An estimation of the global emission of methyl bromide from rapeseed (Brassica napus) from 1961 to 2003

Gan et al. [Gan, J., Yates, S.R., Ohr, H.D., Sims, J.J., 1998. Production of methyl bromide by terrestrial higher plants. Geophysical Research Letters 25 (19), 3595–3598] have reported that plants of the family Brassicaceae take up bromide from soils and subsequently release methyl bromide (CH3Br) to the atmosphere deriving a significant emission from this source of about 7 Gg(109 g) yr−1. In this study, we determine a yearly global emission rate for CH3Br from one such species, rapeseed, from 1961 to 2003 using data on crop harvest index and growth rate in conjunction with global production data. This study suggests that CH3Br emissions from rapeseed have increased 10-fold from 1961 to 2003 and by a factor of 3–4 since 1980. It also suggests that the geographical distribution of emissions has also changed substantially in the last 40 yr. The annual emission of CH3Br from mustard and cabbage is also estimated; whilst relative levels emitted from these species are less significant, as these crops are continually exploited for new applications CH3Br emissions are set to increase.