,3-D and chloropicrin combination grew the most vigorously, but "were no more vigorous than those grown in [MB-fumigated] soil." The study concluded that the 1,3-D and chloropicrin combination "may be a viable replacement for MB when combined with metolachlor or oryzalin herbicide at planting followed by a midsummer application of oryzalin." (USDA MB ALTERNATIVES NEWSLETTER: OCTOBER 2000) WebLink (http://www.usda.gov)

November 10, 2000 2000 Annual International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions Working together to quickly develop and implement economically viable and environmentally sound alternatives to methyl bromide, agricultural and forestry researchers from governmental, academic and private institutions gathered together in Orlando Florida November 6 - 9, 2000 to share information on laboratory, field, and on-farm research and technology transfer. The conference was devoted to the sharing of information on current and ongoing research into methyl bromide alternatives. Attendance surpassed 400 researchers, growers, and interested persons, with a significant level of international participation. The conference featured concurrent sessions concerning research on alternatives to methyl bromide for preplant, post-harvest, and structural uses. The 2001 Alternatives will be in San Diego, California, November 5-8, at the Double Tree Hotel. The 2002 Alternatives will be in Orlando, Florida, November 6-9, at the Omni Rosen Hotel. Full Conference Proceedings from the 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1995 and 1994 meetings are online in pdf.

September 26, 2000 Cytec Receives EPA Regulatory Approval to Market ECO2FUME Phosphine Fumigant for Food Storage Applications WEST PATERSON, N.J.-- Cytec Industries Inc. announced today that the company has received regulatory approval from the U.S. EPA to market ECO2FUMEŽ phosphine fumigant for food applications, including grains, nuts and fruits. Cytec secured EPA approval in December 1999 to market the fumigant for non-food applications. ECO2FUME is an environmentally friendly, non-flammable fumigant that is easily applied to control insects in stored, post-harvest commodities. ECO2FUME fumigant can be an effective alternative to methyl bromide in stored product or structural applications and is the first new alternative approved by the U.S. EPA. Methyl bromide, an ozone-depleting chemical is currently being phased out, according to the provisions of the Montreal Protocol, and will be banned in all developed countries by 2005. The global market targeted for ECO2FUME fumigant is estimated at $40 million representing the post-harvest uses of methyl bromide as well as metallic phosphide fumigants. ``This approval supports our continued strategy to invest in the technological growth of our core businesses to satisfy growing customer demands,'' said David Lilley, chairman, president and chief executive officer. ``The approval also complements our global leadership position in other phosphine-based specialty markets.'' Cytec acquired the core assets of BOC Gases' global phosphine fumigants business in August 1999 for approximately M$4.5 including contingent payments. In addition to the current business, primarily in Australia, Cytec acquired the worldwide rights to BOC's ECO2FUMEŽ trademark, other intellectual property, and existing and pending government regulatory registrations. Cytec Industries Inc. is a specialty chemicals and materials technology company with 1999 sales of $1.4 billion and diluted earnings per share of $2.73. Its growth strategies are based on developing technologically advanced customer solutions for global markets, including: aerospace, plastics, industrial coatings, mining, and water treatment. Cytec is in the S&P Mid-cap 400 index. WebLink (http://www.cytec.com)

August 28, 2000 California Researchers Look for MB Alternatives Farmers and scientists have recently been cultivating and testing thousands of acres of land in the San Joaquin Valley with chemical and nonchemical treatments in an effort to develop methyl bromide (MB) alternatives. Scientists have been desperately searching for alternatives to the ozone-depleting substance (ODS) which faces a nationwide phaseout beginning next year. The phaseout that will cut MB supplies by one-third, and eliminate domestic use of the chemical by 2005. According to recent estimates, California farmers account for almost 50 percent of MB use in the country. It is expected that strawberry farmers will be most affected by the ban. However, orchards and vineyards which use soil fumigants are expected to be greatly impacted, as well. Although researchers have reported promising results with chemicals such as telone, vapam, methyl iodide and chloropicrin, many obstacles remain before their use can become widespread. None have yet to gain the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and many face challenges in their practical application, such as longer than normal fallow periods. Other alternatives require extensive irrigation networks and harmful emissions that could endanger farmhands. (FRESNO BEE: 8/28) WebLink(www.fresnobee.com)

