USA CUN14 POST HARVEST COMMODITIES 1

METHYL BROMIDE CRITICAL USE RENOMINATION FOR POSTHARVEST -- COMMODITIES

NOMINATING PARTY: The United States of America

FILE NAME: USA CUN14 POST HAVEST USE FOR COMMODITIES

BRIEF DESCRIPTIVE TITLE OF NOMINATION:

Methyl Bromide Critical Use Nomination for Post Harvest Use on Commodities (Submitted in 

2012 for 2014 Use Season)

QUANTITY OF METHYL BROMIDE REQUESTED IN EACH YEAR OF 

NOMINATION:

TABLE 1: QUANTITY OF METHYL BROMIDE REQUESTED IN EACH YEAR OF NOMINATION

YEAR NOMINATION AMOUNT (KILOGRAMS)

2014 740 kg

(Details on this page are requested under Decision Ex. I/4(7), for posting on the Ozone Secretariat website under 

Decision Ex. I/4(8).) 

In assessing nominations submitted in this format, TEAP and MBTOC will also refer to the original nomination on 

which the Party’s first-year exemption was approved, as well as any supplementary information provided by the 

Party in relation to that original nomination. As this earlier information is retained by MBTOC, a Party need not 

re-submit that earlier information. 

NOMINATING PARTY CONTACT DETAILS:

Contact Person: Federico San Martini, Ph.D.

Title: Foreign Affairs Officer

Address: Office of Environmental Policy

U.S. Department of State

2201 C Street, N.W. Room 2657

Washington, D.C. 20520 

U.S.A.

Telephone: (202) 647-3819

Fax: (202) 647-1052

E-mail: SanMartiniFM@state.gov

Following the requirements of Decision IX/6 paragraph (a)(1) The United States of America has determined that the 

specific use detailed in this Critical Use Nomination is critical because the lack of availability of methyl bromide for 

this use would result in a significant market disruption. ■ Yes  No

Signature Name Date

Title: 
USA CUN14 POST HARVEST COMMODITIES 2

CONTACT OR EXPERT(S) FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS:

Contact/Expert Person: Jack Housenger

Title: Division Director

Address: Biological and Economic Analysis Division

Office of Pesticide Programs

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Mailcode 7503P

Washington, D.C. 20460

U.S.A.

Telephone: (703) 308-8200

Fax: (703) 308-7042

E-mail: Housenger.Jack@epa.gov

LIST OF DOCUMENTS SENT TO THE OZONE SECRETARIAT IN OFFICIAL NOMINATION PACKAGE:

1. PAPER DOCUMENTS: 

Title of paper documents and appendices

No. of pages Date sent to Ozone 

Secretariat

2. ELECTRONIC COPIES OF ALL PAPER DOCUMENTS: 

*Title of each electronic file (for naming convention see notes above)

No. of 

kilobytes 

Date sent to Ozone 

Secretariat

USA CUN14 POST HARVEST: COMMODITIES

* Identical to paper documents
USA CUN14 POST HARVEST COMMODITIES 3

METHYL BROMIDE CRITICAL USE RENOMINATION FOR POSTHARVEST -- COMMODITIES

1. SUMMARY OF NEED FOR METHYL BROMIDE

Commodity fumigation with methyl bromide is used primarily at harvest time, when rapid 

fumigation is needed to keep up with the large volumes of incoming commodities and when 

commodities are in storage. 

The USG is requesting methyl bromide for this sector to allow time for the industry to purchase 

equipment, build chambers, modify structures, and/or develop experience using alternatives. 

Sulfuryl fluoride, as ProFume®, remains registered for the uses included in this nomination in the 

U. S. EPA has published a proposed order to revoke tolerances; however, for the purposes of 

this nomination, USG is assuming that sulfuryl fluoride will continue to be available. For 

additional information, please refer to the links on EPA’s website: 

http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/registration_review/sulfuryl-fluoride/evaluations.html. 

