METHYL-BROMIDE - EFFECTIVE PEST-MANAGEMENT TOOL AND ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT

Methyl bromide is used extensively on a global basis as a pesticide ag ainst nematodes, weeds, insects, fungi, bacteria. and rodents. As a so il fumigant, it is used in significant quantities in the production of strawberry and tomato, as well as other agriculture commodities. Grai n, fresh fruit, forestry products, and other materials are fumigated w ith methyl bromide to control pest infestations during transport and s torage. Structures also are treated with this chemical to control wood -destroying insects and rodents. However, methyl bromide has been iden tified as a significant ozone-depleting substance, resulting in regula tory actions being taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency a nd the United Nations Environment Program (Montreal Protocol). The sci ence linking methyl bromide to ozone depletion is strong and was reinf orced by the 1994 UNEP Montreal Protocol Science Assessment on Ozone D epletion, which states, ''Methyl bromide continues to be viewed as a s ignificant ozone-depleting compound.'' Identifying efficacious and via ble alternatives in the near term is critical.