Aureobasidium pullulans, 8731-8736 [2012-3585]
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need to determine and issue new
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221 ....................................
Appendix B to Part 4022—Lump Sum
Interest Rates for PBGC Payments
Before
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4–1–12
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221 ....................................
Before
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4–1–12
1.25
[FR Doc. 2012–3540 Filed 2–14–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7709–01–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2010–0099; FRL–9337–3]
Aureobasidium pullulans Strains DSM
14940 and DSM 14941; Exemption
From the Requirement of a Tolerance
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
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AGENCY:
This regulation establishes an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of the
Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM
14940 and DSM 14941 in or on all food
commodities when applied pre-harvest
and used in accordance with good
SUMMARY:
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Deferred annuities
(percent)
Immediate
annuity rate
(percent)
3–1–12
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Appendix C to Part 4022—Lump Sum
Interest Rates for Private-Sector
Payments
For plans with a valuation
date
Issued in Washington, DC, on this 8th day
of February 2012.
Laricke Blanchard,
Deputy Director for Policy, Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation.
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On or after
Rate set
Deferred annuities
(percent)
1.25
3. In appendix C to part 4022, Rate Set
221, as set forth below, is added to the
table.
2. In appendix B to part 4022, Rate Set
221, as set forth below, is added to the
table.
In consideration of the foregoing, 29
CFR part 4022 is amended as follows:
Immediate
annuity rate
(percent)
■
Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1302, 1322, 1322b,
1341(c)(3)(D), and 1344.
■
For plans with a valuation
date
3–1–12
1. The authority citation for part 4022
continues to read as follows:
■
Employee benefit plans, Pension
insurance, Pensions, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
On or after
Rate set
PART 4022—BENEFITS PAYABLE IN
TERMINATED SINGLE-EMPLOYER
PLANS
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agricultural practices. Bio-ferm GmbH
submitted a petition to EPA under the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(FFDCA), requesting an exemption from
the requirement of a tolerance. This
regulation eliminates the need to
establish a maximum permissible level
for residues of Aureobasidium pullulans
strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941.
DATES: This regulation is effective
February 15, 2012. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before April 16, 2012, and must
be filed in accordance with the
instructions provided in 40 CFR part
178 (see also Unit I.C. of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a
docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2010–0099. All documents in the
docket are listed in the docket index
available at https://www.regulations.gov.
Although listed in the index, some
information is not publicly available,
e.g., Confidential Business Information
(CBI) or other information the disclosure
of which is restricted by statute. Certain
other material, such as copyrighted
material, is not made available via the
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Internet and will be publicly available
only in hard copy form. Publicly
available docket materials are available
in the electronic docket at https://
www.regulations.gov, or, if only
available in hard copy, at the OPP
Regulatory Public Docket in Rm. S–
4400, One Potomac Yard (South Bldg.),
2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. The
Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,
excluding legal holidays. The Docket
Facility telephone number is (703) 305–
5805.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Susanne Cerrelli, Biopesticides and
Pollution Prevention Division (7511P),
Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001; telephone number:
(703) 308–8077; email address:
cerrelli.susanne@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by
this action if you are an agricultural
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producer, food manufacturer, or
pesticide manufacturer. Potentially
affected entities may include, but are
not limited to:
• Crop production (NAICS code 111).
• Animal production (NAICS code
112).
• Food manufacturing (NAICS code
311).
• Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS
code 32532).
This listing is not intended to be
exhaustive, but rather provides a guide
for readers regarding entities likely to be
affected by this action. Other types of
entities not listed in this unit could also
be affected. The North American
Industrial Classification System
(NAICS) codes have been provided to
assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to
certain entities. If you have any
questions regarding the applicability of
this action to a particular entity, consult
the person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
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B. How can I get electronic access to
other related information?
You may access a frequently updated
electronic version of 40 CFR part 180
through the Government Printing
Office’s e-CFR site at https://
ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/textidx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/
40tab_02.tpl. To access the harmonized
test guidelines referenced in this
document electronically, please go to
https://www.epa.gov/ocspp and select
‘‘Test Methods and Guidelines.’’
C. How can I file an objection or hearing
request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21
U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
objection to any aspect of this regulation
and may also request a hearing on those
objections. You must file your objection
or request a hearing on this regulation
in accordance with the instructions
provided in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure
proper receipt by EPA, you must
identify docket ID number EPA–HQ–
OPP–2010–0099 in the subject line on
the first page of your submission. All
objections and requests for a hearing
must be in writing, and must be
received by the Hearing Clerk on or
before April 16, 2012. Addresses for
mail and hand delivery of objections
and hearing requests are provided in 40
CFR 178.25(b).
In addition to filing an objection or
hearing request with the Hearing Clerk
as described in 40 CFR part 178, please
submit a copy of the filing that does not
contain any CBI for inclusion in the
public docket. Information not marked
confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2
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14:28 Feb 14, 2012
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may be disclosed publicly by EPA
without prior notice. Submit a copy of
your non-CBI objection or hearing
request, identified by docket ID number
EPA–HQ–OPP–2010–0099, by one of
the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line
instructions for submitting comments.
• Mail: Office of Pesticide Programs
(OPP) Regulatory Public Docket (7502P),
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington,
DC 20460–0001.
• Delivery: OPP Regulatory Public
Docket (7502P), Environmental
Protection Agency, Rm. S–4400, One
Potomac Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S.
Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. Deliveries
are only accepted during the Docket
Facility’s normal hours of operation
(8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding legal holidays).
Special arrangements should be made
for deliveries of boxed information. The
Docket Facility telephone number is
(703) 305–5805.
II. Background and Statutory Findings
In the Federal Register of March 10,
2010 (75 FR 11171) (FRL–8810–8), EPA
issued a notice pursuant to section
408(d)(3) of FFDCA, 21 U.S.C.
346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a
pesticide tolerance petition (PP 9F7623)
by Bio-ferm GmbH, Konrad Lorenz Str.
20, Tulln, 3430, Austria. The petition
requested that 40 CFR part 180 be
amended by establishing an exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance for
residues of Aureobasidium pullulans
strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941.
This notice referenced a summary of the
petition prepared by the petitioner Bioferm GmbH, which is available in the
docket, https://www.regulations.gov.
There were no comments received in
response to the notice of filing.
Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA
allows EPA to establish an exemption
from the requirement for a tolerance (the
legal limit for a pesticide chemical
residue in or on a food) only if EPA
determines that the exemption is ‘‘safe.’’
Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA
defines ‘‘safe’’ to mean that ‘‘there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result from aggregate exposure to the
pesticide chemical residue, including
all anticipated dietary exposures and all
other exposures for which there is
reliable information.’’ This includes
exposure through drinking water and in
residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Pursuant to
section 408(c)(2)(B) of FFDCA, in
establishing or maintaining in effect an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance, EPA must take into account
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the factors set forth in section
408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA, which require
EPA to give special consideration to
exposure of infants and children to the
pesticide chemical residue in
establishing a tolerance and to ‘‘ensure
that there is a reasonable certainty that
no harm will result to infants and
children from aggregate exposure to the
pesticide chemical residue. * * *’’
Additionally, section 408(b)(2)(D) of
FFDCA requires that the Agency
consider ‘‘available information
concerning the cumulative effects of a
particular pesticide’s residues’’ and
‘‘other substances that have a common
mechanism of toxicity.’’
EPA performs a number of analyses to
determine the risks from aggregate
exposure to pesticide residues. First,
EPA determines the toxicity of
pesticides. Second, EPA examines
exposure to the pesticide through food,
drinking water, and through other
exposures that occur as a result of
pesticide use in residential settings.
III. Toxicological Profile
Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D)
of FFDCA, EPA has reviewed the
available scientific data and other
relevant information in support of this
action and considered its validity,
completeness, and reliability and the
relationship of this information to
human risk. EPA has also considered
available information concerning the
variability of the sensitivities of major
identifiable subgroups of consumers,
including infants and children.
