Methyl iodide could replace methyl bromide as a soil fumigant
The authors of this paper felt that methyl iodide could directly replace methyl bromide as a soil fumigant. This compound has the same activity and efficacy for soil fumigation as methyl bromide. Methyl iodide is liquid with a boiling point of 42°C which makes it easier to handle and safer for workers. Its ozone depletion potential (0.02) is lower than for methyl bromide (0.6), and lower than the threshold of 0.2 given by the Montreal Protocol for removing ozone depleters. In their laboratory and field trials, when compared at molar equivalent rates, the authors have found that methyl iodide was equal to or better than methyl bromide in controlling tested soilborne fungal plant pathogens, nematodes and weeds.
Sources
Ohr, H.D.; Sims, J.J.; Grech, N.M.; Becker, J.O. (1995) Methyl iodide, a direct replacement for methyl bromide as a soil fumigant;
Abstracts of presentations made at the 1995 APS annual meeting, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1995-09-12/16.
Phytopathology, 85(10), p 1168.