July 26, 2000 ARS Develops New Gerplasm for Potato Growers The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) recently announced it has developed a new germplasm that will help North American potato growers avoid infestations of golden and "white" potato-cyst nematodes. ARS said the ozone-depleting pesticide methyl bromide is commonly used to protect crops from these nematodes and other pests. However, use of the chemical is slated to be phased out by 2005. The golden nematodes, known as Globodera rostochiensis, only attack potato crops in New York state. The pests can kill an entire potato crop by eating the roots of the plants. The "white" potato-cyst nematode G. pallida, affects potato crops outside the U.S. The new germplasm was developed by ARS plant pathologist Bill Brodie along with researchers from Cornell University and the International Potato Center in Lima, Peru. ARS said seeds that resist the nematodes are being released by Cornell's Agricultural Experiment Station and ARS. In addition, the germplasm will be deposited in the U.S. Potato Introduction Station Germplasm Collection in Sturgeon Bay, WI for long-term storage in the ARS potato gene bank. Contact: Bill Brodie, ARS, phone 607-255-2158, fax 607-255-2739, e-mail ars-ithaca@cornell.edu. (ARS RELEASE: 7/26) WebLink (http://www.ars.usda.gov)

July 25, 2000 California DPR to Offer $1.4 Million in Grants The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) recently announced that it will offer $1.4 million in grants next year in an effort to cut pesticide use. DPR hopes to award more than 30 grants for projects designed to find alternatives to pesticides so that workers can limit their exposure to possible toxins, surface and ground water is protected, and further research goes into pesticide alternatives including methyl bromide. Grants will also be awarded for integrated pest management (IPM) methods at public schools and other public buildings. DPR plans to award up to $50,000 to approximately 10 pest management demonstration projects and up to $30,000 to approximately eight pest management applied research projects. Proposals that offer matching or inkind services will be given top consideration and applications are due by October 6. Groups seeking evaluations of their current pest management systems may apply for up to $10,000 in funding. DPR expects to evaluate up to 10 projects and may choose to provide more assistance to those projects that emphasize reduced-risk methods. Evaluation applications are due in by September 6. Those pest management projects that are evaluated by DPR may opt to apply for Pest Management alliances, which are public-private partnerships that address pest management issues. Those groups that successfully complete the evaluations may apply for Alliance grants of up to $100,000 per year. Contact: Bob Elliott, DPR, phone 916-324-4100, e-mail belliott@cdpr.ca.gov (DPR RELEASE: 7/25) WebLink (http://www.cdpr.ca.gov)

July 24, 2000 Researchers Investigate MB Alternatives Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists recently announced that farmers may benefit from growing wheat in apple orchards. ARS said that when wheat is grown as a rotation crop in apple orchards, it may prevent "replant disease" in young trees. Previously treated with methyl bromide (MB), farmers and researchers have been searching for alternatives since MB use became the subject of an investigation that labeled it an ozone depleting substance (ODS). Researchers discovered that the disease results from a buildup of four types of soil-borne fungi. Although MB and other soil fumigants effectively treat the condition, alternatives will soon be needed because of inevitable MB phaseouts, said ARS. "Apple trees seem to change the soil in a way that favors these pathogens," said ARS scientist Mark Mazzola. "Some wheat varieties, on the other hand, modify the soil environment to the benefit of different microorganisms." ARS said its scientists have agreed that chemicals exuded from plants affect the surrounding soil, thereby favoring specific populations of microorganisms. Scientists said that after about three years in the soil apple trees promote fungal growth that may cause disease. The scientists said that planting wheat may "starve out" the fungi, thereby eliminating the threat of disease. ARS cautioned that these findings are preliminary and need much more research before they could be applied in widescale tests in orchards. (ARS RELEASE: 7/24) WebLink (http://www.ars.usda.gov)