A. Overview of Aureobasidium
Pullulans Strains DSM 14940 and DSM
14941
Aureobasidium pullulans is a ‘‘yeastlike’’ saprophytic fungus found in the
phyllosphere of many plants, and it has
been isolated from soil and aquatic
environments (Refs. 1, 2, and 3). It is
commonly isolated from healthy grape
(Refs. 4 and 5) and apple (Ref. 6) plants,
as well as other plants (Refs. 7, 8, 9, 10,
and 11). Although associated with
disease in some plants, the fungus
generally is recognized as a saprobe,
since it derives its nourishment from
nonliving or decaying organic matter,
and is only considered a weak pathogen
or parasite of certain plants (Refs. 2 and
12). It is a known antagonist of several
plant disease-causing organisms, and is
an important producer of enzymes for
biotechnological and industrial
applications (Ref. 1).
Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM
14940 and DSM 14941 were isolated
from apple leaves and classified by the
German Strain Collection for
Microorganisms (DSMZ). Neither is a
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mutant nor genetically modified strain
and they are not closely related to
toxigenic human pathogens. As
discussed in Pesticide Petition (PP)
9F7623, product analysis data
demonstrate that Aureobasidium
pullulans strain DSM 14941 is closely
related to strain DSM 14940. The two
strains share many similar genetic and
morphological characteristics. Bioferm
GmbH has proposed to register two
manufacturing-use pesticide products
(MPs): ‘‘Aureobasidium pullulans strain
DSM 14941 Technical,’’ and
‘‘Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM
14940 Technical.’’ The active ingredient
is 80% w/w (minimum of × 109 colony
forming units/grams (unit of measure for
bacteria (cfu/g)) in each of the proposed
technical products.
Bio-ferm GmbH has proposed to
register two end-use products (EPs)
containing equal parts of
Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM
14940 and DSM 14941: ‘‘Blossom
Protect’’ will be applied to pome fruit
only during the blossoming period to
protect plants against bacterial fire
blight, and ‘‘Botector’’ will be applied
preharvest to grapes, pome fruit, stone
fruit, and strawberries to protect these
crops against fruit rot diseases caused
by Botrytis sp., Monilia sp., Penicillium
sp., Nectria sp., and Pezicula sp.
B. Microbial Pesticide Toxicology Data
Requirements
The Agency has determined that, for
preharvest uses, all mammalian
toxicology data requirements submitted
to support the petition to exempt
residues of Aureobasidium pullulans
strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941
from the requirement of a tolerance have
been fulfilled (Ref. 13).
The product analysis data
demonstrated that Aureobasidium
pullulans strain DSM 14941 is closely
related to strain DSM 14940. Because
the strains are closely related, the
Agency has determined that the findings
of the submitted acute toxicity/
pathogenicity studies conducted only
with strain DSM 14941 supported both
strains, and those studies show no
evidence of toxicity, or pathogenicity at
the doses tested. In addition, both
strains were tested in an acute
subcutaneous injection toxicity/
pathogenicity study in rats. The results
of this study indicated that both strains
were not toxic, infective, and/or
pathogenic to the test animals. These
findings were supported by the results
of a study of the influence of
temperature on the growth of the two
Aureobasidium pullulans strains, which
showed that growth of both strains does
not occur at or above 35 °C. Since
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human body temperature is 37 °C, and
based on the results from these studies
as discussed in this unit the Agency
concluded that neither strain would be
toxic, infective and/or pathogenic in
humans.
1. Acute Oral Toxicity/Pathogenicity
(Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution
Prevention (OCSPP) Guideline 885.3050;
Master Record Identification Number
(MRID) No. 47899302. Twenty-four rats
were administered a single dose of
Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM
14941. Three animals of each sex were
sacrificed on days 3, 7, and 14; the
remaining animals were sacrificed at
test end on day 21. Body tissues were
examined for Aureobasidium pullulans.
All samples of feces, blood, brain, lung,
liver, kidney, spleen, stomach, and
intestine were negative. The lymph
nodes of one animal sacrificed on day
7 tested positive for the presence of
Aureobasidium pullulans DSM 14941.
These findings show a pattern of
clearance with no Aureobasidium
pullulans DSM 14941 detected by day
14. The results of this acceptable study
demonstrated that Aureobasidium
pullulans DSM 14941 was not toxic,
infective, and/or pathogenic in rats,
when dosed at 4 × 108 cfu/animal.
2. Acute Pulmonary Toxicity/
Pathogenicity (OCSPP Guideline
885.3150; MRID No. 47899303). Male
and female animals were exposed
intratracheally with Aureobasidium
pullulans strain DSM 14941 Technical
(4 × 108 cfu/g). Interim sacrifices were
made 3 hours post-dose and on study
days 3, 7, and 14; the remaining animals
were sacrificed at study end on day 21.
There was no mortality, and, except on
the day of dosing when the entire test
material group showed reduced motor
activity and dyspnea, all animals
appeared normal throughout the study.
Tissue samples were evaluated for
Aureobasidium pullulans after sacrifice.
The following tissues were negative for
Aureobasidium pullulans at all time
points: Feces, brain, kidney, and
intestine. Blood samples were negative
except for one male on day 0; lung
samples were negative except for two
males and two females on day 0; liver
samples were negative except for three
males on day 0; spleen samples were
negative except for two males on day 0;
lymph node samples were negative
except for one animal on day 7, and
stomach samples were negative except
for two males on day 0. These findings
show a pattern of clearance with no
Aureobasidium pullulans DSM 14941
detected by day 14. The results of this
acceptable study demonstrated that
Aureobasidium pullulans DSM 14941
was not toxic, infective, and/or
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pathogenic in rat, when dosed at 0.8 ×
108 cfu/animal.
3. Acute Injection Toxicity/
Pathogenicity (OCSPP Guideline
885.3200; MRID No. 47871807 and
47871808). In an acute subcutaneous
toxicity/pathogenicity study (MRID
47871807), male and female rats were
injected with Aureobasidium pullulans
strain DSM 14940 (2.36 × 1010 cfu/g)
and DSM 14941 (1.5 × 1010 cfu/g).
Interim sacrifices were made on days 3,
7, and 14; the remaining animals were
sacrificed at test end on day 21. There
were no deaths, and all animals
appeared normal throughout the study
except for edema or slight erythema at
the injection site. Samples of the
following tissues were negative for
Aureobasidium pullulans at all time
points: Feces, blood, brain, lung, liver,
kidney, spleen, stomach, and intestine.
Lymph node samples were negative
except for one animal sacrificed on day
7. The study author suggested this was
likely a post-mortem transmission. A
pattern of clearance was observed in
this study, with no Aureobasidium
pullulans DSM 14941 or 14940 detected
by day 14. The results of this acceptable
study demonstrated that Aureobasidium
pullulans strains DSMZ 14940 and
DSMZ 14941 were not toxic, infective,
and/or pathogenic in rats, when dosed
at 1.95 × 107 or 1.12 × 107cfu/animal,
respectively.
In a second acute subcutaneous
toxicity/pathogenicity study (MRID
47871808), male and female rats were
injected with Aureobasidium pullulans
strain DSM 14941 (1.1 × 109 cfu/g).
Interim sacrifices were made on days 1
and 7; the remaining animals were
sacrificed at test end on day 21. There
were no deaths, and all animals
appeared normal throughout the study
except for severe edema or slight
erythema at the injection site. Samples
of the following tissues were negative
for Aureobasidium pullulans at all time
points: Brain, lung, spleen, kidney,
lymph nodes, blood and urine. The skin
was positive for Aureobasidium
pullulans in three males and three
females from the test material group on
day 1 and in two females of the same
group on day 7. The liver of one male
from the test material group was
positive on day 1. The cecum contents
were positive in one male and one
female from the test material group on
day 1 and in two females from the same
group on day 7. These findings show a
pattern of clearance with no
Aureobasidium pullulans DSM 14941
detected by day 21. The results of this
acceptable study demonstrated that
Aureobasidium pullulans DSM 14941
was not toxic, infective, and/or
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pathogenic in rats, when dosed at 1.6 ×
107 cfu/animal.