TABLE 2. NOMINATION AMOUNT 

2. SUMMARIZE WHY KEY ALTERNATIVES ARE NOT FEASIBLE

This sector includes walnuts, dried fruit (prunes, raisins, figs), and dates, all of which are subject 

to infestation by several insect pests. Since infestation begins in the field, methyl bromide is 

 California 

Dried Plum 

Board 

 California 

Walnut 

Commission 

 California Date 

Commission Sector Total 

Quantity Requested for 2013: Amount (kgs) 282 179 361 822

Quantity Recommended by 

MBTOC/TEAP for 2013 :

Amount (kgs) 282 179 361 822

Amount (kgs) 282 179 361 822

Volume (1000 m3) 12 4 17 -

Rate 23 48 21 -

Transition from 2014 Baseline 

Adjusted Value

Percentage (%) -10% -10% -10% -

Amount (kgs) 254 161 325 740

Volume (1000 m3) 11.0 3.4 15.5 -

Rate 23 48 21 -

COMMODITIES

Quantity Required for 

2014 Nomination:

Quantity Approved by Parties for 

2013:

SECTOR

2014 Methyl Bromide Usage Newer Numerical Index (BUNNI) 

Transition Use Reduction Description Spreadsheet
USA CUN14 POST HARVEST COMMODITIES 4

used to rapidly fumigate harvested commodities and to disinfest commodities in storage. Most 

fumigation occurs over several weeks, during the peak production season, as the bulk of the 

harvest moves from the field into storage and shipping channels. Upon arrival from the field, 

each load is fumigated with methyl bromide in preparation for shipment to national and 

international markets. 

Research with sulfuryl fluoride indicates that this fumigant is a potential methyl bromide 

alternative for commodities, provided fumigation occurs at temperatures above 70oF. Recent 

studies have shown that under vacuum or atmospheric conditions, sulfuryl fluoride is effective 

against adult, pupal, and larval stages of stored product pests. The ovicidal efficacy of sulfuryl 

fluoride is dependent upon temperature and exposure time. 

Walnuts – Quick turn-around time for walnuts at peak harvest time is the primary justification 

for methyl bromide use in this sector. Vacuum fumigation with methyl bromide may take 4-6 

hours and atmospheric fumigation approximately 8-24 hours. Phosphine gas fumigation takes 

approximately three days and is the primary fumigant used for walnuts in storage. 

Use of sulfuryl fluoride is limited during the peak fumigation because of low temperatures. 

Industry experts observe that the walnut industry fumigates during 6 months of the year when 

temperatures are at or below 50°F and provide supporting temperature data for the San Joaquin 

and Sacramento Valleys of California, their main production areas. Methyl bromide is still 

critical to accommodate the throughput of walnuts during this peak harvest when the 

temperatures are low. 

Dates – Methyl bromide is used to rapidly fumigate California dates at harvest time, when up to 

a million pounds per day are being harvested within a relatively tight timeframe during the fall. 

These dates are harvested by hand, and growers need to get them to the marketplace in three days 

for maximum value. Although several insects may infest dates, the carob moth, Ectomyelois 

ceratoniae, is the most damaging species. The California Date Commission reports that it is 

currently testing the efficacy of sulfuryl fluoride on dates, in collaboration with Dow 

AgroSciences and Dr. Spencer Walse of USDA. Dr. Walse’s preliminary results show less than 

adequate egg kill, even when the amount used is twice that needed for comparable methyl 

bromide fumigation. Phosphine takes longer, 5 to 7 days, to fumigate dates, and during this time 

the dates ferment, resulting in an off-flavor and an unmarketable product. 

Dried Fruit – Methyl bromide is used to disinfest dried fruit in storage when the fruit is stored at 

processing facilities. Phosphine would corrode the electrical and electronic equipment in the 

processing areas. Phosphine also takes longer to fumigate and would consequently shut down 

the processing area as well. Sulfuryl fluoride is currently labeled for use on dried fruit; however, 

research results presented at the 2009 MBAO meeting (Walse et al., 2009), indicate that under 

low temperatures and current label rates, efficacy is inadequate against the eggs of the major 

stored product pests (dried fruit beetle, red flour beetle, and Indianmeal moth). Control of the 

egg stages of target pests is imperative. 

USG is requesting methyl bromide for this sector to allow time for the industry to purchase 

equipment, build chambers, modify structures, and/or develop experience using alternatives. 
USA CUN14 POST HARVEST COMMODITIES 5

The current registration of sulfuryl fluoride, as ProFume®, remains unchanged in the U. S. for the 

uses included in this nomination and is considered to be a viable alternative for some uses. 

However, it should be noted that EPA has published a proposed order to revoke all tolerances in 

response to a petition. For additional information, please refer to the links on EPA’s website: 

http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/registration_review/sulfuryl-fluoride/evaluations.html. 

