Released on December 22, 2023
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered biopesticide products containing the new active ingredient Ledprona for three years, a timeframe that is consistent with EPA’s approach to other novel biopesticide products. Ledprona is a new type of pesticide that relies on a natural mechanism–called RNA interference (RNAi)–used by plants and animals to protect against disease. EPA supports advancements in novel pesticide technology because this technology replaces more toxic chemical-based pesticides, provide an additional tool for farmers to address challenges of climate change, and aids in resistance management.
Novel pesticide technology can offer alternatives to chemical-based pesticides that may pose higher potential risks to human health or the environment or have reduced effectiveness because of resistance issues. Registered and recommended conventional active ingredients for foliar use against immature and adult CPB currently include the neonicotinoids (e.g., thiamethoxam), the spinosyns, abamectin, novaluron (an insect growth regulator), the diamides (e.g., cyantraniliprole), and some pre-mixes of these (e.g., abamectin and cyantraniliprole).
In May 2023, EPA approved an experimental use permit under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act for testing in 10 states (Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Virginia, Wisconsin, Washington). In September 2023, EPA opened a public comment period for this proposed registration. EPA considered the comments received and believes it has all the information needed to support its decision to register this novel biopesticide technology. Consistent with its obligation to ensure that the product does not pose unreasonable adverse effects on the environment, including that residues of the product are safe for consumption, EPA has conducted a robust evaluation and determined there is no risk of concern to human health and the environment, including no effects to listed species under the Endangered Species Act. In considering the risk for RNAi technology, such as Ledprona, EPA engaged with international partners and experts in the field via its leadership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
About Ledprona:
Ledprona is developed by GreenLight Biosciences, USA. Ledprona is a sprayable double-stranded RNA biopesticide, assigned CAS RN. 2766607-82-1 with a new mode of action that triggers the RNA interference pathway.
Ledprona, the active ingredient in GreenLight’s CalanthaTM product, is approved as a new mode of action in the recent winter meeting of IRAC, an international association of crop-protection companies that focuses on resistance management and sustainable agriculture.
The first foliar-applied, dsRNA-based bioinsecticide that provides effective control of CPB, CalanthaTM is expected to be registered in the United States this year. The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) ravages plants like potatoes and eggplant and accounts for more than $500 million in annual crop loss worldwide.
For decades, insect resistance to pesticides has challenged growers. Using integrated pest management, which includes rotating insecticides, farmers and agronomists can prolong the useful lifespan of crop treatments. GreenLight’s product is designed to work well with standard growers’ programs to control first- and second-generation Colorado potato beetle infestations.
CalanthaTM has a unique mode of action among chemical and biological insecticides, which will provide farmers with a new tool aimed at protecting potato and eggplant fields from the Colorado potato beetle and supporting their efforts at resistance management.
Ledprona, expected to be classified as IRAC MoA group 35 (RNAi-mediated targeted suppressors), specifically targets only CPB, causing the beetle to stop eating and expire from the accumulation of its own metabolic waste. Because it is based on double-stranded ribonucleic acid, CalanthaTM degrades quickly in the environment, supports biodiversity, and is an example of the next generation of eco-friendly crop-protection products.
The Insecticide Resistance Action Committee helps growers around the world by developing mode-of-action classification schemes; identifying new technologies for insect, mite, and tick control products; and implementing insecticide resistance management strategies for crop protection, plant biotechnology, and public health.
Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency