ARS | Publication request: FUMIGANT USE TRENDS IN CALIFORNIA

Submitted to: American Chemical Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 27, 2006
Publication Date: September 10, 2006
Citation: Trout, T.J. 2006. Fumigant Use Trends In California - Response To The MeBr Phaseout. American Chemical Society Abstracts. San Fransico, CA 9/10/2006

Technical Abstract: The Pesticide Use Reporting (PUR) requirements in California allow tracking of the uses of methyl bromide (MeBr) and alternative fumigants during the phaseout. Use of MeBr declined gradually between 1991 and 1999, the first year of the phaseout. In 2000 and 2001, use dropped dramatically - the result of a price increase and restrictive California regulations - and remained below phaseout levels. MeBr use in 2003 and 2004 exceeded the phaseout limit through use of material carryover from prior years and Quarantine Exemptions. The MeBr reduction has been achieved primarily through full or partial substitution of alternative fumigants, and reduced fumigated acreage of some crops. Since 1,3-D was re-introduced in California in 1995, use of this product has increased substantially. Chloropicrin use increased due to increasing proportions of chloropicrin in MeBr/chloropicrin mixtures. Metam sodium is the most widely used fumigant in California, but is not often used as a replacement for MeBr.