3. SUMMARY OF RECENT RESEARCH 

Dr. Liu (2011) investigated the potential of oxygenated phosphine on insect pests of lettuce. Dr. 

Liu included a stored product pest, Indianmeal moth, in his investigations and found that a 48-

hour fumigation in chambers with 30% oxygen content did result in significant mortality of 

larvae and eggs. This is only one study and much more research needs to be done, especially 

with tree nuts and dried fruit. However, this could be an area of future research for the industry. 

Burks and Kuenen (2011) investigated the potential of mating disruption in Indianmeal moths in 

chambers to protect stored products. Results were consistent with observations for orchard pests. 

Indianmeal moth males oriented to mating disruption dispensers; significantly more males were 

captured with 10 mg lures than with females; mating disruption suppressed males in femalebaited traps; and no residual effect after mating disruption dispensers removed. In addition, 

preference for high-load lures over females decreased with age. While this was a preliminary 

study, and no economic analysis was included, mating disruption in storage chambers may be a 

potential area for further investigation. 

Walse et al. (2009) have demonstrated that sulfuryl fluoride does not readily kill egg stages of 

navel orangeworm or the eggs of several stored product insects at temperatures below 70°F at, or 

below, maximum label rates. USDA/ARS researchers plan to continue testing the efficacy and

practicality of using sulfuryl fluoride, relative to methyl bromide, to control post-harvest pests of 

nuts and dried fruit. Sulfuryl fluoride thus appears to be an effective methyl bromide alternative 

for in-shell walnuts only when temperatures are at or above 70oF. 

Because temperatures at night can fall below 70°F, further research is needed on the ovicidal 

efficacy of sulfuryl fluoride as well as on the ovicidal efficacy of propylene oxide (PPO)/sulfuryl 

fluoride combinations. The Dried Fruit Association of California hopes to continue its 

investigations of combinations of PPO and sulfuryl fluoride and carbon dioxide (CO2). 

Muhareb’s (2009) presentation at the 2009 MBAO noted that adding carbon dioxide increased 

the larval efficacy of the PPO+SF mixture. This combination also was more efficacious on eggs. 

Past data showed red flour beetle (RFB) larvae fumigated with PPO had an LD95 using 606 

mg.h/l SF is just the opposite requiring higher concentration x time (CT) product for the eggs, 

LD95 966 mg.h/l,10% CO2 was the most effective. Without CO2, combining the two fumigants 

together showed a LD95 of 432 on RFB eggs and a LD95 of 353 on RFB larvae. Adding 10% 

CO2 reduces the dosages by about two-thirds of the fumigants used alone. The CO2 along with 

the synergy of the blend reduces cost, lowers environmental emission and provides greater 

safety. (Muhareb 2009) 
USA CUN14 POST HARVEST COMMODITIES 6

Reichmuth and Klementz (Barakat et al., 2009) discussed at the 2009 MBAO possible 

investigations to overcome the inability of sulfuryl fluoride to control the egg stage of many 

stored product pest insects. These included combinations of gases such as sulfuryl fluoride with 

phosphine or carbon dioxide. They also proposed using heat to increase the efficacy of sulfuryl 

fluoride. Their preliminary data demonstrated that these combinations show promise for many 

stored product pests of dried fruits and tree nuts. (Barakat et al., 2009)

Reichmuth, also at the 2009 MBAO, presented data regarding sulfuryl fluoride efficacy on the

eggs of the rice moth Corcyra cephalonica. He showed that older eggs were more tolerant of 

sulfuryl fluoride than were the young eggs. His data show that by increasing the exposure time 

the difference between the ages of the eggs is reduced and disappears. His results indicated that 

full control was achieved at a concentration of 4.19 mg/l sulfuryl fluoride only after 5 days of 

fumigation (CT=120 x 4.19mgh/l=502mgh/l); 5.24 mg/l were sufficient to control all 

investigated eggs with exposure of 4 days (CT=503 mgh/l); and 5 days (CT=628 mgh/l), as well 

as three days old eggs with 3 d fumigation (CT=377 mgh/l). Three days fumigation served to 

kill all eggs of all ages with 6.24 mg/l (ct=449mgh/l). These ct-products are in range with 

corresponding values for lethal ct products for the other related stored product pest moths 

Ephestia kuehniella, Plodia interpunctella and Ephestia elutella (Barakat et al., 2009).

