United States Office of Pesticides
Environmental Protection and Toxic Substances
A9enCy (H7501Q 540/FS-89-057
Pesticide
Fact Sheet
Name Of Chemical: Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma polysporum
Reason for Issuance: Registration of New Biological Pesticide
Date Issued: July 1989
Fact Sheet Number: 203
Generic Names: Tr_ichoderma har_zianum (ATTC 20476) a
(ATTC 20475)
Trade Name: Binab™ T
EPA Shaughnessy Codes: 128903 and 128902, respectively
Year of Initial
Registration: 1989
Pesticide Type: Biofungicide
U.S. and Foreign
Producers:" Binab™ USA, Inc.
c/o E.R. Butts International, Inc
555 Clinton Avenue
..P.O. Box 3337
Bridgeport, CT 06605-U337
2 • y.§.§_P§t ter_ns_and_Forniu la turns
Application sites: Mixtures of Trichoderma harzianum and
£• EolyjLRoium are proposed for use in the control of
internal decay of wood utility poles, playground structures,
and fence posts and for use in the control of decay of
pruning wounds of ornamental, shade, and forest trees.
Types of formulations: 28% pelleted end-use product (14% each
active ingredient) and 33.2% wettable powder end-use'product
(16.6% each active ingredient).
Types and methods of application: Pellets are placed in holes
drilled into wooden members followed by sealing of the holes
with a vented plastic plug. Wettable powder formulation is
mixed with water (1:2 v/v) and applied to pruning wounds of
trees with a paint brush, followed by application of a wound
sealant.
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Application rates: For pellets: Three pellets/hole. Holes
are 3/8" diameter, 4 1/2" deep, spaced 4" apart and placed
2-4" above ground level. Product contains approximately
1,400 pellets/pound. For wettable powder: Apply 1:2 mixture
of product with water (v/v) to cover pruning wound.
3. Science Findings
Summary Science Statement:
The toxicological data which were submitted for these active
ingredients included reports of acute oral and hypersensitivity
studies and a request for waiver of all other toxicological
data requirements was made based on the contention that
Triohoderma species are widespread in the environment and
are innocuous. The acute oral toxicity/infectivity study and
hypersensitivity study were classified as Core-minimum and as
such support registration of the active ingredients.
The species Trichoderma does not grow at temperatures above
28°C and is not capable of growth in warm blooded animals or
birds. The proposed use patterns for the products would not
expose aquatic wildlife to the fungi. The fungi are not
pathogenic to plants or insects. Trichoderma species are
naturally occurring in soils throughout the world. The
proposed application sites and application rates would not
cause a detectable increase over naturally occurring background
levels. There would be no increased exposure to any non-target
wildlife of ecological concern. The proposed uses do not pose
a "may effect" situation to any endangered or threatened animal
or plant species.
Data for environmental fate are not triggered under current
requirements for the proposed products since the organisms are
naturally occurring species and the results of initial (Tier I)
tests did not trigger the need for additional testing.
Chemical Characteristics:
Color: greyish beige
Physical State: powdered solid or pellet
Odor: moldy flour
Density: 171 grams/liter (WP);
650 grams/liter (Pellets)
pH: 5.4
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Toxicological Characteristics;
Acute effects:
Acute oral toxicity (mice):
The acute oral LDso toxicity of TUF (an extract from
the Trichoderma strains) was greater than 4,000 mg/kg
after 1 and 14 days. The acute oral and subcutaneous
LD5Q toxicities of trichodermin (antibiotic) in mice
- were greater than 1,000 mg/kg and 500-1,000 mg/kg
respectively.
Hypersensitivity study (Guinea pig):
No sensitization occurred when Guinea pigs were
dermally exposed to Trichoderma spores.
Other Toxicity Testing:
Additional toxicity testing was waived based upon
submission of data or information:
1. which indicated that the fungi do not grow at
or near the body temperatures of mammals or birds
2. which demonstrated that no toxins or antibiotics
were produced in simulated use situations.
3. which showed that exposure to Trichoderma
strains has occurred in personnel working with
the fungi for times of up to 18 years with no
adverse toxicological effects.
4. which provides the criteria used to determine
the extent to which formulated preparations are
free from contaminating microorganisms.
5. which confirmed the exempt status of certain
inert ingredients.
Ecological Characteristics
Data on the ecological characteristics of the products
were waived based upon the fact that the fungi will not
grow at or near body temperatures of mammals or birds,
that the fungi are ubiquitous in nature and that the use
patterns are unlikely to result in additional exposure
of aquatic organisms or other non-target wildlife of
ecological concern.
4. Benefits
The use of Binab" T pellets will control internal decay of
wood in utility poles, playground structures, and fence posts
and may replace chemical treatments for these uses to some
extent. The use of Binab1" T Wettable Powder will control
decay of pruning wounds of ornamental, shade, and forest trees
aiding in the maintenance of plant health and esthetic value
of trees.
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5. Tolerance Assessment
The products will not be used in situations where tolerances
are required. Trees to be treated are limited to those which
will not be used for food or feed production.
6. Summary of Major Data Gaps
No major data gaps exist for these active ingredients.
•»
Contact Person at EPA
Susan T. Lewis
Acting Product Manager (21)
Fungicide-Herbicide Branch
Registration Division (H-7505C)
Environmental Protection Agency
401 M St., SW.,
Washington, D.C. 20460
DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this Pesticide Fact Sheet
is for informational purposes only and may not be used to fulfill
data requirements for pesticide registration and reregistration.
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&EFA
United States
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Pesticide Program (H7S04C)
PMSD. Information Services Branch
401 M Street. SW
Washington. DC 20460 •
First-Class
Postage and Fees Paid
EPA
Permit No G-35
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use S300
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