Canada approves microbial pest control agents Foretryx

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act, is granting registration for the sale and use of the microbial pest control agents (MCPAs) contained in Trichoderma asperellum ICC 012 Technical, Trichoderma gamsii ICC 080 Technical and Foretryx, containing the technical grade active ingredients Trichoderma asperellum strain ICC 012 and Trichoderma gamsii strain ICC 080, for the suppression and partial suppression of certain fungal diseases on field and greenhouse fruiting vegetables, squash, lettuce, field and greenhouse strawberries, greenhouse ornamentals and cannabis produced commercially indoors.

Trichoderma is a genus of ubiquitous fungi that colonize rhizosphere soil and plant roots, rotting wood, and dead plant material. It is regarded as one of the most widely distributed of all soil fungi. It is found frequently in all types of natural or agricultural soils, including forest humus layers, and orchards. Some strains are able to parasitize plant pathogenic fungi.

Trichoderma asperellum strain ICC 012and Trichoderma gamsii strain ICC 080 are new active ingredients for disease management on various field and greenhouse crops in Canada. These two active ingredients demonstrate fungicidal properties by competing with plant pathogens for space and nutrients on target crops and may also induce systemic resistance.

The Proposed Registration Decision PRD2022-09, Trichoderma asperellum strain ICC 012, Trichoderma gamsii strain ICC 080 and Foretryx, containing the detailed evaluation of the information submitted in support of this registration, underwent a 45 day consultation period ending on 26 September 2022. The evaluation found that, under the approved conditions of use, the health and environmental risks and the value of the pest control product(s) are acceptable. Health Canada received no comments on PRD2022-09, Trichoderma asperellum strain ICC 012, Trichoderma gamsii strain ICC 080 and Foretryx, during the public consultation period conducted in accordance with section 28 of the Pest Control Products Act.