The US EPA is seeking public comment on a draft biological opinion (BiOp) from the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on the risks to endangered species of LiphaTech’s rodenticide, Rozol Prairie Dog Bait (chlorophacinone). The BiOp includes conservation measures agreed between the two agencies and LiphaTech. Consultations between the FWS and the EPA over chlorophacinone have been ongoing for 20 years. The EPA cancelled registrations of Rozol in four states last year pending completion of ...

The New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority has received an application to import the fumigant, ethanedinitrile (EDN). BOC Gases New Zealand (Auckland) wants to import EDN for use as a pre-plant soil fumigant for crops such as strawberries and for pest control on grain and timber. EDN is a toxic and flammable fumigant that would only be used by licensed operators, BOC points out. It is seen as an alternative to methyl bromide and phosphine. EDN is more expensive than those fumigants but ...

Spanish autonomous region Andalusia’s Agriculture Minister, Clara Aguilera, has extended by a year the deal agreed in January to promote the implementation of biological control techniques in the region. It involves a tie-up with fruit grower association Freshuelva. Ms Aguilera has called on the strawberry sector to use biological control methods as it would “strengthen the image” of the strawberry sector.

The US EPA has proposed the approval of three Bacillus spp-based biopesticides from Mitsui & Co subsidiary Certis USA (Columbia, Maryland). CX-9030 and CX-9032 are based on B amyloliquefaciens strain D747, which was previously identified as B subtilis var amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (Agrow No 609, p 22). The biopesticides are for the control of fungal and bacterial pathogens on a range of fruit, vegetable and other food crops, turf and ornamentals. CX-9030 is for foliar use at 0.25-3 ...

Global sales of microbial biopesticides were worth $396 million at end-user level in 2008, estimates a study by the UK consultancy, CPL business consultants (Wallingford, Oxfordshire). That amounted to an increase of 47% over a similar research by the company in 2005, translating into an annual growth rate of over 13% in the three year-period. The report defines microbial biopesticides as those based on bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans and nematodes as active ingredients. Sales of the ...

The US EPA is to allow more new production and imports of the fumigant, methyl bromide, for critical uses this year than originally proposed. The Agency has reduced the amount to come from existing stocks following a reassessment of inventory levels. In December 2008, the EPA proposed that 4,194.9 tonnes of methyl bromide should be available, with 1,617.9 tonnes coming from new production or imports and 2,577 tonnes from stocks (Agrow No 558, p 14). The EPA’s final rule on 2009 critical use ...

The US EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs has received more applications to register new biopesticides or plant incorporated protectants. They are from the following companies: * 4260864 Canada Inc (Perrot, Quebec, Canada) for the mycoherbicide, Sarritor (Sclerotinia minor strain IMI 3144141 64.24%). The company received Canadian approval for commercial and domestic use of Sarritor for the suppression of dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) in turf in 2007 (Agrow No 531, p 17). * Bayer ...

The US biopesticide company, AgraQuest (Davis, California, has entered into a licensing, supply and distribution agreement with BASF for AgraQuest’s biofungicide, Serenade (Bacillus subtilis strain QST 713). The deal gives BASF rights to foliar and drench applications of Serenade in agricultural crops in many countries throughout Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia and Latin America. The rights included exclusive distribution in countries not covered by existing AgraQuest partnerships. BASF’s ...