On Monday NAAA submitted comments to the EPA concerning proposed new uses for the microbial active ingredient Trichoderma asperellum strain T34. Trichoderma asperellum strain T34 is currently approved as an end-use fungicide product on ornamental plants in greenhouses. Under the proposed use expansion, the end-use product could be used as a fungicide and bactericide to increase plant defenses against soil-borne fungi and bacteria. Proposed applications include food and non-food crops in agricultural, commercial and residential settings.
Upon reviewing the proposed label for the product allowing the new uses, NAAA noted that it did allow for foliar applications to a variety of food crops in agricultural settings. However, the language about what types of application equipment was rather vague, simply listing “sprayer with a boom” along with handheld sprayer types. NAAA pointed out that this does include aerial application, as agricultural aircraft are outfitted with booms, but that NAAA would like to see this clarified to specifically state aerial application is allowed.
NAAA will continue to monitor and comment on all relevant pesticide registrations and reregistrations to ensure you have access to the products your growers need to feed the world’s growing population.