Williams (2009), of Dow AgroSciences, presented the results of sulfuryl fluoride investigations 

on carob moth (Ectomyelosis ceratonia) or CM in freshly harvested dates. Complete mortality 

of eggs and larvae was achieved with 332 oz-h/MCF (thousand cubic feet) (g-h/m3) CT dosage 

of sulfuryl fluoride (ProFume®) at 21°C (70°F) during a 14-h exposure (essentially 1.48 

lbs/MCF). Compare that to 1.5 lb/MCF of MB, for chambers with a moderate HLT (half loss 

time) of 20 h and a short, overnight exposure of 16 h (Williams, 2009). 

Williams (2009) reported that chamber fumigation needing a quick overnight turnaround 

represents 30% of the date production fumigations. The remaining 70% of the fumigations 

occur in 5.0-MCF stacks of bins under tarps in the open yard, when time is not critical and the 

tarps may be kept sealed for weeks or even months. With the anticipated 50+ h HLT actually 

measured with the tarps in 2007, a fumigation using only 1.3 lb/MCF of ProFume would require 

16 h to achieve 300 oz-h/MCF for carob moth control. Further gas savings can occur by 

extending the exposure time. At 50-h HLT and 72-h exposure, a 300 oz-h/MCF CT dosage for 

ProFume can be achieved applying only 0.4 lb MCF. (Williams, 2009)

Williams (2009) reported that the CM efficacy of sulfuryl fluoride at 300 oz-h/MCF CT dosages 

combined with good HLT, which can be achieved with good structural sealing techniques, and 

demonstrate that sulfuryl fluoride is an equivalent (weight: weight) alternative to methyl bromide

in fresh dates for short-exposure overnight fumigations. When extended exposures are possible 

in tarped stacks, sulfuryl fluoride becomes superior (weight: weight) to methyl bromide. 

Williams (2009) concludes that his study demonstrates that in all aspects (technical, practical & 

economical), sulfuryl fluoride is a viable alternative to methyl bromide for fumigation in dates 

and is available as an immediate industry replacement for methyl bromide. 

Hosoda (2009), of Cardinal Professional Products, presented an update of sulfuryl fluoride uses 

in post-harvest at both the 2009 and 2010 MBAO conferences. Mr. Hosoda reported that the 
USA CUN14 POST HARVEST COMMODITIES 7

walnut industry began to transition to sulfuryl fluoride in 2008, and made rapid progress in 2009 

away from methyl bromide. Mr. Hosoda reported that one of the concerns with some of the 

major processors was the control of the egg stage of the Navel orangeworm (NOW), which is 

primarily a field pest that comes in with the product after harvest. It has recently been found that 

it is critical to control the egg stage of the NOW, because it can proliferate in storage. Dow 

AgroSciences funded a project with the Dried Fruit and Tree Nut Association (American Council 

for Food Safety and Quality) to evaluate sulfuryl fluoride’s (ProFume’s®) efficacy on walnuts 

infested with NOW eggs. The results showed that sulfuryl fluoride, when applied under vacuum, 

will effectively control over 99% of the egg stage. USDA recently performed efficacy studies 

under similar conditions with methyl bromide, and found egg survival to be 31%-43% depending 

on the dose. These data created a comfort level for many walnut processors to make the 

conversion to sulfuryl fluoride (Hosoda, 2009). 
USA CUN14 POST HARVEST COMMODITIES 8

4. ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF TRANSITION TO ALTERNATIVES

TABLE 3. ECONOMIC SUMMARY FOR EACH ALTERNATIVE

METHYL BROMIDE 

ALTERNATIVE

ECONOMIC SUMMARY

PHOSPHINE

Phosphine is a viable alternative for walnuts and dried fruit but not for dates. In the case of 

both walnuts and dried fruit, use of phosphine as a primary fumigant will require purchase 

of additional fumigation chambers due to longer fumigation time. Economic losses will be 

incurred initially as a result of investment in additional chambers. This loss will be greater 

for walnuts. 

SULFURYL

FLUORIDE

SF is a viable alternative for walnuts, dried fruit, and dates. SF costs less per lb than MeBr, 

but application rates may be higher.

A separate economic analysis of alternatives was conducted for each commodities sub-sector: 

walnuts, dried fruit, and dates. The economic analyses of transition to alternatives are based on 

the cost of transitioning the total commodity treated with quantity authorized by the Parties for 

2013 to the technically feasible alternatives. After the investment in additional fumigation space, 

the cost of fumigating with phosphine would be lower than fumigating with methyl bromide. 

