EPA Registers New Pesticide Active Ingredient Cyclobutrifluram

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final registration decision for products containing the new nematicide/fungicide active ingredient cyclobutrifluram for use on turf, ornamentals, and romaine lettuce, as well as cotton and soybean seed. No human health risks of concern were identified when this pesticide is used according to the label. Additionally, with the mitigation measures EPA has put in place, the use of this pesticide will not impact endangered species. Cyclobutrifluram is also registered for use in Australia, Argentina, and Brazil, and proposed for use in Canada.  

Cyclobutrifluram is expected to be a useful addition to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. It can be used in rotation with other nematicides to reduce potential resistance in crops and turf. IPM provides an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest control that focuses on pest prevention and using pesticides only as needed. This approach can be applied in response to pest monitoring where alternative nematicide pesticides are applied prior to planting. By incorporating cyclobutrifluram, farmers gain an additional tool to manage crops and increase food production for our country. 

EPA has not identified risks to human health in the risk assessment conducted in support of cyclobutrifluram registrations. EPA also conducted an ecological risk assessment and biological evaluation under the Endangered Species Act and has already completed an informal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). FWS concurred with EPA’s determination that the uses of cyclobutrifluram being registered are not likely to adversely affect endangered species or critical habitats, and EPA finalized the biological evaluation.  

The following label language is found on the products’ label to address on-field effects to non-target species: 

Cyclobutrifluram is a pesticide that contains a fluorinated carbon. Visit our webpage to learn more about how EPA ensures the safety of pesticides with fluorinated carbons.   

All the supporting documents related to cyclobutrifluram are available EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0003 at www.regulations.gov.