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PA EPA REGISTERS TWO MORE REDUCED-RISK PESTICIDES

Release Date: 12/5/94
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PA EPA REGISTERS TWO MORE REDUCED-RISK PESTICIDES

FOR RELEASE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1994

EPA REGISTERS TWO MORE REDUCED-RISK PESTICIDES,

INCLUDING FIRST FOOD USE PRODUCT

EPA recently registered two new reduced-risk pesticides: flumiclorac pentyl (trade name Resource Herbicide), a herbicide for use on field corn and soybeans; and, methyl anthranilate (trade name ReJex-iT MA), a bird repellent. In l993, the Agency launched an effort to provide incentives to encourage the development, registration and use of pesticides or pest control practices that present lower risks to public health and the environment. EPA gives priority treatment to applications for registration of products that may reduce risks to human health or the environment. Other "safer" pesticides have been registered since that time on an expedited basis. Flumiclorac pentyl, produced by Valent U.S.A. of Walnut Creek, Calif., is the first reduced-risk pesticide registered by EPA for food uses. Application rates for soybeans range from four to l2 ounces of the formulated product (0.027 to 0.08 pounds active ingredient) per acre, with a maximum of l6 formulated ounces per season. Similarly, application rates for field corn range from four to six fluid ounces of formulated product per acre, with a maximum seasonal application rate of eight ounces. The compound does not show any evidence of adverse chronic effects such as cancer, birth defects, etc., based on animal studies. It is not expected to contaminate groundwater and is practically non-toxic to birds and bees. However, it is slightly to moderately toxic to fish, and highly toxic to certain estuarine organisms including shrimp.

Methyl anthranilate (MA), registered by PMC Specialties Group Inc., of Cincinnati, Ohio, is used to repel birds including ring-billed gulls, Canada geese, mallards, starlings and brown-headed cowbirds. It is used in standing pools or standing bodies of water. MA is considered a biochemical product and has equivalence to naturally occurring food ingredients. MA is found in flower oils and in Concord and other grapes (the odor is similar to Concord grapes). It poses a low risk to humans and birds, a slight risk to fish and an unknown risk to non-target insects (studies on the latter are being generated). MA solves acute bird pest problems where existing bird control toxicants and repellents could never be used.

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