Methyl iodide: an alternative to methyl bromide for insectary fumigation

Methyl bromide is a powerful fumigant that has been widely used in soil, structural and commodity fumigations for many years. Because of its designation as an ozone‐depleting chemical and resulting federal and international laws, it is scheduled to be removed from production in the year 2001. In experiments testing the suitability of methyl iodide as a replacement chemical for insectary and quarantine fumigations, the chemical appears to be as effective or more effective than methyl bromide. Increased symptoms of plant toxicity to methyl iodide are evidenced only at concentrations above those required to kill insect pests.