Preplant Soil Fumigation Alternatives.  The loss of methyl bromide for soil fumigation will result in serious disease, pest, and weed problems. These problems will likely be highly variable and will depend on crop, soil type, environment, and cropping systems. Therefore, separate research efforts will be required to develop multiple management strategies. Approaches will include host plant resistance, biological control, cultural practice modifications, alternative chemicals and combinations of the above.

Postharvest Commodity Treatment (Including Structural). Methyl bromide is used to maintain postharvest commodities free of insects and mites.  Condition and grade of commodities can deteriorate quickly in the absence of effective postharvest insect control.  Maintenance of quality is essential if American products are to remain competitive in the world market place.  Food processing plants such as flour mills, rely on methyl bromide for structural disinfestation of insects required by health authorities as well as to keep insects from infesting manufactured products.  Approaches will include heat, cold, controlled atmospheres, irradiation, chemicals including other fumigants, exclusion, and new exotic pest eradication technology.