The cost to transition to SF is negligible for both walnuts and dried fruit. 

The analyses focus on the differences in the cost of fumigant gas and the cost of fumigation 

space (i.e., fumigation chambers) between methyl bromide and the alternatives. It does not take 

into account any losses that might occur due to differences in product performance (i.e., efficacy) 

against different life stages of the target pests. The analysis of fumigation space is applicable 

only to a transition to phosphine for walnuts and dried fruit. Shifting to sulfuryl fluoride would 

not require the purchase of additional chambers. Transition to phosphine in these sectors would 

require an initial investment in additional chambers. In dried fruit, the number of chambers 

needed is expected to be small since there is not a “harvest window” issue. The chambers are 

needed to avoid the need to fumigate in the storage warehouse. In the case of walnuts, many 

more additional chambers will be needed to accommodate the throughput during the harvest 

window. Since phosphine takes five times as long as methyl bromide or sulfuryl fluoride, five 

times as many chambers would be necessary to achieve the same turnaround time. Due to the 

need to purchase additional fumigation space, there would be an initial investment cost in the 

first year to purchase additional fumigation chambers. After the first year, however, the cost of 

fumigating with phosphine would be lower than fumigating with methyl bromide because the 

cost of the gas and the application rates are considerably lower. The cost to transition to SF is 

negligible for both walnuts and dried fruit. 

In the case of dates, sulfuryl fluoride is the only viable alternative. Fumigation with sulfuryl 

fluoride requires slightly higher application rates, but the transition results in a small cost savings 

due to its lower price relative to methyl bromide. 

Walnuts

The United States walnut industry is concentrated in the state of California. Both production and 

sales peak in the fall in anticipation of the holiday season in December. Approximately 20
USA CUN14 POST HARVEST COMMODITIES 9

percent of walnuts are sold in the shell.1 The remaining 80 percent are shelled and processed 

further to create a variety of packaged shelled products. All walnuts must be fumigated before 

they are put in to long-term storage or continue in the processing chain. Phosphine can be used 

for the 80 percent of walnuts that are allocated for packaged shelled products because turnaround 

time is not crucial. For the 20 percent that are sold in-shell, they are sold in a short period of 

time very close to harvest time. A rapid fumigant is needed to accommodate the throughput 

during this critical window. 

Table 4 displays information on the walnut industry and methyl bromide authorized by the 

Parties in 2013. Over the period from 2006 through 2010, an average of approximately 372,000 

metric tons of walnuts valued at nearly $740 million were produced each year.

Table 4. Summary information on walnut industry and methyl bromide

Production, Value, and Cost 

Commodity Metric Tons Produced per Year 1 371,946

Gross Revenue per Metric Ton 2 $ 1,989

Total Annual Gross Revenue $ 739,639,999

MeBr Use

MeBr Authorized by Parties 2013 (kg) 179

Commodity Treated with 2013 Authorized MeBr (cu 

m) 3

7,450

1 Five year average from USDA NASS, 2006-2010. 

2 Based on five-year average price from USDA NASS of $1,804 per U.S. short 

ton, 2006-2010.

3 Based on use rate of 1.5 lbs per 1,000 cubic feet, 24 kgs per 1,000 cubic 

meters. 

 

A sulfuryl fluoride treatment can be conducted in roughly the same amount of time as a methyl 

bromide treatment, which is assumed to be eight hours total, four hours for fumigation and four 

hours for aeration. Assuming a 24 hour cycle, three fumigations per day are conducted during 

peak harvest for both methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluoride. Although the sulfuryl fluoride 

column displays a cost for fumigation chambers, it is assumed that this number of chambers or 

equivalent space is already available for methyl bromide fumigation and could be transitioned to 

sulfuryl fluoride use with no additional cost. No additional chambers are needed. The analysis 

indicates a small cost savings each year ($1,973 per 125 cubic meter) from a transition to 

sulfuryl fluoride. (Table 5)

A switch to phosphine would require additional days of treatment time due to the longer 

treatment time for phosphine compared to methyl bromide (approximately five times longer). 

