Adoption of sulfuryl fluoride for the control of stored product insects in Europe and future development

Abstract

The strong commitment to protect the ozone layer by European governments has resulted in the complete phase out of methyl bromide (MB) use in the flour mills and food processing plants. Following the phase out the industry has successfully adapted, maintained its production capacity, hygiene standards and economic viability. This has been achieved through increased focus on sanitation and utilizing alternatives control procedures such as fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride (SF) with the tradename ProFume containing 99.8%. The fumigation is frequently accompanied by additional heating. Recent research on stored product pest insects in treated flour mills confirmed long lasting control effects 8 to 12 weeks after the fumigation. ProFume gas fumigant is now established as an alternative fumigant to MB. It has been granted registration for the control of SPIs in structures in ten European countries. Since its first approval in 2003, the number of ProFume fumigations has increased each year. In 2008, over 200 fumigations were completed in Europe and due to performance satisfaction, the growth trend is expected to continue. A range of structures have been fumigated, some exceeding 60,000 m^{3 for flour mills and 100,000 m3 for food processing plants. Dow AgroSciences is continuing to invest in supporting SF to meet future regulatory requirements. In addition, label extensions are being developed on dried fruits and tree nuts, cocoa beans and quarantine pests. The original use of SF on wood boring insects is also supported and is now listed in Annex I of Biocide Directive 98/8 EC for product type 8.}