Economic evaluation of methyl bromide alternatives used on the east coast of Spain

Abstract

Growers need alternatives to MB that are safe, consistent and cost-effective. Several projects were undertaken in the Mediterranean coast of Spain (Valencia and Murcia) to evaluate the cost of products and techniques tested as alternatives to methyl bromide (MB) on crops such as citrus, open-air horticulture, strawberry, and greenhouse-grown pepper.Telone (1,3-dichloropropene with chloropicrin) gave the most consistent and reliable results. There is interest in solarization, particularly when combined with chemical or biofumigants at low dose, however, in greenhouse-grown peppers have other costs associated with reducing the harvesting period. The use of grafted plants is a solution for watermelon and offers possibilities in other species. To compensate for possible increased costs for alternatives, Integrated Crop Production can be a solution as this adds value in some markets.