EPA 730-F-98-023
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Prevention,
Pesticides
and Toxic Substances
(7501C)

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PESTICIDE
FACT SHEET
Name of Chemicals: Killed Fermentation Solids and Solubles of
Myrothecium verrucaria
Reason for Issuance: Update to Reflect BPPD Change of Address
Date Issued:
August 1998
EPA Publication Number:
1. DESCRIPTION OF THE CHEMICAL(S) (BIOCHEMICALS)
Generic Name of the
Active Ingredient:
Trade and other name(s):
OPP Chemical Codes:
Year of Initial Registration:
Pesticide Type:
U.S. and Foreign Producers:
killed fermentation solids and solubles of Myrothecium verrucaria
ABG-9008 Nematicide
119204
1996
Biological Nematicide
Abbott Laboratories
2. USE SITES. APPLICATION TIMING & TARGET PESTS
Target Pests: Meloidogyne spp. (root knot nematode), Heterodera/Globodera (cyst nematode),
Pratylechus spp. (lesion nematode), Tylenchulus semipenetrans (citrus nemadode), Trichodorus
spp. (stubby-root nematode), Xiphinema spp. (dagger nematode), and other tylenchid nematodes
parasitizing food, fiber and ornamental crops.
Registered Uses: For use on all food crop and ornamental commodities when applied pre-
planting, pre-seeding or post-planting in accordance with good agricultural practices. Specifically,
the use sites include: citrus, cucurbits (cucumber, melon, squash), field crops (such as cotton,
peanuts, soybeans), ornamentals (including flowers, bedding plants, bulbs and, turf), fruiting
vegetables (such as eggplant, pepper, and tomato), greenhouse/shade house and outdoor nursery
crops, leafy vegetables and cole crops (such as lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower), pome
fruits (such as apples and pears), root and tuber crops (such as beet, carrot, potato, and sugar beet),

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small fruit and berries (such as grape and strawberry), stone fruits (such as cherry, nectarine,
peach, and plum), and special crops such as bananas, hops, kiwi fruits, pineapple, and tobacco.
3. SCIENCE FINDINGS
A.	TOXICOLOGY: The following toxicity studies were submitted and reviews were found
acceptable.
1.	Acute Oral Toxicity in Rats, (End-Use) Guideline No.81-1: The mean oral LD50 of ABG-
9008 was greater than 5000 mg/kg rat body weight. Toxicity Category IV.
2.	Acute Oral Toxicity in Rats, (Technical) Guideline No 81-1: The acute oral LD50 of ABG-
9008 Technical in rats is greater than 5000 mg/kg. Toxicity Category IV.
3.	Acute Dermal Toxicity in Rabbits, Guideline No 152-31: The dermal LD50 of ABG-9008
in rabbits is greater than 2000 mg/kg. Toxicity Category III.
4.	Acute Pulmonary Toxicity in Rats, Guideline No 152-32: The acute intratracheal LD50 of
ABG-9008 is greater than 50 mg/kg rat body weight. Toxicity Cagegory IV.
5.	Acute Inhalation Toxicity in Rats, Guideline Nos. 81-3: The LD50 of ABG-9008
Experimental Biological Nematicide was determined to be greater than an aerosolized dose
of 5.99 mg/L.
6.	Primary Eye Irritation in Rabbits, Guideline No 81-5: Rabbits displayed slight ocular
irritation when given a single 0.1 ml dose. The irritation dissipated by day 3. Toxicity
Category III.
7.	Primary Dermal Irritation in Rabbits, Guideline No 152-35: Rabbits displayed mild
dermal irritation over a 72 hour period following skin exposure of 0.5 g ABG-9008. The
irritation disappeared by day 3. Toxicity Category IV.
8.	Hypersensitivity Incidents, Guideline No. 152-37: No incidents of hypersensitivity have
been reported for this organism.
B.	ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS: The following ecological effects studies were submitted and
most reviews are found acceptable:
1. Avian studies:
A. MRID No. 433370-14, ABG-9008: An Avian Oral Toxicity Study with the
Bobwhite. Guideline Reference No. 154-16. The results of the study indicate that
ABG-9008 (Tech 1), a heat inactivated fermentation mixture of Myrothecium
verrucaria, is practically nontoxic to bobwhite quail with the LD50 being greater
than 2500 mg/kg/day for five days.
Adequacy of the Study: Satisfactory
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B. MRID No. 433370-13, ABG-9008: An Avian Oral Toxicity Study in the Mallard.
