On September 27, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its proposed registration decision for metamitron, a new plant growth regulator designed to manage fruit thinning on apple and pear trees. This proposed registration aligns with EPA’s commitment to ensuring that agricultural practices are both effective and environmentally responsible, with a focus on protecting endangered species and meeting regulatory standards.

A Step Forward in Agricultural Pesticide Regulation

Metamitron is a chemical thinning agent applied to apple and pear trees shortly after the bloom stage to remove excess fruit. This thinning process allows the remaining fruit to grow larger and improves the overall quality of the harvest, enhancing plant health and yield.

As part of the registration process, the EPA has also released its draft risk assessments, which include human health and ecological evaluations, as well as a biological evaluation under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The EPA’s assessment indicates no significant human health risks when the pesticide is applied according to the label instructions. Additionally, the ecological risk assessment and ESA evaluation suggest that metamitron does not pose adverse effects to endangered species or critical habitats.

Key Risk Assessments for Metamitron

The proposed registration includes the following key risk assessment findings:

• Human Health Assessment: No significant health risks were identified when used as directed.
• Ecological Risk Assessment: No adverse effects on the environment, including surrounding wildlife and plant species.
• ESA Evaluation: Metamitron is unlikely to negatively impact any endangered species or their habitats. The EPA has initiated an informal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to further ensure that there is no risk to federally listed species.

Next Steps in the Registration Process

The EPA is now inviting public comments on the proposed registration and draft risk assessments, with a 15-day comment period ending on October 14, 2024. Once the consultation with the FWS is complete and public feedback is reviewed, the EPA will make its final determination on whether to grant full registration for metamitron.

Source: EPA

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For more information on the proposed registration of metamitron or to learn how REACH24H can assist with your pesticide registration needs, contact us today.