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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #71004

Title: METHYL IODIDE AS A REPLACEMENT FOR METHYL BROMIDE: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

Author
item Yates, Scott

Submitted to: Methyl Bromide Newsletter
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/2/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Methyl iodide (MeI) has been recently proposed as an ideal replacement for methyl bromide in soil fumigation. Current research indicates that MeI is as effective as methyl bromide (MeBr) in controlling pests and is readily degraded in the lower atmosphere; hence should not significantly deplete stratospheric ozone. Since MeI is not a registered pesticide, however, there is virtually no information regarding its environmental behavior in agricultural soils. With the impending cancellation of MeBr and previous cancellation of other soil fumigants, it has become imperative to find and adopt methods for reducing emissions so that the remaining soil fumigants do not suffer similar fate. Also, any decision to phase-out MeBr should be weighed in terms of the probable environmental consequences resulting from increased usage of alternative fumigants, along with the associated economic implications.