New grain fumigant

Australian scientists have found that carbonyl sulphide, known to science for many years, has the potential to replace methyl bromide as a grain and soil fumigant (see Spore 47 p10). Although methyl bromide is the cheapest and easiest fumigant to use, it is environmentally damaging and has been cited as one of the main culprits in the destruction of the ozone layer. Under the Montreal Protocol, it has been proposed that methyl bromide should be banned within a few years. There are alternative compounds such as phosphine but they are slower acting and more difficult to use, and insects are becoming resistant to them. Scientists have been searching for an alternative for years yet to the surprise of scientists at Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), no one considered carbonyl sulphide. In laboratory trials carbonyl sulphide, although not as powerful as methyl bromide, produced results almost as effective against both grain and soil pests. The next step is to get carbonyl sulphide registered as a fumigant so that it can be tested in the field. The compound does occur naturally in the atmosphere so CSIRO feel that its use will not cause environmental damage. Stored Grains Laboratory, Division of Entomology, CSIRO GPO Box 1700, Canberra ACT, AUSTRALIA 2601Australian scientists have found that carbonyl sulphide, known to science for many years, has the potential to replace methyl bromide as a grain and soil fumigant (see Spore 47 p10). Although methyl bromide is the cheapest and easiest fumigant to..