US EPA proposes registration of products containing Bacillus velezensis strain RTI301 and Bacillus subtilis strain RTI477, new microbial active ingredients

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to register five biopesticide products containing Bacillus velezensis strain RTI301 and/or Bacillus subtilis strain RTI477, two new microbial active ingredients. 

These biopesticide products, consisting of two manufacturing-use products and three end-use products, utilize natural bacteria to protect seedlings and/or agricultural crops from fungal growth. Since some of the products are proposed for use on food crops such as artichokes, corn and cotton, 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 humans. EPA also concluded the products’ registered uses will have no effect on any nontarget species. Therefore, the agency made a “No Effect” determination for listed (endangered or threatened) species and their designated critical habitats. 

EPA is accepting comments on this proposal in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2019-0476 at www.regulations.gov for 15 days.