The current analysis examines the cost of purchasing additional fumigation chambers to 

accommodate the throughput of walnuts during peak harvest time. The analysis assumes that all 

 

1 On average, approximately 82,600 short tons are sold in-shell out of 410,000 short tons total production. 

(USDA NASS, 2006-2010). This is different from 11 percent value reported in 2013 CUN because units of sold 

in-shell walnuts were reported two different ways in USDA NASS reports, as tons and as thousands of lbs. This 

analysis assumes that the numbers in the reports refer to tons.
USA CUN14 POST HARVEST COMMODITIES 10

in-shell walnuts are fumigated within 45 days. Assuming that all walnuts are harvested in this 

short period likely overestimates the number of additional chambers that will be needed since not 

all walnuts harvested are fumigated within a 45-day window.

Based on this analysis, the cost to transition the commodity treated by 179 kgs of methyl 

bromide to phosphine would be a $30,000 initial investment in additional chambers. After the 

initial investment in additional chambers, the industry will experience a small cost savings each 

year ($5,640) from using phosphine. 

The results of the economic analysis for walnuts are presented in Table 5.

Table 5. Analysis of transition to alternatives for walnuts treated with methyl bromide 

 

 

Methyl 

Bromide 

Sulfuryl 

Fluoride 

Phosphine 

1

Cubic meters to be treated with 2013 authorized MeBr

1

7,450 7,450 7,450

2 Capacity of fumigation chamber (cu m) 2 125 125 125

3 Days of harvest 3 45 45 45

4 One day capacity of each chamber (cu m)

4 374 374 25

5 Total chambers needed 5 1 1 7

6 Total Cost of Fumigation Chambers (@ $5,000 each) 6 $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ 35,000

7 Cost difference between MeBr and alternative na $ - $ 30,000

8 Total gas for cubic feet needing fumigation (kgs) 7 179 239 30

9 Price of fumigant gas ($/kg) $ 33.07 $ 16.53 $ 9.37 

10 Total cost of fumigant gas ($) $ 5,919 $ 3,946 $ 280

11 Cost difference between MeBr and alternative $ -1,973 $ -5,640

12 Total cost of fumigation space + fumigant $ 10,919 $ 8,946 $ 35,280

13 Total cost difference between MeBr and alternative $ -1,973 $ 24,360

14 Cost difference as % of gross revenue (from Table 4) 0.00% 0.00% 

1 From Table 4.

2 Size of fumigation chamber (5,500 cubic feet or 156 cubic meters) based on size of dry freight van trailer 

found at www.pensketruckrental.com/commercial-truck-rentals/trailer-truck/, (Accessed Dec 16, 2011); 

reduced by 20% to account for air space in fumigation chamber. 

3 Analysis assumes that all commodity to be treated is treated within this time period.

4 Using methyl bromide or sulfuryl fluoride, each chamber can be used three times per day (Line2 x 3 = 

Line4); for phosphine, each fumigation takes 5 days (15 times longer than MeBr and SF), so each chamber can 

be used the equivalent of 1/5 of a time per day (Line2 x (1/5) = Line4). 

5 Divide commodity to be treated (Line1) by total harvest capacity of each chamber (Line3 x Line4)

6 One-time cost to purchase chambers, based on the approximate cost of dry van trailer that could be used for 

fumigation available from American Trailer Exchange, See Dry Van Trailers at

www.amtrex.net/AMTREXsalesinventory.htm, Accessed Dec 16, 2011.

7 Assumes rate of 1.5 lbs/1,000 cu ft [24 g/cu m] for methyl bromide, 2 lbs/1,000 cu ft [32 g/cu m] for sulfuryl 

fluoride, and 0.25 lbs/1,000 cu ft [4 g/cu m] for phosphine. 
USA CUN14 POST HARVEST COMMODITIES 11

Dried Fruit

The dried fruit industry has already replaced a large portion of methyl bromide with phosphine 

and sulfuryl fluoride in processing dried fruits. The USG nomination for methyl bromide is 

based on areas where the industry still has dried fruit stored in/near processing equipment and 

where low temperatures limit sulfuryl fluoride because of reduced efficacy on eggs of target 

pests. 

Table 6 displays information on the dried fruit industry and methyl bromide authorized by the 

Parties in 2013. Over the five-year period from 2006 to 2010, an average of approximately 

478,000 metric tons of dried fruit (includes raisins, prunes (dried plums), and figs) valued at 

more than $535 million were produced each year.