4. Acute Dermal Toxicity (OCSPP
Guideline 870.1200; MRID 47869615). In
an acute dermal toxicity study, the
shaved skin of 10 rats was dosed with
2,000 milligram/kilogram (mg/kg)
Blossom Protect (7 × 109 cfu/g each of
strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941) for
24 hours. One male exhibited
chromodacryorrhea from day 7 to day
14 and one female exhibited
chromodacryorrhea from day 1 to day 2
of the study, but this was not considered
to be toxicologically significant because
this is a normal but rare response and
it did not result in mortality. All
animals appeared healthy at necropsy.
The lethal dose (LD50) was >2,000 mg/
kg. This study was rated acceptable, and
the end use product (EP) is classified as
toxicity category IV.
5. Primary Dermal Irritation (OCSPP
Guideline 870.2500; MRID 47869619). In
a dermal irritation study, the shaved
skin of 3 rabbits was dosed with 0.5 g
Blossom Protect (7 × 109 cfu/g
Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM
14940 and 7 × 109 cfu/g Aureobasidium
pullulans strain DSM 14941) moistened
with 1.0 milliliter (mL) deionized water
for 4 hours. All animals appeared
normal throughout the study; thus,
Blossom Protect was considered to be
non-irritating. This study was rated
acceptable, and the EP is classified as
toxicity category IV.
6. Acute Oral Toxicity (OCSPP
Guideline 870.1100; MRID No.
47869614. In an acute oral toxicity
study, six animals received a single
2,000 mg/kg body weight (bw) dose of
Blossom Protect 22% (2 × 1010 cfu/g)
Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM
14940, 22% (2 × 1010 cfu/g)
Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM
14941, 25% sucrose, 6% water. There
was no mortality, and all animals
appeared normal throughout the study.
The LD50 was >2,000 mg/kg. This study
was rated acceptable, and the EP is
classified as toxicity category III.
7. Acute Inhalation Toxicity (OCSPP
Guideline 870.1300; MRID 47869617). In
an acute inhalation toxicity study, 10
animals were exposed nose-only to a
10% suspension of Blossom Protect (7 ×
10 9 cfu/g A. pullulans strain DSM
14940 and 7 × 109 cfu/g A. pullulans
strain DSM 14941) at 5.17 milligrams
per liter (mg/L). The Mass Medium
Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) was
4.2 mm. There were no deaths and all
animals appeared healthy throughout
the study. Necropsy was unremarkable.
The lethal concentration (LC50) was
>5.17 mg/L. This study was rated
acceptable, and the EP is classified as
toxicity category IV.
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8. Acute Eye Irritation (OCSPP
Guideline 870.2400; MRID 47869618). In
an eye irritation study, three rabbits
were dosed with 0.1 mL (60–62 grams
(g) of Blossom Protect (7 × 109 cfu/g A.
pullulans strain DSM 14940 and 7 × 109
cfu/g A. pullulans strain DSM 14941).
One animal had a score of 1 for
conjunctival redness 1 hour after
application. There were no other
clinical signs, and all animals appeared
normal at 24 hours. Blossom protect was
considered to be virtually non-irritating.
This study was rated acceptable, and the
EP is classified as toxicity category IV.
9. In vivo Micronucleus Assay (MRID
47899304). Twenty mice (two groups of
five male and two groups of five female
mice) received single 2,000 mg/kg
Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM
14941 dissolved in water by oral gavage.
There were no clinical signs observed in
any of the test animals, which were
sacrificed 24 or 48 hours after receiving
the test material. The femoral bone
marrow was immediately harvested, and
the ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes
to total erythrocytes (mature and
immature) was determined, and 2,000
immature erythrocytes/animal were
scored for the presence of
micronucleated immature erythrocytes,
a sign of potential toxicity or damage to
genetic material in the cells.
Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM
14941 did not produce a statistically
significant increase in micronucleated
immature erythrocytes compared to the
untreated control animals. The response
of the positive control animals (treated
with a known toxic substance,
cyclophosphamide, by intraperitoneal
injection, at 10 mg/kg) was appropriate
for comparison and did produce a
statistically significant increase in
micronucleated immature erythrocytes
compared to the untreated control
animals. This study was rated
acceptable.
10. Influence of Temperature on
Reproduction (MRID 47871833).
Aureobasidium pullulans strain CBS
626.85 was isolated from the peritoneal
dialysis fluid of a human in Australia.
The effects of temperature on the
reproduction or growth of
Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM
14940 and, DSM 14941, in liquid
culture or on agar plates were examined
and compared against this positive
control, Aureobasidium pullulans strain
CBS 626.85, to observe the ability of
these strains to reproduce at human
body temperature of 37 °C. All three
strains grew well at 30 °C. At 33 °C, the
number of replications (per 48 hours) of
the Aureobasidium pullulans strains
DSM 14940 and, DSM 14941 was less
than one, while the number of
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duplications for strain CBS 626.85 was
approximately five. Neither strain DSM
14940 or strain DSM 14941 was able to
grow at 35 °C or 37 °C, while strain CBS
625.85 replicated (approximately) twice
at 35 °C and once at 37 °C. Based on the
lack of growth of the DSM strains at 35
°C and above, and given human body
temperature is 37 °C, Aureobasidium
pullulan strains DSM 14940 and DSM
14941 are expected to be nonpathogenic in humans. This study was
rated acceptable.
11. Hypersensitivity Incidents (OCSPP
Guideline 885.3400; MRID No.
47945023). No hypersensitivity
incidents, including immediate-type or
delayed-type reactions of humans and
domestic animals during research,
development, or testing of
Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM
14940 and DSM 14941 were reported by
the applicant. Any future
hypersensitivity incidents must be
reported per OCSPP Guideline
885.3400.
IV. Aggregate Exposures
In examining aggregate exposure,
section 408 of FFDCA directs EPA to
consider available information
concerning exposures from the pesticide
residue in food and all other nonoccupational exposures, including
drinking water from ground water or
surface water and exposure through
pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or
buildings (residential and other indoor
uses).
A. Dietary Exposure
Should this microbial pesticide be
present on food, the acute toxicity,
infectivity, and pathogenicity data, as
well as the data demonstrating the lack
of growth at human body temperature
submitted for Aureobasidium pullulans
strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941
demonstrated that no toxicity,
infectivity, and/or pathogenicity is
likely to occur with any exposure level
resulting from application of these two
proposed pesticide active ingredients in
accordance with good agricultural
practices (see Unit III.B.).
1. Food. Naturally occurring
Aureobasidium pullulans is likely to be
present on fresh produce. According to
Webb and Mundt (1978) (Ref. 11)
Aureobasidium pullulans is ‘‘a major
resident on most green plants.’’ In a
study with several species of crop
plants, they determined Aureobasidium
pullulans to be among the most
abundant (71%–85%) of all fungi
present on the plant surfaces.
Aureobasidium pullulans made up an
average of 77.1% of the mold species
isolated on green beans, and occurred at
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high levels (up to 2.7 × 104 cfu/
centimeter2 (cm2) on certain fruits
(cucumbers and squash). Dietary
exposure to Aureobasidium pullulans
strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941,
therefore, is possible from strawberries,
grapes, pome and stone fruits harvested
naturally and from plants treated with
these fungicidal active ingredients. The
submitted acute oral toxicity/
pathogenicity studies indicated that if
Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM
14940 and DSM 14941 are ingested, no
toxic or pathogenic effects will result. In
addition, Aureobasidium pullulans
strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941 do
not reproduce at the normal human
body temperature of 37 °C. Therefore, in
the event oral exposure should occur by
ingesting treated fruits, the Agency
concludes that there is a reasonable
certainty that no harm will result from
exposure to such residues.
2. Drinking water exposure. Naturally
occurring Aureobasidium pullulans is
ubiquitous and has been isolated from
all types of water (Ref. 14). Exposure of
humans to residues of pesticides
containing Aureobasidium pullulans
strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941 in
consumed drinking water is possible but
potential exposure through drinking
water is reduced, given the proposed
use patterns, use sites, and application
methods for Aureobasidium pullulans
strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941,
which do not include direct application
to aquatic environments. In the event
that Aureobasidium pullulans strains
DSM 14940 and DSM 14941 are
transferred to surface water or ground
water intended for human consumption,
the fungi would not survive the high
temperatures, chlorination, pH
adjustments, and/or filtration water is
subjected to in a drinking water
treatment facility. Even if oral exposure
should occur through consumed
drinking water, there is a reasonable
certainty that no harm will result from
exposure to such residues, based upon
the lack of toxicity, infectivity, and/or
pathogenicity, as well as the inability of
these fungal strains to grow at human
body temperature, demonstrated in the
previously described toxicological
studies (see Unit III.B.).
