Canada approves VBC-30452 SG and Accede SG Plant Growth Regulator

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 ACC Technical Powder, VBC-30452 SG Plant Growth Regulator and Accede SG Plant Growth Regulator, containing the technical grade active ingredient 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid, for commercial fruit tree thinning for apple trees.

1-Aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid is a naturally occurring amino acid found in many higher plants. It is a potent plant growth regulator and is a precursor for ethylene production in plant tissues. Ethylene affects plant processes such as flower development, fruit set, fruit maturation, fruit ripening, and fruit abscission.

VBC-30452 SG Plant Growth Regulator and Accede SG Plant Growth Regulator are proposed for use in apple orchards for the purposes of fruit thinning and enhanced return bloom.

The registration of VBC-30452 SG Plant Growth Regulator and Accede SG Plant Growth Regulator will provide apple growers with a new active ingredient and end-use products for the purposes of fruit thinning and enhanced return bloom.

VBC-30452 SG Plant Growth Regulator and Accede SG Plant Growth Regulator provide effective thinning of apple fruitlets measuring up to 18-20 mm at the time of application, which is a later stage than for currently available fruit thinners. Fruitlet thinning is important in order to increase apple size, ensure more consistent blooming in the following year (return bloom) and to help maintain harvest size from year to year.

The Proposed Registration Decision PRD2023-03, 1-Aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid, VBC-30452 SG Plant Growth Regulator, Accede SG Plant Growth Regulator, containing the detailed evaluation of the information submitted in support of this registration, underwent a 45-day consultation period ending on 5 May 2023. 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 comments (and information) relating to the assessments during the public consultation period conducted in accordance with section 28 of the Pest Control Products Act. In addition, comments in support of this registration were received from the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, the Ontario Tender Fruit Growers and the Ontario Apple Growers.