Guideline Reference No. 154-16. The results of the study indicate that ABG-9008
(Tech 1), a heat inactivated fermentation mixture of Myrothecium verrucaria, is
practically nontoxic to the mallard with the LD50 being greater than 2500
mg/kg/day for five days. However, since histopathological examination and
culturing were not reported for areas showing anatomical abnormalities at
necropsy, these observations remain unexplained. Adequacy of the Study:
Satisfactory
2. Aquatic studies:
A.	MRID No. 433370-17, Acute Toxicity of ABG-9008 (Lot # 57-046-BD) to the
Daphnid Daphnia magna. Guideline Reference No. 154-20. The results of the study
indicate that ABG-9008 (tech 1), a heat inactivated fermentation mixture of
Myrothecium verrucaria, is slightly toxic to Daphnia magna with the LC50 being
approximately 78 mg/L in a 48 hour static renewal study. However, these
calculations were based on the nominal rather than the actual concentration of
ABG-9008. Test material did not remain suspended or soluble during the course of
the study and the analytical method could not measure actual concentration during
the assay. Further, prior to taking samples the test vessels were stirred thus
artificially increasing the amount of test material in suspension. The study is
invalid since the concentration of ABG-9008 that the daphnids were exposed to is
unknown. Adequacy of the Study: Invalid.
B.	MRID No. 436896-01, Acute Toxicity of ABG-9008 (Lot #57-046-BD) to the
Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Guideline Reference No. 154-19.: The
results of the study indicate that ABG-9008 (Tech 1), a heat inactivated
fermentation mixture of Myrothecium verrucaria, is highly toxic to rainbow trout
with the LC50 being approximately 0.825 mg/L in a 96 hour static renewal study.
However, the actual material that was measured in the analytical method was not
indicated since "measurement of ABG-9008 (Lot# 57-046-BD) concentrations in
test media was attempted, but nominal concentrations were below the analytical
detection limit and results were unacceptable." Due to the problems encountered
with the analytical method and since "[i]nsoluble material was not noted in any test
vessel during the test." it will be assumed that an amount nearly equal to the
nominal concentration was in solution or suspension. However, we note that this is
a weak assumption and allowed only because of the analytical method difficulties.
Adequacy of the Study: Satisfactory.
C.	MRID No. 433370-15, Acute Toxicity of ABG-9008-NP to the Rainbow Trout,
Oncorhynchus mykiss. Guideline Reference No. 154-19.: The results of the study
indicate that ABG-9008-NP, (Tech 2) a heat inactivated fermentation mixture of
Myrothecium verrucaria, is moderately toxic to rainbow trout with the LC50 being
approximately 2.1 mg/L in a 96 hour static renewal study. However, the actual
material that was measured in the analytical method was not indicated. The
observation that "[i]nsoluble material was not noted in any test vessel during the
test." supports the reported results that the measured concentrations were nearly
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equal to the nominal concentrations. Adequacy of the Study: Satisfactory
D. MRID No. 433370-16, Acute Toxicity of ABG-9008 to the Rainbow Trout,
Oncorhynchus mykiss in Dilution Water Containing 10 mg/L Humic Acid.
Guideline Reference No. 154-19. The results of the study indicate that ABG-9008
(Tech 1) in dilution water containing 10 mg/L humic acid was practically non-toxic
to rainbow trout with the LC50 being greater than 100 mg/L in a 96 hour static
renewal study. However, these calculations were based on the nominal rather than
the actual concentration of ABG-9008. Test material did not remain suspended or
soluble during the course of the study and measured concentrations were not
reported. The study is invalid since the concentration of ABG-9008 that the trout
were exposed to is unknown. Adequacy of the Study: Invalid.
3.	Non-target plant studies:
A. Abbott Laboratories' Justification for Waiver Request / Nontarget Plant Testing -
ABG-9008-. Guideline Reference Nos. 154A-22: Phytotoxicity has not been
observed in tests performed with ABG-9008 under laboratory, greenhouse, and
field conditions. Doses employed were 5X higher than the recommended field rate
of 20-40 lbs/A. In addition to nematode control, use of ABG-9008 provides
increased plant growth responses. Plant growth responses included earliness in
flowering, higher plant vigor, increased plant shoot and root weights, and
significant enhancements in yield and quality of the fruits. Such responses have
been observed in plants belonging to varied genera and families such as Tomatoes,
Cucumbers, Potatoes, Squash, Eggplant, Strawberries, Sugarbeets, Lilies, Roses,
Banana, Turf and Corn. The product has been applied as a pre-plant, at planting,
post-planting, post-germination and during the plant growth cycle. Phytotoxic
responses have not been observed. Application of the product does not result in
reduction in germination for any of the crops tested; in fact, in certain instances
significant improvement in plant stand has been observed. Since ABG-9008 is a
soil-applied nematicide, this product has not been tested as a foliar treatment.