B. Other Non-Occupational Exposure
The use sites for these products
include residential garden sites and
agricultural sites. Aureobasidium
pullulans is naturally present in many
habitats, and based on the data and
other information submitted to satisfy
data requirements for registration of the
MPs and EPs containing the active
ingredients Aureobasidium pullulans
strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941, no
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toxicity, infectivity, pathogenicity or
other adverse effects from nonoccupational exposure are expected (see
Unit III.B.).
V. Cumulative Effects From Substances
With a Common Mechanism of Toxicity
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA
requires that, when considering whether
to establish, modify, or revoke a
tolerance, the Agency consider
‘‘available information’’ concerning the
cumulative effects of a particular
pesticide’s residues and ‘‘other
substances that have a common
mechanism of toxicity.’’
The likelihood of adverse cumulative
effects occurring via a common
mechanism of toxicity is minimal, based
on the lack of toxicity/pathogenicity/
infectivity potential of the active
ingredients when Aureobasidium
pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM
14941 are used in or on food
commodities and/or labeled for
residential uses (see Unit III.B.). In
addition, Aureobasidium pullulans
strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941 do
not appear to produce a toxic metabolite
produced by other substances. For
information regarding EPA’s efforts to
determine which chemicals have a
common mechanism of toxicity and to
evaluate the cumulative effects of such
chemicals, see EPA’s Web site at
https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/
cumulative.
VI. Determination of Safety for U.S.
Population, Infants and Children
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C) provides
that EPA shall assess the available
information about consumption patterns
among infants and children, special
susceptibility of infants and children to
pesticide chemical residues, and the
cumulative effects on infants and
children of the residues and other
substances with a common mechanism
of toxicity. In addition, FFDCA section
408(b)(2)(C) provides that EPA shall
apply an additional tenfold (10X)
margin of safety for infants and children
in the case of threshold effects to
account for prenatal and postnatal
toxicity and the completeness of the
database on toxicity and exposure
unless EPA determines that a different
margin of safety will be safe for infants
and children. This additional margin of
safety is commonly referred to as the
FQPA Safety Factor. In applying this
provision, EPA either retains the default
value of 10X or uses a different
additional safety factor when reliable
data available to EPA support the choice
of a different factor.
Based on the acute toxicity and
pathogenicity data summarized in Unit
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
8735
III.B., EPA concludes that there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result to the U.S. population, including
infants and children, from aggregate
exposure to the residues of
Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM
14940 and DSM 14941. This includes all
anticipated dietary exposures and all
other exposures for which there is
reliable information. EPA has arrived at
this conclusion because the data and
information available on Aureobasidium
pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM
14941 do not demonstrate toxic,
pathogenic, and/or infective potential to
mammals. Thus, there are no threshold
effects of concern and, as a result, the
Agency has concluded that an
additional margin of safety for infants
and children is unnecessary in this
instance. Further, the need to consider
consumption patterns, special
susceptibility, and cumulative effects
does not arise when dealing with
pesticides with no demonstrated
significant adverse effects.
VII. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An analytical method is not required
for enforcement purposes since the
Agency is establishing an exemption
from the requirement of a tolerance
without any numerical limitation.
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA
seeks to harmonize U.S. tolerances with
international standards whenever
possible, consistent with U.S. food
safety standards and agricultural
practices. EPA considers the
international maximum residue limits
(MRLs) established by the Codex
Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as
required by FFDCA section 408(b)(4).
The Codex Alimentarius is a joint U.N.
Food and Agriculture Organization/
World Health Organization food
standards program, and it is recognized
as an international food safety
standards-setting organization in trade
agreements to which the United States
is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance
that is different from a Codex MRL;
however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4)
requires that EPA explain the reasons
for departing from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established a MRL
for Aureobasidium pullulans strains
DSM 14940 or DSM 14941.
VIII. Conclusions
EPA concludes that there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will
result to the United States population,
including infants and children, from
aggregate exposure to residues of
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Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM
14940 and DSM 14941. Therefore, an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance is established for residues of
Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM
14940 and DSM 14941 in or on all food
commodities when applied as a
preharvest fungicide and used in
accordance with good agricultural
practices.
IX. Statutory and Executive Order
Reviews
This final rule establishes a tolerance
under section 408(d) of FFDCA in
response to a petition submitted to the
Agency. The Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) has exempted these types
of actions from review under Executive
Order 12866, entitled Regulatory
Planning and Review (58 FR 51735,
October 4, 1993). Because this final rule
has been exempted from review under
Executive Order 12866, this final rule is
not subject to Executive Order 13211,
entitled Actions Concerning Regulations
That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use (66 FR 28355, May
22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045,
entitled Protection of Children from
Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997).
This final rule does not contain any
information collections subject to OMB
approval under the Paperwork
Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq., nor does it require any special
considerations under Executive Order
12898, entitled Federal Actions to
Address Environmental Justice in
Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16,
1994).
Since tolerances and exemptions that
are established on the basis of a petition
under section 408(d) of FFDCA, such as
the tolerance in this final rule, do not
require the issuance of a proposed rule,
the requirements of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.) do not apply.
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X. References
1. Chi, Z., F. Wang, Z. Chi, L. Yue, G. Liu,
T. Zhang. 2009. Bioproducts from
ureobasidium pullulans, a
biotechnologically important yeast.
Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 82: 793–
804.
2. Cooke, W.B. 1959. An ecological life
history of Aureobasidium pullulans (De
Bary) Arnaud. Mycopathologia, 12: 1–45.
3. Slepecky, R.A. and W.T. Starmer. 2009.
Phenotypic plasticity in fungi: a review
with observations on Aureobasidium
pullulans. Mycologia 101: 823–832.
4. Fleet, G.H. 2002. The yeast ecology of wine
grapes. Pp. 1–17 in Biodiversity and
Biotechnol. Of Wine Yeasts (Ciani, M.,
ed.). Research Signpost, Kerala, India.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:28 Feb 14, 2012
Jkt 226001
5. Fleet, G.H. 2003. Yeast interactions and
wine flavor. Int. J. Food Microbiol., 86:
11–22.
6. Granado, J., B. Thurig, E. Kieffer, L. Petrini,
A. Fliessbach, L. Tamm, F.P. Weibel,
G.S. Wyss. 2008. Culturable fungi of
stored ‘Golden Delicious’ apple fruits: a
one-season comparison study of organic
and integrated production systems in
Switzerland. Microb. Ecol., 56: 720–732.
7. Gao, X.-X., H. Zhou, D.-Y. Xu, C.-H. Yu,
Y.-Q. Chen, L.-H. Qu. 2005. High
diversity of endophytic fungi from the
pharmaceutical plant, Heterosmilax
japonica Kunth revealed by cultivationindependent approach. FEMS Microbiol.
Letters, 249: 255–266.
8. Osono, T. 2008. Endophytic and epiphytic
phyllosphere fungi of Camellia japonica:
seasonal and leaf age-dependent
variations. Mycologia, 100: 387–391.
9. Slavikova, E., R. Vadkertiova, and D.
Vranova. 2007. Yeasts colonizing the leaf
surfaces. J. Basic Microbiol. 47: 344–350.
10. Suryanarayanan, T.S., S.K. Wittlinger,
and S.H. Faeth. 2005. Endophytic fungi
associated with cacti in Arizona. Mycol.
Res. 109: 635–639.
11. Webb, T.A. and J.O. Mundt. 1978. Molds
on vegetables at the time of harvest.
Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 35: 655–658.
12. Kockova-Kratochvilova, A., M.
Cernakova, and E. Slavikova. 1980.
