The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to register a new active ingredient, picarbutrazox. This active ingredient represents a new tool for the management of resistant fungi.
Uses for picarbutrazox include treating corn and soybeans to control Pythium and Phytophthora diseases and treating turfgrass to control Pythium diseases.
What can fungi cause?
They can cause leaf blight, wetting and root dysfunction, which in turn can cause significant yield losses. Picarbutrazox provides performance benefits comparable to registered alternatives.
EPA analyzed this active ingredient and determined that there is no risk to human health. To prevent misuse, the label recommends that professional applicators make residential turf applications.
The proposed product label contains language to address potential environmental risks, including warning language to prevent off-site movement to non-target areas due to runoff, and resistance management strategies to reduce the potential for fungicide resistance.
EPA is accepting public comments on this proposal via docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2017-0653 at www.regulations.gov for 15 days.
