Means and methods as an alternative to methyl bromide disinfection

• Published in: Phytopathologia mediterranea Vol. 48; no. 2; p. 349
• Main Authors: Tjamos, E C, Antoniou, P P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-08-2009
• Subjects: Greece; Romania; Belgium; Italy; MED, France; Spain
• ISSN: 0031-9465

Methyl bromide (MB) is considered as an important factor of reduction of ozone in atmosphere. Regulations EC2037/00 and EC3093/94, require reduction of use of methyl bromide and draw its progressive suppression in the EU up to 31/12/08. In the countries of EU, the non chemical and chemical alternative methods of methyl bromide (MB) are available and have been adopted for various uses in soil disinfections and in postharvest applications. Nevertheless, it appears that a lot of factors limit the wide distribution and application. For certain uses the extension of application of these alternative solutions is awkward. The aim of the program is to organize and to apply a framework of co-ordination that improves the promotion of viable alternative methods. In the working team participate 11 partners from 7 countries: France, Italy, Spain and Greece that used increased quantities of (MB), Belgium and Holland where the use of (MB) is decreased continuously as well as Romania, that represents all the different types of institutions for the critical mass that is required. The objectives are: 1) Determination of problems that prevent the adoption of alternative methods of methyl bromide, collection of elements with regard to the development and the scientific research for the use of successfully alternative methods and means. 2) Evaluation of application of successfully alternative solutions and choice of efficient practices in the effective alternative solutions. 3) Determination of tools of distribution. 4) Guarantee a dynamic and efficient management of program. 5) Internet dissemination: create an online list of electronic contacts of public administrations, chemical industries, academics representatives from EU member states that will be updated on the status of the project and the content of the knowledge base as it is updated by means of an e-newsletter. The suitable alternative solutions that are enumerated by the consortium are: A. Applications in the soil: 1. Fumigation: a. Existing chemical substances: Clhoropicrine, Dazomet, Dichloropropene, Metam sodium and potassium alone or in combination with other methods, b. New chemical substances: Dimethyl disulphide, etha-dinytrile, methyl iodide. 2. Biological alternative solutions. 3. Integrated pest management. 4. Solarization. 5. Steam. 6. Hydroponic cultures. 7. Biofumigation. 8. Grafted plants and resistant varieties. B. Post harvest applications: 1. Existing chemical substances: Phosphine and contact insecticides. 2. New chemical substance: sulfuryl fluoride. 3. Heat.