Integrated stored product protection methods to replace the use of methyl bromide in grains, dried fruits and nuts

The world-wide phase out of MB (MB) due to its ozone depleting potential requires new solutions in integrated stored product protection. There is no replacement available that equals MB in its broad biocidal effect while being comparably fast in action and cheap. In Germany, however, MB was registered in 1992 only for structural treatments. Grains (g), legumes (l), spices (s), dried fruits (f) and nuts (n) have instead been disinfested by one of the following means: phosphine fumigation (g, l, s, f, n); carbon dioxide (CO2) fumigation (g, l, s, f, n); treatment with CO2 under high pressure (s, f, n), freezing with liquid air or liquid nitrogen (N2) (s, f, n); and application of pirimiphos-methyl (g). During the last decade, other techniques, such as biological control with parasitic wasps or the treatment of grain with diatomaceous earth have become available. This paper describes MB alternatives available in Germany and points out steps in product handling and processing that could be used for effective disinfestation. The decision to replace MB with alternatives appears to be political rather than technical.