U.S. EPA proposes registration of products containing Purpureocillium lilacinum strain PL11, a new microbial active ingredient

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to register several biopesticide products containing Purpureocillium lilacinum strain PL11, a new microbial active ingredient that controls plant-parasitic nematodes.  

These biopesticide products will be used on food crops (i.e., fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices) and non-food crops (i.e., cotton, tobacco and turf) in agricultural and commercial settings. Since some of these products are proposed for use on food crops, a tolerance exemption for pesticide residues will also be established.  

EPA’s evaluation included a robust scientific assessment, which was used to conclude that these products, when used according to the label instructions, do not present any risks of concern to human health.  

The proposed product labels contain language to address potential adverse effects to nontarget insects and nontarget aquatic invertebrates, including limiting application while bees and other insects are actively visiting the treatment area and instructing applicators to minimize spray drift to reduce exposure to these nontarget organisms.  

EPA is accepting public comments on this proposal via docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2016-0079 at www.regulations.gov for 15 days.