June 8, 2000 ARS Discovers Natural MB Alternative Scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) recently discovered a new bioherbicide that could replace the use ozone-depleting methyl bromide (MB) to control weeds in tomatoes. ARS said the bioherbicide, known as Myrothecium verrucaria, is found in sicklepod plants in the southeastern U.S. and is able to control kudzu, a weed that commonly grows in the South. ARS researchers C. Douglas Boyette and Hamed Abbas treated tomato plots with natural infestations of common purslane, horse purslane, ground spurge and spotted spurge with Myrothecium before planting Beefsteak tomato seedlings. ARS noted that these weeds are a serious concern for commercial tomato growers. The researchers found that the bioherbicide eliminated the weeds in several field tests. In addition, the scientists applied Myrothecium in place of MB, which is commonly used on commercially grown tomatoes. After two weeks, no weeds were found and the tomatoes prospered. ARS said tomato crops have the highest consumption of methyl bromide of all crop uses, accounting for 23 percent of pre-plant methyl bromide use. Nearly 4,000 tons of the chemical are applied each year to control nematodes, insects and weeds. The researchers are also studying other natural alternatives to methyl bromide, including Fusarium solaniand Colletotrichum truncatum. Contact: C. Douglas Boyette, ARS, phone 662-686-5222, fax 662-686-5422, e-mail dboyette@ag.gov. (ARS RELEASE: 6/8) WebLink (http://www.ars.usda.gov)

May 4, 2000 NAS Releases Report on DPR Methyl Bromide Rules The National Academies of Science (NAS) recently released its peer review of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation's (DPR) proposed regulations for the use of methyl bromide. DPR contracted with NAS in May 1999 to conduct a peer review of DPR's risk assessment of methyl bromide. The National Research Council convened the Subcommittee for the Review of the Risk Assessment of Methyl Bromide to review DPR's 1999 risk assessment of methyl bromide. The subcommittee was instructed to review the data, determine the appropriateness of the critical studies, consider the mode of action of methyl bromide and its implications in risk assessment, determine the appropriateness of the exposure assessment and the mathematical models, and identify data gaps and make recommendations for further research. NAS said DPR's 1999 risk characterization document is a revision on a 1992 preliminary risk assessment that addressed acute inhalation exposure of residents re-entering fumigated homes. The subcommittee organized its comments on the 1999 risk assessment into three categories: toxicology, exposure assessment and risk characterization. For toxicology, NAS said the DRP report "appropriately summarizes the available toxicokinetic data on methyl bromide in terms of its absorption, distribution and excretion, but provide only a limited discussion of the metabolism of the pesticide." The subcommittee also found that the DPR report "compiled a large quantity of exposure data," but fails "to address several exposure scenarios." In addition, the subcommittee determined that DPR "did not conduct a complete risk assessment, because there was no quantification of the populations of workers that are likely to be exposed or the number of residents living near fields or entering houses." Contacts: Veda Federighi, DPR, phone 916-445-3974, Bill Kearney, NAS, phone 202-334-2138. (DPR RELEASE: 5/4) WebLink(http://www.cdpr.ca.gov)

April 28, 2000 EPA Approves Possible MB Replacement The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved a pesticide that may be a viable replacement for methyl bromide (MB), a fumigant that is slated for phaseout. The biopesticide, known as Messenger, is a protein product derived from harpin that triggers plants' natural defense systems against such ailments as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The protein also helps the plant fight off some insects and stimulates root growth, decreasing the plant's need for water. Cornell University scientists discovered that plants sprayed with the biopesticide before being attacked are able to develop resistance. "We've been anxiously awaiting the registration so we can use the product in the field," said Dan Botts, director of environmental and pest management division for the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. EPA said Messenger has been field-tested in more than 500 trials, on over 40 different crops. The agency noted that the product poses no threat to human health and evaporates within two hours of application. When tested on tomatoes in Florida, crop yields improved by as much as 22 percent. The product will be marketed by Seattle, WA-based EDEN Bioscience Corporation. Contact: EPA Office of Pesticide Programs (AP: 4/28) WebLink (http://www.epa.gov/pesticides)

