Isaria fumosorosea - US Environmental Protection Agency

<strong>Isaria</strong> <strong>fumosorosea</strong> (formerly Paecilomyces<br />

fumosoroseus) Apopka Strain 97 (115002) Fact<br />

Sheet<br />

Summary<br />

Paecilomyces fumosoroseus Apopka Strain 97 has been reclassified and is now known as <strong>Isaria</strong> <strong>fumosorosea</strong><br />

Apopka strain 97. It is a naturally occurring fungus that infects and kills several kinds of insects. It is not toxic to<br />

humans, and is not expected to cause adverse ecological effects based on studies and information reviewed by<br />

the <strong>Agency</strong>.<br />

I. Description of the Active Ingredient<br />

<strong>Isaria</strong> <strong>fumosorosea</strong> Apopka Strain 97 is a naturally occurring insect fungus<br />

found in infected and dead insects, and in some soils. The fungus infects the<br />

host by penetrating the outer layer (cuticle) of the insect, and proceeding to<br />

grow until the insect dies.<br />

II. Use Sites, Target Pests, and Application Methods<br />

o Use Sites: The fungus can be used on food and nonfood crops in<br />

greenhouses and on agricultural sites as approved.<br />

o Target Pests: Whiteflies, thrips, aphids, and spider mites.<br />

o Application Methods: The product is sprayed on the leaves of the<br />

plant. It works best at temperatures between 22⁰C and 30⁰C (72⁰F-<br />

86⁰F), and requires high humidity.<br />

III. Assessing Risks to Human Health<br />

There are no expected health risks from use of this fungus as a pesticide.<br />

Standardized tests indicate that <strong>Isaria</strong> <strong>fumosorosea</strong> Apopka Strain 97 is not<br />

toxic to humans. Furthermore, exposure already occurs naturally. Because<br />

persons with impaired immune systems may have adverse reactions to the<br />

pesticide, such individuals should not mix, load, or apply the pesticide.<br />

IV. Assessing Risks to the Environment<br />

No harmful effects to the environment are expected based on data and<br />

information reviewed by the <strong>Agency</strong>. Tests show that the fungus is not toxic to<br />

mammals or birds. This active ingredient was approved earlier for greenhouse<br />

use. Additional data and information were submitted to support its use on<br />

agricultural crops.<br />

V. Regulatory Information

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<strong>Isaria</strong> <strong>fumosorosea</strong> Apopka Strain 97 was registered (licensed for sale) as an<br />

active ingredient in a Manufacturing Use Product and in one End-use Product<br />

for non-food use in greenhouses in October 1998. These products are now<br />

labeled for non-food and for agricultural food uses. An exemption from<br />

tolerance was established in 40 CFR 180.1306 in September 2011.<br />

Producer Information<br />

Certis <strong>US</strong>A, LLC<br />

9145 Guilford Road, Suite 175<br />

Columbia, MD 21046<br />

VI. Additional Contact Information<br />

Ombudsman, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511P)<br />

Office of Pesticide Programs<br />

<strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Protection</strong> <strong>Agency</strong><br />

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW<br />

Washington, D.C. 20460