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FAQ

1) What is the AlterBromide project?

The AlterBromide project is a Coordination Action funded by the 6th Framework Programme of the European Commission under the programme "POLICIES-1.2 Tools and assessment methods for sustainable agriculture and forestry management Coordination action". The project will sets up and implements a coordination framework improving the delivery of sustainable alternatives to the Methyl Bromide, currently used in fumigations. The core objectives of the project are to:

  • Identify problems impeding the adoptions of alternatives to methyl bromide and collect data on development work and ongoing research on successfully adopted alternatives;
  • Evaluate the implementation of successful alternatives and retrieve good practices in successful alternatives;
  • Define dissemination tools in order to promote the transfer of good practices and coordinate the methodology and the content of the messages delivered to all the concerned actors;
  • Ensure a dynamic and efficient governance of the project.
  • Internet dissemination: create an online list of electronic contacts of public administrations, chemical industries, academics representatives from EU member states and update them on the status of the project and the content of the knowledge base.

2) What is Methyl Bromide?

The chemical compound bromomethane, commonly known as methyl bromide, is an organic halogen compound with formula CH3Br. It is a colorless, nonflammable gas with no distinctive smell. Its chemical properties are quite similar to those of chloromethane. It is a recognized ozone-depleting chemical. It was used extensively as a pesticide until recently and there is now an effort to phase it out by all European countries within 2008. Trade names for bromomethane include Embafume and Terabol.

Bromomethane originates from both natural and human sources. It occurs naturally in the ocean, where it is found in some species of kelp.[citation needed] It is also produced in small quantities by certain terrestrial plants, such as members of the Brassicaceae family. It is manufactured for agricultural and industrial use by reacting methanol with hydrobromic acid.

Until its production and use was curtailed by the Montreal Protocol, it was widely used as a soil sterilant, mainly for production of seed but also for some crops such as strawberries. In commercial large-scale monoculture seed production, unlike crop production, it is of vital importance to avoid contaminating the crop with off-type seed of the same species. Therefore, selective herbicides cannot be used. While bromomethane is dangerous to use, it is considerably safer and more effective than the few other soil sterilants available. Its loss to the seed industry has resulted in changes to cultural practices, with increased reliance on soil steam sterilization, mechanical rogueing, and fallow seasons.

Bromomethane was also used as a general-purpose fumigant to kill a variety of pests including rats and insects. Bromomethane has poor fungicidal properties. (Bromomethane is the preferred fumigant for ISPM number 15, regulations when exporting wooden packaging to certain countries). It is also a precursor in the manufacture of other chemicals as a methylation agent, and has been used as a solvent to extract oil from seeds and wool.

(Source: Wikipedia- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromomethane )

3) Why should alternative methods to Methyl Bromide be used in agriculture and fumigation specifically?

Methyl bromide is a significant ozone depleting substance. It was added to the Montreal Protocol in 1992. The Regulations EC2037/00 & EC3093/94, required reductions in methyl bromide consumption and the consumption is scheduled to be phased out in EU on 01/01/05 for the majority of its uses. In the EU countries, non chemical & chemical alternatives to methyl bromide (MB) are available and have been adopted in several uses in soil disinfestations and in post harvest sector. However, it seems that many factors are limiting a wider application & for several uses it would be not feasible to expand the use of these alternatives.

4) Which are the alternatives to Methyl Bromide in agriculture?

The currently most suitable alternatives to Methyl Bromide, as reported by the AlterBromide project working groups, are:

1) In soil fumigation:

  • Existing chemicals: Clhoropicrine, Dazomet, Dichloropropene, Metam sodium & potassium in straight & in combination.
  • New chemicals under development in Europe since 2001: Dimethyl disulfide.
  • Other new chemical alternatives listed: ethadinytrile, methyl iodide (suitable development in Europe to be confirmed).
  • Biological alternatives.
  • Integrated Pest Management.
  • Solarization.
  • Steam.
  • Soil less culture.
  • Biofumigation.
  • Grafting & resistant cv

2) In post harvest.

  • Existing chemicals: Phosphine & contact insecticides.
  • New chemicals just registered in Europe: sulfuryl fluoride.
  • Heat

You may visit Alternatives for more information on Alternatives to Methyl Bromide

5) Which are the European and National resulations related to the Methyl Bromide and its use in agriculture?

Detailed information about the regulations related to the Methyl Bromide and its alternatives can be found at Regulations.

6) Are there any good practices already in place for the replacement of the Methyl Bromide?

Several good practices are identified in the framework of the AlterBromide project and are listed in Good Practices.

7) Where could I find additional information about the actions I should take for adopting alternatives?

Training material is distributed at Training Material. Depending on whether you represent a scientific organisation, a grower, a policy/decision maker, or a soil fumigator, a different set of the available material will be of your interest. You may use the information at Contacts to contact us and receive additional information and/or clarifications.

8) How can I register to receive the AlterBromide newsletter?

Please, visit the Newsletter page and select the newsletter of interest. At the bottom of the page follow the available link to register yourself or your organisation. As soon as a new issue of the newsletter is published, this will be forwarded to the email address you provided during your registration.