February 5, 2000 Chloropicrin: The Methyl Bromide Alternative Fumigant Chloropicrin, which is trichloronitromethane teargas, is available in 100% formulations as Chlor-o-Pic (Great Lakes Chem. Corp., West Lafayette, Indiana) and as HD-Pic (Hendrix and Dail, Inc., Greenville, NC). Chloropicrin alone and in combination with other fumigants has received considerable praise in field trials of strawberry production. Chloropicrin has been known for decades to be more effective than methyl bromide in controlling soil-borne fungal pathogens, but less effective in controlling weeds and nematodes. For this reason, it has found its greatest usefulness in a combination with methyl bromide, in the past. However, Chloropicrin does provide some degree of control of free-ranging nematodes such as ring, dagger and lance vermiforms. These are the types of nematodes that occasionally cause problems on woody plants. Current studies of chloropicrin combined with Telone (dichloropropene) in a formulation 30:70 ratio of (Terr-o-cide, Great Lakes; Tri-form 30, Hendrix and Dail) have shown that it can promote yields in strawberry that are even greater than those promoted by methyl bromide-chloropicrin fumigation, and this was without requiring alterations to existing cultivation methods. The actual cost of contract application of chloropicrin on teleonechloropicrin including injection and tarping, will be similar to that for methyl bromide (see comparison chart at the web link below). By contract application, chloropicrin is injected as a liquid into the nursery bed to a depth of six to eleven inches. injection is scheduled for about 14 or more days before planting. The beds are tarped with clear plastic during the injection, and tarps are opened or removed at least 24 hours afterwards. In strawberry beds, the fumigation plastic can remain in place for the duration of the crop. After application of chloropicrin, the fumigant becomes environmentally benign. It rapidly degrades in sunlight. In soil, it is metabolized by microorganisms to form carbon dioxide and it is not accumulated in plant tissues. Additionally, chloropicrin is not water soluble so it does not follow water percolation into groundwater. Telone C17 was a Dow-Elanco formulation of Telone - chloropicrin at 78:17 ratio. This well-known fumigant is not of the correct ratio for use as an effective alternative to methyl bromide. However, Dow-Elanco is preparing a new formulation of 70:30 as an effective substitute for methyl bromide. Telone alone will not provide disease control. A comparison of costs among fumigants can be found at the web link below. Michigan State University Extension - 51697004 WebLink (http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/modc1/51697004.html)

Disclaimer: Please note that the much of the information contained on this web site was not developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency nor is the veritably of such information reviewed in depth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The purpose of this site is to provide information on methyl bromide alternatives in a timely manner. As such, this is intended to be a consolidated source of information, and is only intended to be used as a general reference. While all efforts were made to insure that the information herein is correct and factual, this information is not certified to be accurate or current. The views and opinions of the information or originators expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, United States Government or any Agency thereof. The information alternative materials and methods discussed in this site are not intended to constitute a pesticide recommendation. Many of the alternatives discussed herein 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. Information on this site may discuss specific proprietary products and pest control methods. Some of these alternatives may be commercially available, while others are in an advanced stage of development. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, United States Government or any other Agency thereof. In all cases, the information presented does not constitute a pesticide use recommendation or an endorsement of these products or methods by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Neither should the absence of an item or pest control method necessarily be interpreted as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency disapproval. Where ever possible, web links are included to allow the reader to gain additional information on a particular subject. This symbol: is an indication of a linkage outside of the Agency. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by linked sites. In this regard, links to web sites outside the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web site are for the convenience of the user. The Standards of Ethical Conduct do not permit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to endorse any private sector web site, related product, or related service. These links are being provided consistent with the intended purpose of this U.S. Environmental Protection Agency web site. Because the sites associated with web links are maintained separately and outside the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is unable to guarantee the accuracy of the data or data updates related to such linkages, and does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find. Comments on the information contained at this site are welcome.

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EPA Methyl Bromide Phase Out Main Web Site

Edited by Bill Thomas of EPA's Global Programs Division

Last updated on December 14, 2000
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/ozone/mbr/AltNews2.html