Adequacy of Rationale: Based on the current application methods that limit foliar
exposure, the lack of phytotoxicity observed, reported improved plant stand, and
the killed microbial status of this material; this study is waived. However, it is
noted that certain macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins and diketopiperazines are
phytotoxic and Myrothecium verrucaria is a plant pathogen. This fungus is reported
as a leaf and/or stem pathogen of many plants including tobacco, coffee, cotton,
beans, rapeseed, and Zinnia; as well as a root pathogen of red clover and alfalfa.
Therefore, the applicant should be reminded that suspected and confirmed
incidences of phytotoxicity or possible disease must be reported to the Agency
under FIFRA § 6(a)(2).
4.	Non-target insect and honeybee studies:
A. Abbott Laboratories' Justification for Waiver Request / Nontarget Insects and
Honey Bee Testing -ABG-9008-. Guideline Reference Nos. 154A-23, -24: ABG-
9008 is used to control soil and plant nematodes and hence is applied to the soil and
incorporated 3"-6" below the surface. The material will be applied by commercial
applicators and will be raked, dressed, or cultivated into the soil. Such an
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application process minimizes contact with non-target insects and honey bees
which are generally airborne. Little or no exposure to outside air, honey bees or
non-target insects are anticipated in the application step. Since the product is not
intended to be applied as a foliar pesticide, exposure to honey bees is not expected.
Based on the testing done to date, this material contains no known mammalian
toxin and shows a high degree of specificity discriminating even free living
nematodes from plant parasitic nematodes. ABG-9008 has not shown any
insecticidal activity. According to the Standard Evaluation Procedures for
Ecological Risk Assessment, nontarget insect and honey bee testing is required if
the product's proposed use pattern will result in exposure to the above organisms.
ABG-9008 is a soil-applied nematicide and will not result in exposure to these test
organisms. In addition, the product shows a high degree of acute mammalian and
environmental safety (see Attachments 1 and 2). Adequacy of the Rationale: Given
the minimal exposure to above surface insects, including honey bees, due to soil
application the studies may be waived. However, materials in the product, e.g.
chitinases, may affect nontarget insects and honeybees if significant exposure to the
product was to occur.
4.	SUMMARY OF DATA GAPS: Non-target aquatic toxicity has been mitigated with appropriate
precautionary label statements which state: "Do not apply directly to water, or to areas where surface
water is present or to intertidal areas below the mean high water mark. Do not contaminate water by
cleaning of equipment or disposal of equipment washwaters."
5.	CONTACT PERSON AT EPA Office location/telephone number
Cindy Schaffer
Regulatory Action Leader
Biopesticides and Pollution
Prevention Division (7511C)
Office of Pesticide Programs
Environmental Protection Agency
410 M Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
9th floor Crystal Mall 2
1921 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA 22202
(703)308-8272
DISCLAIMER: The information in this Pesticide Fact Sheet is a summary only and is not to be used to
satisfy data requirements for pesticide registration and reregistration. Contact the Regulatory Action
Leader listed above for further information.
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— - - - -•>- ... .... 	 	
j RSPQRT QATi | i. ^HPO^T 7 Y P £ AND DATES COVERED
J August 1998 |
, J . _ " AiSO SLIo i i i l.;
E?A Pesticide Fact Sheet - Killed fermentation solids and
solubles of Myrothecium verrucaria
S. rJN01NG N'Uk'ocaS
o. AUTHORS/
EPA, Office of Pesticide Programs,
7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND AOORESSiES,
U.S. Environmental Procection Agency
Office of Pesticide Programs
Biopesticides and'Pollution Prevention Division
401 M Street, S.V.
Washington, D.C. 20460
3. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION
REPORT NUMBER
EPA-730-F-98-023
9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME;S) AND AOCRESSiESi
Same as #7
10. SPONSORING/ MONITORING
AGENCY REPORT NUMBER
11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
12a. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
Publicly Available.
rr
12o. DISTRIBUTION CODE
13. ASSTRACT (Maximum 200 wore;!
This document contains up-to-date chemical information, including a summary
of the Agency's regulatory position and rationale, on a specific pesticide or
group of pesticides- A Fact Sheet is issued after one of the following actions
has occurred.
1.	Issuance or reissuance of a registration standard,
2.	Issuance of each special review document,
3.	Registration of a significantly changed use pattern,
4.	Registration of a new chemical, or
5.	An immediate need for information to resolve controversial issues
relating to a specific chemical or use pattern.
i 14. SU5JEC7 TERMS
Pesticides; Regulation; Chemical Information Fact Sheet;
Use Patterns; Science Findings
15. NUMBER OF PAGES
16. PRICE CODE
17. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Or REPORT
Unclass ified
IS. SECURITY CLASSiFICAT
OF THIS PAGE ,
Unclassiried
19. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION I 20. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT
rT OF ABSTRACT
Unclassirled

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