Morphological changes during the life
cycle of Aureobasidium pullulans (de
Bary) Arnaud. Folia Microbiologica, 25.
13. U.S. EPA. December 2011. DRAFT
Biopesticides Registration Action
Document of Aureobasidium pullulans
strains DSM 14940 and 14941.
14. Slavikova, E. and R. Vadkertiova. 1997.
Seasonal occurrence of yeasts and yeast
like organisms in the river Danube.
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 72: 77–80,
1997.
XI. Congressional Review Act
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection,
Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides
and pests, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Frm 00020
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is
amended as follows:
PART 180—[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 180
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
2. Section 180.1312 is added to
subpart D to read as follows:
■
§ 180.1312 Aureobasidium pullulans
strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941;
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance.
An exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance is established for residues
of the microbial pesticides,
Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM
14940 and DSM 14941 in or on all food
commodities when applied preharvest
and used in accordance with good
agricultural practices.
[FR Doc. 2012–3585 Filed 2–14–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA–HQ–OPP–2010–0807; FRL–9337–2]
Pasteuria nishizawae—Pn1; Exemption
From the Requirement of a Tolerance
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This regulation establishes an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance for residues of Pasteuria
nishizawae—Pn1 in or on all food
commodities when applied as a
nematicide and used in accordance with
good agricultural practices. Pasteuria
Bioscience, Inc. submitted a petition to
EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an
exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance. This regulation eliminates the
need to establish a maximum
permissible level for residues of
Pasteuria nishizawae—Pn1 under the
FFDCA.
SUMMARY:
The Congressional Review Act, 5
U.S.C. 801 et seq., generally provides
that before a rule may take effect, the
agency promulgating the rule must
submit a rule report to each House of
the Congress and to the Comptroller
General of the United States. EPA will
submit a report containing this rule and
other required information to the U.S.
Senate, the U.S. House of
Representatives, and the Comptroller
General of the United States prior to
publication of this final rule in the
Federal Register. This final rule is not
a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C.
804(2).
PO 00000
Dated: January 30, 2012.
Steven Bradbury,
Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.
This regulation is effective
February 15, 2012. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received
on or before April 16, 2012, and must
be filed in accordance with the
instructions provided in 40 CFR part
178 (see also Unit I.C. of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
DATES:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 15, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8731-8736]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-3585]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 180
[EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0099; FRL-9337-3]
Aureobasidium pullulans Strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941;
Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance for residues of the Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM
14940 and DSM 14941 in or on all food commodities when applied pre-
harvest and used in accordance with good agricultural practices. Bio-
ferm GmbH submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum
permissible level for residues of Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM
14940 and DSM 14941.
DATES: This regulation is effective February 15, 2012. Objections and
requests for hearings must be received on or before April 16, 2012, and
must be filed in accordance with the instructions provided in 40 CFR
part 178 (see also Unit I.C. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION).
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under docket
identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0099. All documents in the
docket are listed in the docket index available at https://www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index, some information is
not publicly available, e.g., Confidential Business Information (CBI)
or other information the disclosure of which is restricted by statute.
Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not made
available via the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard
copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available in the
electronic docket at https://www.regulations.gov, or, if only available
in hard copy, at the OPP Regulatory Public Docket in Rm. S-4400, One
Potomac Yard (South Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. The
Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket Facility telephone number
is (703) 305-5805.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susanne Cerrelli, Biopesticides and
Pollution Prevention Division (7511P), Office of Pesticide Programs,
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.,
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 308-8077; email
address: cerrelli.susanne@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. General Information
A. Does this action apply to me?
You may be potentially affected by this action if you are an
agricultural
[[Page 8732]]
producer, food manufacturer, or pesticide manufacturer. Potentially
affected entities may include, but are not limited to:
Crop production (NAICS code 111).
Animal production (NAICS code 112).
Food manufacturing (NAICS code 311).
Pesticide manufacturing (NAICS code 32532).
This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS)
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to certain entities. If you have any
questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular
entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT.
B. How can I get electronic access to other related information?
You may access a frequently updated electronic version of 40 CFR
part 180 through the Government Printing Office's e-CFR site at https://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title40/40tab_02.tpl. To access the harmonized test guidelines referenced in
this document electronically, please go to https://www.epa.gov/ocspp and
select ``Test Methods and Guidelines.''
C. How can I file an objection or hearing request?
Under FFDCA section 408(g), 21 U.S.C. 346a, any person may file an
objection to any aspect of this regulation and may also request a
hearing on those objections. You must file your objection or request a
hearing on this regulation in accordance with the instructions provided
in 40 CFR part 178. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, you must identify
docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0099 in the subject line on the first
page of your submission. All objections and requests for a hearing must
be in writing, and must be received by the Hearing Clerk on or before
April 16, 2012. Addresses for mail and hand delivery of objections and
hearing requests are provided in 40 CFR 178.25(b).
In addition to filing an objection or hearing request with the
Hearing Clerk as described in 40 CFR part 178, please submit a copy of
the filing that does not contain any CBI for inclusion in the public
docket. Information not marked confidential pursuant to 40 CFR part 2
may be disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice. Submit a copy of
your non-CBI objection or hearing request, identified by docket ID
number EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0099, by one of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Regulatory Public
Docket (7502P), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave.
NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001.
Delivery: OPP Regulatory Public Docket (7502P),
Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. S-4400, One Potomac Yard (South
Bldg.), 2777 S. Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA. Deliveries are only
accepted during the Docket Facility's normal hours of operation (8:30
a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays).
Special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed
information. The Docket Facility telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
II. Background and Statutory Findings
In the Federal Register of March 10, 2010 (75 FR 11171) (FRL-8810-
8), EPA issued a notice pursuant to section 408(d)(3) of FFDCA, 21
U.S.C. 346a(d)(3), announcing the filing of a pesticide tolerance
petition (PP 9F7623) by Bio-ferm GmbH, Konrad Lorenz Str. 20, Tulln,
3430, Austria. The petition requested that 40 CFR part 180 be amended
by establishing an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for
residues of Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941.
This notice referenced a summary of the petition prepared by the
petitioner Bio-ferm GmbH, which is available in the docket, https://www.regulations.gov. There were no comments received in response to the
notice of filing.
Section 408(c)(2)(A)(i) of FFDCA allows EPA to establish an
exemption from the requirement for a tolerance (the legal limit for a
pesticide chemical residue in or on a food) only if EPA determines that
the exemption is ``safe.'' Section 408(c)(2)(A)(ii) of FFDCA defines
``safe'' to mean that ``there is a reasonable certainty that no harm
will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue,
including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for
which there is reliable information.'' This includes exposure through
drinking water and in residential settings, but does not include
occupational exposure. Pursuant to section 408(c)(2)(B) of FFDCA, in
establishing or maintaining in effect an exemption from the requirement
of a tolerance, EPA must take into account the factors set forth in
section 408(b)(2)(C) of FFDCA, which require EPA to give special
consideration to exposure of infants and children to the pesticide
chemical residue in establishing a tolerance and to ``ensure that there
is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to infants and
children from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue. * *
*'' Additionally, section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA requires that the
Agency consider ``available information concerning the cumulative
effects of a particular pesticide's residues'' and ``other substances
that have a common mechanism of toxicity.''
EPA performs a number of analyses to determine the risks from
aggregate exposure to pesticide residues. First, EPA determines the
toxicity of pesticides. Second, EPA examines exposure to the pesticide
through food, drinking water, and through other exposures that occur as
a result of pesticide use in residential settings.
III. Toxicological Profile
Consistent with section 408(b)(2)(D) of FFDCA, EPA has reviewed the
available scientific data and other relevant information in support of
this action and considered its validity, completeness, and reliability
and the relationship of this information to human risk. EPA has also
considered available information concerning the variability of the
sensitivities of major identifiable subgroups of consumers, including
infants and children.
