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NEW BIOCHEMICAL PESTICIDE REGISTERED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO METHYL BROMIDE
Release Date: 05/18/2000
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FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2000
NEW BIOCHEMICAL PESTICIDE REGISTERED AS AN
ALTERNATIVE TO METHYL BROMIDE
ALTERNATIVE TO METHYL BROMIDE
EPA registered a new biochemical pesticide, the Harpin protein (Trade Name MESSENGERTM ) on April 19, as an alternative to conventional, synthetic pesticides such as methyl bromide. This biochemical pesticide is registered for use on field crops, trees, turf, and ornamentals to control a wide variety of fungal, bacteria, and viral pathogens as well as several insect pests. Unlike most pesticides, the Harpin protein does not act directly on the target pest. Instead, it activates a natural defense mechanism in the host plant, called systematic acquired resistance, that makes the plant resistant to a wide range of fungal, bacterial and viral diseases. The Harpin protein also protects against certain nematodes and fungal diseases that have few effective controls except methyl bromide, a broad-spectrum pesticide that is believed to contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion and have adverse effects on human health. The Harpin protein is non-toxic and not expected to pose risks to human health or the environment. Because the product is applied at low rates and degrades rapidly in the field, no residues are expected on treated crops. In addition, studies demonstrate no toxicity to humans and no adverse effects on many species of wildlife (e.g., birds, fish, honeybees, aquatic invertebrates, non-target plants and algae). During its experimental use stage, the Harpin protein was used on tomatoes as a component of Integrated Pest Management programs, thereby decreasing the use of conventional pesticides by 70 percent while outperforming them in effectiveness. EDEN Biosciences Corp. of Bothell, Wash., was granted registrations for both the Harpin protein and MESSENGERTM (the only product containing this protein as an active ingredient). For more information, see: www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides.
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