Table 6. Summary information on dried fruit industry and methyl bromide

Production and Value 

Commodity Metric Tons Produced per Year 1 478,050

Total Annual Gross Revenue 2 $ 616,190,120

MeBr Authorized 

MeBr Authorized by Parties 2013 (kg) 282

Commodity to be Treated with 2013 Authorized MeBr (cu 

m) 3

11,736

1 Five year average from USDA NASS, 2006-2010. 

2 Based on five-year average of combined total crop values, 2006-2010

3 Based on use rate of 1.5 lbs per 1,000 cubic feet, 24 kgs per 1,000 cubic meters.

The results of the economic analysis for dried fruit are presented in Table 7. The analysis 

indicates a small cost savings each year ($3,100) from a transition to sulfuryl fluoride. It is 

possible that no chambers would be needed because sulfuryl fluoride, like methyl bromide can 

be used indoors without damaging electrical equipment. 

The analysis for phosphine examines the cost of purchasing fumigation chambers to fumigate 

dried fruit outside of the storage warehouse. Assuming that fumigation can occur year-round 

and there is no particular time when the majority of it is fumigated, the industry will need to 

purchase two fumigation chambers at a total cost of $10,000. After the initial investment in 

fumigation chambers, the industry will save on fumigation each year (approximately $3,900 per 

125 cubic meter) from switching to phosphine.
USA CUN14 POST HARVEST COMMODITIES 12

Table 7. Analysis of transition to alternatives for dried fruit treated with methyl bromide 

 

 

Methyl 

Bromide 

Sulfuryl 

Fluoride 

Phosphine 

1 Cubic meters to be treated with 2013 authorized MeBr 1 11,736 11,736 11,736

2 Capacity of fumigation chamber (cu m) 1 125 125 125

3 Time available to fumigate (days) 2 365 365 365

4 One day capacity of each chamber (cu m) 3 374 374 25

5 Total chambers needed 3 0 0 2

6 Total Cost of Fumigation Chambers (@ $5,000 each) 1 $ 0 $ 0 $ 10,000

7 Cost difference between MeBr and alternative na $ - $ 10,000

8 Total gas for cubic feet needing fumigation (kgs) 1 282 376 47

9 Price of fumigant gas ($/kg) $ 33.07 $ 16.53 $ 9.37 

10 Total cost of fumigant gas ($) $ 9,326 $ 6,217 $ 440

11 Cost difference between MeBr and alternative $ -3,109 $ -8,885

12 Total cost of fumigation space and fumigant $ 9,326 $ 6,217 $ 10,440

13 Total cost difference between MeBr and alternative $ -3,109 $ 1,115

14 Cost difference as % of revenue 0.00% 0.00%

1 See notes for this Line from Table 5. 

2 Assumes that fumigation occurs year-round; no time constraint.

3 No chambers are needed for methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluoride because they can be used in existing 

storage facilities. Chambers are only needed for phosphine because it is corrosive to electrical equipment. 

Dates

Table 8 displays information from the date industry. Over the period from 2006 through 2010, 

an average of 19,000 metric tons of dates with a value of more than $32 million were produced 

each year. 

Table 8. Summary information on date industry and methyl bromide

Production and Value 

Commodity Metric Tons Produced per Year 1 19,396

Total Annual Gross Revenue 1 $ 32,693,000 

MeBr Authorized

MeBr Authorized by Parties 2013 (kg) 350

Commodity Treated with 2013 Authorized MeBr (cu m) 2 14,567

1 Four year average from USDA NASS, 2006-2010. 

2 Based on use rate of 24 kgs per 1,000 cubic meters (1.5 lbs per 1,000 cubic feet).

The results of the economic analysis for dates are presented in Table 9.

 

Sulfuryl fluoride is the only alternative considered for dates. A transition to sulfuryl fluoride will 

result in cost savings for the industry of more than $3,800 per year.
USA CUN14 POST HARVEST COMMODITIES 13

Table 9. Analysis of transition to alternatives for dates treated with methyl bromide 

 

Methyl 

Bromide 

Sulfuryl 

Fluoride 

Cubic meters to be treated (CUE request) 14,567 14,567

Total gas needed for fumigation (kgs) 1 350 467

Price of fumigant gas ($ / kg) $ 33.07 $ 16.53

Total cost of fumigant gas ($) $ 11,574 $ 7,716

Cost difference between MeBr and alternative $ -3,858

Cost difference as % of gross revenue (from Table 8) -0.01%

1 Assumes rate of 1.5 lbs/1,000 cu ft [24 g/cu m] for methyl bromide, 2 lbs/1,000 cu ft [32 

g/cu m] for sulfuryl fluoride.