A. Overview of Aureobasidium Pullulans Strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941
Aureobasidium pullulans is a ``yeast-like'' saprophytic fungus
found in the phyllosphere of many plants, and it has been isolated from
soil and aquatic environments (Refs. 1, 2, and 3). It is commonly
isolated from healthy grape (Refs. 4 and 5) and apple (Ref. 6) plants,
as well as other plants (Refs. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11). Although
associated with disease in some plants, the fungus generally is
recognized as a saprobe, since it derives its nourishment from
nonliving or decaying organic matter, and is only considered a weak
pathogen or parasite of certain plants (Refs. 2 and 12). It is a known
antagonist of several plant disease-causing organisms, and is an
important producer of enzymes for biotechnological and industrial
applications (Ref. 1).
Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941 were
isolated from apple leaves and classified by the German Strain
Collection for Microorganisms (DSMZ). Neither is a
[[Page 8733]]
mutant nor genetically modified strain and they are not closely related
to toxigenic human pathogens. As discussed in Pesticide Petition (PP)
9F7623, product analysis data demonstrate that Aureobasidium pullulans
strain DSM 14941 is closely related to strain DSM 14940. The two
strains share many similar genetic and morphological characteristics.
Bioferm GmbH has proposed to register two manufacturing-use pesticide
products (MPs): ``Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM 14941 Technical,''
and ``Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM 14940 Technical.'' The active
ingredient is 80% w/w (minimum of x 10\9\ colony forming units/grams
(unit of measure for bacteria (cfu/g)) in each of the proposed
technical products.
Bio-ferm GmbH has proposed to register two end-use products (EPs)
containing equal parts of Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940 and
DSM 14941: ``Blossom Protect'' will be applied to pome fruit only
during the blossoming period to protect plants against bacterial fire
blight, and ``Botector'' will be applied preharvest to grapes, pome
fruit, stone fruit, and strawberries to protect these crops against
fruit rot diseases caused by Botrytis sp., Monilia sp., Penicillium
sp., Nectria sp., and Pezicula sp.
B. Microbial Pesticide Toxicology Data Requirements
The Agency has determined that, for preharvest uses, all mammalian
toxicology data requirements submitted to support the petition to
exempt residues of Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM
14941 from the requirement of a tolerance have been fulfilled (Ref.
13).
The product analysis data demonstrated that Aureobasidium pullulans
strain DSM 14941 is closely related to strain DSM 14940. Because the
strains are closely related, the Agency has determined that the
findings of the submitted acute toxicity/pathogenicity studies
conducted only with strain DSM 14941 supported both strains, and those
studies show no evidence of toxicity, or pathogenicity at the doses
tested. In addition, both strains were tested in an acute subcutaneous
injection toxicity/pathogenicity study in rats. The results of this
study indicated that both strains were not toxic, infective, and/or
pathogenic to the test animals. These findings were supported by the
results of a study of the influence of temperature on the growth of the
two Aureobasidium pullulans strains, which showed that growth of both
strains does not occur at or above 35 [deg]C. Since human body
temperature is 37 [deg]C, and based on the results from these studies
as discussed in this unit the Agency concluded that neither strain
would be toxic, infective and/or pathogenic in humans.
1. Acute Oral Toxicity/Pathogenicity (Office of Chemical Safety and
Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) Guideline 885.3050; Master Record
Identification Number (MRID) No. 47899302. Twenty-four rats were
administered a single dose of Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM 14941.
Three animals of each sex were sacrificed on days 3, 7, and 14; the
remaining animals were sacrificed at test end on day 21. Body tissues
were examined for Aureobasidium pullulans. All samples of feces, blood,
brain, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, stomach, and intestine were
negative. The lymph nodes of one animal sacrificed on day 7 tested
positive for the presence of Aureobasidium pullulans DSM 14941. These
findings show a pattern of clearance with no Aureobasidium pullulans
DSM 14941 detected by day 14. The results of this acceptable study
demonstrated that Aureobasidium pullulans DSM 14941 was not toxic,
infective, and/or pathogenic in rats, when dosed at 4 x 10\8\ cfu/
animal.
2. Acute Pulmonary Toxicity/Pathogenicity (OCSPP Guideline
885.3150; MRID No. 47899303). Male and female animals were exposed
intratracheally with Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM 14941 Technical
(4 x 10\8\ cfu/g). Interim sacrifices were made 3 hours post-dose and
on study days 3, 7, and 14; the remaining animals were sacrificed at
study end on day 21. There was no mortality, and, except on the day of
dosing when the entire test material group showed reduced motor
activity and dyspnea, all animals appeared normal throughout the study.
Tissue samples were evaluated for Aureobasidium pullulans after
sacrifice. The following tissues were negative for Aureobasidium
pullulans at all time points: Feces, brain, kidney, and intestine.
Blood samples were negative except for one male on day 0; lung samples
were negative except for two males and two females on day 0; liver
samples were negative except for three males on day 0; spleen samples
were negative except for two males on day 0; lymph node samples were
negative except for one animal on day 7, and stomach samples were
negative except for two males on day 0. These findings show a pattern
of clearance with no Aureobasidium pullulans DSM 14941 detected by day
14. The results of this acceptable study demonstrated that
Aureobasidium pullulans DSM 14941 was not toxic, infective, and/or
pathogenic in rat, when dosed at 0.8 x 10\8\ cfu/animal.
3. Acute Injection Toxicity/Pathogenicity (OCSPP Guideline
885.3200; MRID No. 47871807 and 47871808). In an acute subcutaneous
toxicity/pathogenicity study (MRID 47871807), male and female rats were
injected with Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM 14940 (2.36 x 10\10\
cfu/g) and DSM 14941 (1.5 x 10\10\ cfu/g). Interim sacrifices were made
on days 3, 7, and 14; the remaining animals were sacrificed at test end
on day 21. There were no deaths, and all animals appeared normal
throughout the study except for edema or slight erythema at the
injection site. Samples of the following tissues were negative for
Aureobasidium pullulans at all time points: Feces, blood, brain, lung,
liver, kidney, spleen, stomach, and intestine. Lymph node samples were
negative except for one animal sacrificed on day 7. The study author
suggested this was likely a post-mortem transmission. A pattern of
clearance was observed in this study, with no Aureobasidium pullulans
DSM 14941 or 14940 detected by day 14. The results of this acceptable
study demonstrated that Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSMZ 14940 and
DSMZ 14941 were not toxic, infective, and/or pathogenic in rats, when
dosed at 1.95 x 10\7\ or 1.12 x 10\7\cfu/animal, respectively.
In a second acute subcutaneous toxicity/pathogenicity study (MRID
47871808), male and female rats were injected with Aureobasidium
pullulans strain DSM 14941 (1.1 x 10\9\ cfu/g). Interim sacrifices were
made on days 1 and 7; the remaining animals were sacrificed at test end
on day 21. There were no deaths, and all animals appeared normal
throughout the study except for severe edema or slight erythema at the
injection site. Samples of the following tissues were negative for
Aureobasidium pullulans at all time points: Brain, lung, spleen,
kidney, lymph nodes, blood and urine. The skin was positive for
Aureobasidium pullulans in three males and three females from the test
material group on day 1 and in two females of the same group on day 7.
The liver of one male from the test material group was positive on day
1. The cecum contents were positive in one male and one female from the
test material group on day 1 and in two females from the same group on
day 7. These findings show a pattern of clearance with no Aureobasidium
pullulans DSM 14941 detected by day 21. The results of this acceptable
study demonstrated that Aureobasidium pullulans DSM 14941 was not
toxic, infective, and/or
[[Page 8734]]
pathogenic in rats, when dosed at 1.6 x 10\7\ cfu/animal.
4. Acute Dermal Toxicity (OCSPP Guideline 870.1200; MRID 47869615).
In an acute dermal toxicity study, the shaved skin of 10 rats was dosed
with 2,000 milligram/kilogram (mg/kg) Blossom Protect (7 x 10\9\ cfu/g
each of strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941) for 24 hours. One male
exhibited chromodacryorrhea from day 7 to day 14 and one female
exhibited chromodacryorrhea from day 1 to day 2 of the study, but this
was not considered to be toxicologically significant because this is a
normal but rare response and it did not result in mortality. All
animals appeared healthy at necropsy. The lethal dose
(LD50) was >2,000 mg/kg. This study was rated
acceptable, and the end use product (EP) is classified as toxicity
category IV.
