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Bacteriophages of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (006449) & Bacteriophages of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (006521) Fact Sheet

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  1. Description of the Active Ingredient
  2. Use Sites, Target Pests, and Application Methods
  3. Assessing Risks to Human Health
  4. Assessing Risks to the Environment
  5. Regulatory Information
  6. Producer Information
  7. Additional Contact Information

Issued: January 30, 2002

Active Ingredient: Bacteriophages of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria OPP Chemical Code: 006449

Active Ingredient: Bacteriophages of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato OPP Chemical Code: 006521

Summary

Bacteriophages of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato attack the plant pathogenic bacteria they are named after. (NOTE: Bacteriophages, or phages, are a category of viruses that infect only bacteria, with each phage being relatively specific for its target bacterium.) The Xanthomonas phage controls bacterial spot on tomatoes and peppers; the Pseudomonas phage controls bacterial speck on tomatoes. A mixture of the two phages constitutes the active ingredient, which can be applied to plants and the surrounding soil throughout the growing season. No adverse effects to humans, wildlife, or the environment are expected because the phages 1) attack only specific bacterial plant pathogens, 2) are ubiquitous in the environment, and 3) biodegrade to harmless substances within 48 hours of application.

I. Description of the Active Ingredient

These two new active ingredients target the two bacterial plant pathogens Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. After infection, the phages replicate in the pathogenic bacteria, eventually killing them by rupturing the cell wall. For commercial purposes, each phage is grown in a culture of its host bacterium, and then harvested when all the bacteria have been killed. These phages are found in soil, water, and food, and survive less than 48 hours in the environment.

II. Use Sites, Target Pests, and Application Methods

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III. Assessing Risks to Human Health

Whether or not a substance poses a risk to humans or other organisms depends on two factors: how toxic the substance is, and how much of it an organism is exposed to. Therefore, the EPA considers toxicity data and exposure data in determining whether to approve a pesticide for use.

No harmful health effects to humans are expected from use of these two is active ingredients because these two phages can infect only their target plant pathogenic bacteria. Phages are ubiquitous, commonly found in foods and feed, and harmless to mammals. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) protects applicators.

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IV. Assessing Risks to the Environment

No adverse environmental effects are expected from use of pesticide products containing phages of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. The phages attack only the target bacteria and biodegrade 24 to 48 hours after application.

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V. Regulatory Information

August 1994 EPA grants a two-year Experimental Use Permit (EUP) for testing bacteriophages of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria for control of bacterial spot in peppers and tomatoes in Florida. (EPA # 67986-EUP-1)

December 9, 2005 EPA registers (with conditions) the first pesticide product containing as active ingredients bacteriophages of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. “AgriPhage” EPA Registration # 67986-1

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VI. Producer Information

OmniLytics
PO Box 4296
Logan, UT 84323-4296
ph: 801-746-3600


VIII. Additional Contact Information:

Ombudsman, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511P)
Office of Pesticide Programs
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20460

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