CONCLUSION

This sector includes walnuts, dried fruit (prunes, raisins, figs), and dates, all of which are subject 

to infestation by several insect pests. Methyl bromide is needed for the walnut industry at peak 

harvest, when low temperatures limit the use of phosphine and impacts the ovicidal efficacy of 

sulfuryl fluoride. Dates also depend upon a rapid fumigation during harvest and low 

temperatures limits the effectiveness of sulfuryl fluoride and phosphine takes too long. Methyl 

bromide is needed by the dried fruit industry to disinfest dried fruit in storage when the fruit is 

stored at processing facilities. Phosphine is corrosive in these situations and lower than optimal 

temperatures limit sulfuryl fluoride’s efficacy on eggs. 

USG is requesting methyl bromide for this sector to allow time for the industry to purchase 

equipment, build chambers, modify structures, and/or develop experience using alternatives. 

The current registration of sulfuryl fluoride, as ProFume®, remains unchanged in the U. S. for the 

uses included in this nomination and is considered to be a viable alternative for some uses. 

However, it should be noted that EPA has published a proposed order to revoke all tolerances in 

response to a petition. For additional information, please refer to the links on EPA’s website: 

http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/registration_review/sulfuryl-fluoride/evaluations.html. 

CITATIONS

Barakat, D. A., D. Klementz, and C. Reichmuth, 2009. Response of Eggs of Corcyra 

cephalonica towards Sulfuryl Fluoride. Presentation at 2009 MBAO, Nov. 10-12, 2009, San 

Diego, CA. Available online at: http://mbao.org/2009/061Reichmuth.pdf. 

Burks, Charles S. and L.P.S. Kuenen. 2011. Monitoring Indianmeal moth in the presence of 

mating disruption. Presentation at the 2011 Annual International Research Conference on 

Methyl Bromide Alternatives, San Diego, CA, Oct 31-Nov 2, 2011. Available at: 

http://mbao.org/2011/59Burks.pdf. 

Hosoda, Ed. 2009. California ProFume Update, 2009. Presentation at 2009 MBAO, Nov. 10-12, 

2009, San Diego, CA. Available online at: http://mbao.org/2009/069Hosada.pdf. 
USA CUN14 POST HARVEST COMMODITIES 14

Hosoda, Ed. 2008. Eco2Fume® and VaporPH3OS®. Presentation at 2008 MBAO, Nov. 11-14, 

2008, Orlando, Fl. Available at: http://mbao.org/2008/125Hosoda.pdf

Liu, Yong-Biao. 2011. Potential of oxygenated phosphine fumigation for postharvest pest 

control. Presentation at the 2011 Annual International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide 

Alternatives, San Diego, CA, Oct 31-Nov 2, 2011. Available online at: 

http://mbao.org/2011/53Liu.pdf. 

Muhareb, Jeannette. 2009. Evaluation of Combining Sulfuryl Fluoride, Propylene Oxide & 

CO2 for Stored Product Insect Control. Presentation at 2009 MBAO, Nov. 10-12, 2009, San 

Diego, CA. Available online at: http://mbao.org/2009/064Muhareb.pdf. 

Russo, C., Green, R.D. & Howitt, R.E. “Estimation of Supply and Demand Elasticities of 

California Commodities”. Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics University of 

California, Davis, Working Paper No. 08-001, June 2008.

Walse, Spencer, J.G. Leesch, and S. Tebbets. 2009. Ovicidal Efficacy of Sulfuryl Fluoride to 

Stored-Product Pests of Dried Fruits. USDA/ARS, San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences 

Center, Parlier, CA 93648. Presentation at 2009 MBAO, Nov. 10-12, 2009, San Diego, CA. 

Available online at: http://mbao.org/2009/060Walse.pdf. 

Williams, Robert. 2009. Control of Carob Moth (Ectomyelosis ceratonia) in Fresh Dates 

Fumigated with ProFume®. Presentation at 2009 MBAO, Nov. 10-12, 2009, San Diego, 

CA. Available online at: http://mbao.org/2009/063Williams.pdf. 

Williams, R. and E. Thoms. 2008. ProFume® gas fumigant update: post-harvest commercial 

acceptance and performance in North America. Presentation at 2008 MBAO, Nov. 11-14, 

2008, Orlando, Fl. Available at: http://mbao.org/2008/084Thoms.pdf