The United Nations has committed itself to reinforcing existing restrictions for methyl bromide, a potent pesticide shown to damage the Earth's ozone layer.

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) agreed to help countries control their use of the damaging gas and develop alternative phytosanitary treatments, when possible.

Methyl bromide was once widely used to control plant pests and diseases. It has potent insecticidal, fungicidal and herbicidal properties that can treat a range of agricultural products, including tomatoes, strawberries, bell peppers and grapes.

In 1991, however, it was added to the Montreal Protocol's list of controlled substances in an effort to reduce the impact of ozone-depleting products.

The protocol discourages the use of the pesticide, except for quarantine purposes where the gas has been shown to be very effective.

The pesticide is still permitted in limited situations when performed or authorized by a national plant, animal, or environmental protection or health authority and used to target officially recognized quarantine pests.

To help continue phase out unnecessary use, the UN has agreed to strengthen information on current quarantine uses, improve management coordination, encourage information sharing and research on alternatives, and promote best fumigation practices.

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