5. Primary Dermal Irritation (OCSPP Guideline 870.2500; MRID
47869619). In a dermal irritation study, the shaved skin of 3 rabbits
was dosed with 0.5 g Blossom Protect (7 x 10\9\ cfu/g Aureobasidium
pullulans strain DSM 14940 and 7 x 10\9\ cfu/g Aureobasidium pullulans
strain DSM 14941) moistened with 1.0 milliliter (mL) deionized water
for 4 hours. All animals appeared normal throughout the study; thus,
Blossom Protect was considered to be non-irritating. This study was
rated acceptable, and the EP is classified as toxicity category IV.
6. Acute Oral Toxicity (OCSPP Guideline 870.1100; MRID No.
47869614. In an acute oral toxicity study, six animals received a
single 2,000 mg/kg body weight (bw) dose of Blossom Protect 22% (2 x
10\10\ cfu/g) Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM 14940, 22% (2 x 10\10\
cfu/g) Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM 14941, 25% sucrose, 6% water.
There was no mortality, and all animals appeared normal throughout the
study. The LD50 was >2,000 mg/kg. This study was rated
acceptable, and the EP is classified as toxicity category III.
7. Acute Inhalation Toxicity (OCSPP Guideline 870.1300; MRID
47869617). In an acute inhalation toxicity study, 10 animals were
exposed nose-only to a 10% suspension of Blossom Protect (7 x 10 \9\
cfu/g A. pullulans strain DSM 14940 and 7 x 10\9\ cfu/g A. pullulans
strain DSM 14941) at 5.17 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The Mass Medium
Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) was 4.2 [micro]m. There were no deaths and
all animals appeared healthy throughout the study. Necropsy was
unremarkable. The lethal concentration (LC50) was
>5.17 mg/L. This study was rated acceptable, and the EP is classified
as toxicity category IV.
8. Acute Eye Irritation (OCSPP Guideline 870.2400; MRID 47869618).
In an eye irritation study, three rabbits were dosed with 0.1 mL (60-62
grams (g) of Blossom Protect (7 x 10\9\ cfu/g A. pullulans strain DSM
14940 and 7 x 10\9\ cfu/g A. pullulans strain DSM 14941). One animal
had a score of 1 for conjunctival redness 1 hour after application.
There were no other clinical signs, and all animals appeared normal at
24 hours. Blossom protect was considered to be virtually non-
irritating. This study was rated acceptable, and the EP is classified
as toxicity category IV.
9. In vivo Micronucleus Assay (MRID 47899304). Twenty mice (two
groups of five male and two groups of five female mice) received single
2,000 mg/kg Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM 14941 dissolved in water
by oral gavage. There were no clinical signs observed in any of the
test animals, which were sacrificed 24 or 48 hours after receiving the
test material. The femoral bone marrow was immediately harvested, and
the ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes to total erythrocytes (mature
and immature) was determined, and 2,000 immature erythrocytes/animal
were scored for the presence of micronucleated immature erythrocytes, a
sign of potential toxicity or damage to genetic material in the cells.
Aureobasidium pullulans strain DSM 14941 did not produce a
statistically significant increase in micronucleated immature
erythrocytes compared to the untreated control animals. The response of
the positive control animals (treated with a known toxic substance,
cyclophosphamide, by intraperitoneal injection, at 10 mg/kg) was
appropriate for comparison and did produce a statistically significant
increase in micronucleated immature erythrocytes compared to the
untreated control animals. This study was rated acceptable.
10. Influence of Temperature on Reproduction (MRID 47871833).
Aureobasidium pullulans strain CBS 626.85 was isolated from the
peritoneal dialysis fluid of a human in Australia. The effects of
temperature on the reproduction or growth of Aureobasidium pullulans
strains DSM 14940 and, DSM 14941, in liquid culture or on agar plates
were examined and compared against this positive control, Aureobasidium
pullulans strain CBS 626.85, to observe the ability of these strains to
reproduce at human body temperature of 37 [deg]C. All three strains
grew well at 30 [deg]C. At 33 [deg]C, the number of replications (per
48 hours) of the Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940 and, DSM
14941 was less than one, while the number of duplications for strain
CBS 626.85 was approximately five. Neither strain DSM 14940 or strain
DSM 14941 was able to grow at 35 [deg]C or 37 [deg]C, while strain CBS
625.85 replicated (approximately) twice at 35 [deg]C and once at 37
[deg]C. Based on the lack of growth of the DSM strains at 35 [deg]C and
above, and given human body temperature is 37 [deg]C, Aureobasidium
pullulan strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941 are expected to be non-
pathogenic in humans. This study was rated acceptable.
11. Hypersensitivity Incidents (OCSPP Guideline 885.3400; MRID No.
47945023). No hypersensitivity incidents, including immediate-type or
delayed-type reactions of humans and domestic animals during research,
development, or testing of Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940
and DSM 14941 were reported by the applicant. Any future
hypersensitivity incidents must be reported per OCSPP Guideline
885.3400.
IV. Aggregate Exposures
In examining aggregate exposure, section 408 of FFDCA directs EPA
to consider available information concerning exposures from the
pesticide residue in food and all other non-occupational exposures,
including drinking water from ground water or surface water and
exposure through pesticide use in gardens, lawns, or buildings
(residential and other indoor uses).
A. Dietary Exposure
Should this microbial pesticide be present on food, the acute
toxicity, infectivity, and pathogenicity data, as well as the data
demonstrating the lack of growth at human body temperature submitted
for Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941
demonstrated that no toxicity, infectivity, and/or pathogenicity is
likely to occur with any exposure level resulting from application of
these two proposed pesticide active ingredients in accordance with good
agricultural practices (see Unit III.B.).
1. Food. Naturally occurring Aureobasidium pullulans is likely to
be present on fresh produce. According to Webb and Mundt (1978) (Ref.
11) Aureobasidium pullulans is ``a major resident on most green
plants.'' In a study with several species of crop plants, they
determined Aureobasidium pullulans to be among the most abundant (71%-
85%) of all fungi present on the plant surfaces. Aureobasidium
pullulans made up an average of 77.1% of the mold species isolated on
green beans, and occurred at
[[Page 8735]]
high levels (up to 2.7 x 10\4\ cfu/centimeter\2\ (cm\2\) on certain
fruits (cucumbers and squash). Dietary exposure to Aureobasidium
pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941, therefore, is possible from
strawberries, grapes, pome and stone fruits harvested naturally and
from plants treated with these fungicidal active ingredients. The
submitted acute oral toxicity/pathogenicity studies indicated that if
Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941 are ingested,
no toxic or pathogenic effects will result. In addition, Aureobasidium
pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941 do not reproduce at the
normal human body temperature of 37 [deg]C. Therefore, in the event
oral exposure should occur by ingesting treated fruits, the Agency
concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result
from exposure to such residues.
2. Drinking water exposure. Naturally occurring Aureobasidium
pullulans is ubiquitous and has been isolated from all types of water
(Ref. 14). Exposure of humans to residues of pesticides containing
Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941 in consumed
drinking water is possible but potential exposure through drinking
water is reduced, given the proposed use patterns, use sites, and
application methods for Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940 and
DSM 14941, which do not include direct application to aquatic
environments. In the event that Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM
14940 and DSM 14941 are transferred to surface water or ground water
intended for human consumption, the fungi would not survive the high
temperatures, chlorination, pH adjustments, and/or filtration water is
subjected to in a drinking water treatment facility. Even if oral
exposure should occur through consumed drinking water, there is a
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from exposure to such
residues, based upon the lack of toxicity, infectivity, and/or
pathogenicity, as well as the inability of these fungal strains to grow
at human body temperature, demonstrated in the previously described
toxicological studies (see Unit III.B.).
B. Other Non-Occupational Exposure
The use sites for these products include residential garden sites
and agricultural sites. Aureobasidium pullulans is naturally present in
many habitats, and based on the data and other information submitted to
satisfy data requirements for registration of the MPs and EPs
containing the active ingredients Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM
14940 and DSM 14941, no toxicity, infectivity, pathogenicity or other
adverse effects from non-occupational exposure are expected (see Unit
III.B.).
