Methyl Bromide Fumigation

Methyl Bromide is most widely used fumigant for quarantine purposes. It is a preferred fumigant for most of the quarantine authorities around the world, because of its good penetrating ability, rapid action, high toxicity to a broad spectrum of insects and pests.

The effectiveness of methyl bromide is based on the following:

• Dosage of the fumigant

• Duration of exposure

• Temperature

Methyl bromide is frequently used for fumigating timber, agricultural products, empty containers, food stuffs, and other agricultural produce. When fumigation is carried out with Methyl Bromide fumigant, there will not be any residual issues as aeration can be carried out easily. It is very effective in controlling insects at all stages; from egg to the adult stage.

 

As per International Plant Protection conversion Methyl bromide is an approved fumigant which can be used for treating export cargo containing wooden packing materials.

Fumigants only control existing infestations in the cargo they do not provide any residual protection against subsequent re-infestation. Consequently timber treated by fumigation must be packed in container or shipped within 21 days of treatment. During this 21 day period it should be stored safely or cross infestation may occur. After Completion of Methyl Bromide Fumigation when agri products are taken for repacking care should be taken to maintain the repacking area pest free and good hygienic practices should be followed in order to avoid cross infestation between fumigated and unfumigated cargo.

Methyl bromide is absorbed by oils, fats and finely ground materials. It is also known to react with materials containing sulphur, including food stuffs and proteins to produce objectionable discoloration and odours which may persist even after prolonged aeration. When there are concern about possible deleterious effects of methyl bromide, an alternative treatment may be sought.

Fumigation of Wooden Crates:

Fumigation of wooden crates should be carried out with methyl bromide at the dosage of 48 grams per meter cube. In this process the wooden packing crates are placed in the fumigation covers under a smooth floor and then it converted completely. The gas monitoring lines for measuring gas concentration during the exposure period is placed at different locations as per requirements. The fumigation covers are sealed with the help of sand snakes and an air tight enclosure is made. The total cubic area of the enclosure is measured and the required dosage of methyl bromide is administrated. Gas monitoring is carried out during the exposure period. After the exposure period of 24 hours the fumigation covers are removed and the empty wooden crates are aerated

In India most of the exporters are using rubber wood for packing purpose. The ideal wood would be Kiln dried pine wood

Methyl Bromide fumigation should be carried out for packing materials such as wood crates, skids and other packing materials. Plant material such as straw, rice hulls and similar plant material used as packing material can carry exotic insect pest and diseases. The wooden crates have to be treated prior to shipment by carrying out fumigation with Methyl Bromide. The maximum thickness of the packing wood must not exceed 200 mm.