As you may know, last year the U.S.-Israel Science and Technology Foundation made funds available for research and development of methyl bromide alternatives, emissions reduction, and improved ways to apply the chemical. We sent out a formal request for proposals with a submission deadline of December 31, 1996.

The Board of Directors of the Foundation is happy to announce that the following three proposals have been selected for funding:

Reducing Methyl Bromide Emission During Soil Fumigation by Using Virtually Impermeable Films and Improved Delivery. Companies: Plastopil Hazorea (Israel) and Tri-Cal, Inc. (U.S.A.) By using gas-tight films, improved delivery technology, and reduced dosages of methyl bromide, this project seeks to produce a new soil fumigation package that will improve environmental quality. Research should improve trade benefits of the U.S. and Israel as well as provide an economic package to farmers.

Developing Alternative Fumigation Systems and Methods to Reduce Methyl Bromide Emission in Postharvest Treatments. Companies: Haogenplast, Ltd. (Israel) and GrainPro, Inc. (U.S.A.). In addition to improving technologies that will ensure gas-tightness to reduce dosage levels of methyl bromide, this proposal will combine MeBr treatments with CO². Thus insect control can be achieved at lower methyl bromide concentrations. This approach is expected to reduce emissions from structural fumigations by 75 percent.

Methyl Bromide Alternatives: Development of Biocontrol Agents for the Control of Soilborne Plant Pathogens and Nematodes. Companies: Mycontrol Ltd. (Israel) and Thermo Trilogy Corp. (U.S.A.) By controlling and preventing damage caused by soilborne pathogens and nematodes, this group expects to enhance plant growth and yield. Novel and inexpensive preparations of biocontrol agents will be developed from Trichoderma or other microorganisms supplied by Mycontrol and Thermo Trilogy products.

These proposals bring a total of nearly $3 million to our funding efforts to find effective alternatives to methyl bromide. A plan to commercialize research results from these proposals is required to be in place within 48 months from the beginning of the projects.

Floyd P. Horn

Acting Deputy Under Secretary