V. Cumulative Effects From Substances With a Common Mechanism of
Toxicity
Section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of FFDCA requires that, when considering
whether to establish, modify, or revoke a tolerance, the Agency
consider ``available information'' concerning the cumulative effects of
a particular pesticide's residues and ``other substances that have a
common mechanism of toxicity.''
The likelihood of adverse cumulative effects occurring via a common
mechanism of toxicity is minimal, based on the lack of toxicity/
pathogenicity/infectivity potential of the active ingredients when
Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941 are used in or
on food commodities and/or labeled for residential uses (see Unit
III.B.). In addition, Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM
14941 do not appear to produce a toxic metabolite produced by other
substances. For information regarding EPA's efforts to determine which
chemicals have a common mechanism of toxicity and to evaluate the
cumulative effects of such chemicals, see EPA's Web site at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/cumulative.
VI. Determination of Safety for U.S. Population, Infants and Children
FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C) provides that EPA shall assess the
available information about consumption patterns among infants and
children, special susceptibility of infants and children to pesticide
chemical residues, and the cumulative effects on infants and children
of the residues and other substances with a common mechanism of
toxicity. In addition, FFDCA section 408(b)(2)(C) provides that EPA
shall apply an additional tenfold (10X) margin of safety for infants
and children in the case of threshold effects to account for prenatal
and postnatal toxicity and the completeness of the database on toxicity
and exposure unless EPA determines that a different margin of safety
will be safe for infants and children. This additional margin of safety
is commonly referred to as the FQPA Safety Factor. In applying this
provision, EPA either retains the default value of 10X or uses a
different additional safety factor when reliable data available to EPA
support the choice of a different factor.
Based on the acute toxicity and pathogenicity data summarized in
Unit III.B., EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no
harm will result to the U.S. population, including infants and
children, from aggregate exposure to the residues of Aureobasidium
pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941. This includes all
anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for which there
is reliable information. EPA has arrived at this conclusion because the
data and information available on Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM
14940 and DSM 14941 do not demonstrate toxic, pathogenic, and/or
infective potential to mammals. Thus, there are no threshold effects of
concern and, as a result, the Agency has concluded that an additional
margin of safety for infants and children is unnecessary in this
instance. Further, the need to consider consumption patterns, special
susceptibility, and cumulative effects does not arise when dealing with
pesticides with no demonstrated significant adverse effects.
VII. Other Considerations
A. Analytical Enforcement Methodology
An analytical method is not required for enforcement purposes since
the Agency is establishing an exemption from the requirement of a
tolerance without any numerical limitation.
B. International Residue Limits
In making its tolerance decisions, EPA seeks to harmonize U.S.
tolerances with international standards whenever possible, consistent
with U.S. food safety standards and agricultural practices. EPA
considers the international maximum residue limits (MRLs) established
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), as required by FFDCA
section 408(b)(4). The Codex Alimentarius is a joint U.N. Food and
Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization food standards
program, and it is recognized as an international food safety
standards-setting organization in trade agreements to which the United
States is a party. EPA may establish a tolerance that is different from
a Codex MRL; however, FFDCA section 408(b)(4) requires that EPA explain
the reasons for departing from the Codex level.
The Codex has not established a MRL for Aureobasidium pullulans
strains DSM 14940 or DSM 14941.
VIII. Conclusions
EPA concludes that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm
will result to the United States population, including infants and
children, from aggregate exposure to residues of
[[Page 8736]]
Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941. Therefore, an
exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for
residues of Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM 14941 in
or on all food commodities when applied as a preharvest fungicide and
used in accordance with good agricultural practices.
IX. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
This final rule establishes a tolerance under section 408(d) of
FFDCA in response to a petition submitted to the Agency. The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from
review under Executive Order 12866, entitled Regulatory Planning and
Review (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Because this final rule has been
exempted from review under Executive Order 12866, this final rule is
not subject to Executive Order 13211, entitled Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or
Use (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001) or Executive Order 13045, entitled
Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks
(62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997). This final rule does not contain any
information collections subject to OMB approval under the Paperwork
Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., nor does it require any
special considerations under Executive Order 12898, entitled Federal
Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and
Low-Income Populations (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).
Since tolerances and exemptions that are established on the basis
of a petition under section 408(d) of FFDCA, such as the tolerance in
this final rule, do not require the issuance of a proposed rule, the
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.) do not apply.
X. References
1. Chi, Z., F. Wang, Z. Chi, L. Yue, G. Liu, T. Zhang. 2009.
Bioproducts from ureobasidium pullulans, a biotechnologically
important yeast. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 82: 793-804.
2. Cooke, W.B. 1959. An ecological life history of Aureobasidium
pullulans (De Bary) Arnaud. Mycopathologia, 12: 1-45.
3. Slepecky, R.A. and W.T. Starmer. 2009. Phenotypic plasticity in
fungi: a review with observations on Aureobasidium pullulans.
Mycologia 101: 823-832.
4. Fleet, G.H. 2002. The yeast ecology of wine grapes. Pp. 1-17 in
Biodiversity and Biotechnol. Of Wine Yeasts (Ciani, M., ed.).
Research Signpost, Kerala, India.
5. Fleet, G.H. 2003. Yeast interactions and wine flavor. Int. J.
Food Microbiol., 86: 11-22.
6. Granado, J., B. Thurig, E. Kieffer, L. Petrini, A. Fliessbach, L.
Tamm, F.P. Weibel, G.S. Wyss. 2008. Culturable fungi of stored
`Golden Delicious' apple fruits: a one-season comparison study of
organic and integrated production systems in Switzerland. Microb.
Ecol., 56: 720-732.
7. Gao, X.-X., H. Zhou, D.-Y. Xu, C.-H. Yu, Y.-Q. Chen, L.-H. Qu.
2005. High diversity of endophytic fungi from the pharmaceutical
plant, Heterosmilax japonica Kunth revealed by cultivation-
independent approach. FEMS Microbiol. Letters, 249: 255-266.
8. Osono, T. 2008. Endophytic and epiphytic phyllosphere fungi of
Camellia japonica: seasonal and leaf age-dependent variations.
Mycologia, 100: 387-391.
9. Slavikova, E., R. Vadkertiova, and D. Vranova. 2007. Yeasts
colonizing the leaf surfaces. J. Basic Microbiol. 47: 344-350.
10. Suryanarayanan, T.S., S.K. Wittlinger, and S.H. Faeth. 2005.
Endophytic fungi associated with cacti in Arizona. Mycol. Res. 109:
635-639.
11. Webb, T.A. and J.O. Mundt. 1978. Molds on vegetables at the time
of harvest. Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 35: 655-658.
12. Kockova-Kratochvilova, A., M. Cernakova, and E. Slavikova. 1980.
Morphological changes during the life cycle of Aureobasidium
pullulans (de Bary) Arnaud. Folia Microbiologica, 25.
13. U.S. EPA. December 2011. DRAFT Biopesticides Registration Action
Document of Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940 and 14941.
14. Slavikova, E. and R. Vadkertiova. 1997. Seasonal occurrence of
yeasts and yeast like organisms in the river Danube. Antonie van
Leeuwenhoek 72: 77-80, 1997.
XI. Congressional Review Act
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., generally
provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating
the rule must submit a rule report to each House of the Congress and to
the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report
containing this rule and other required information to the U.S. Senate,
the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the
United States prior to publication of this final rule in the Federal
Register. This final rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5
U.S.C. 804(2).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 180
Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure,
Agricultural commodities, Pesticides and pests, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Dated: January 30, 2012.
Steven Bradbury,
Director, Office of Pesticide Programs.
Therefore, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows:
PART 180--[AMENDED]
0
1. The authority citation for part 180 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321(q), 346a and 371.
0
2. Section 180.1312 is added to subpart D to read as follows:
Sec. 180.1312 Aureobasidium pullulans strains DSM 14940 and DSM
14941; exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.
An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for
residues of the microbial pesticides, Aureobasidium pullulans strains
DSM 14940 and DSM 14941 in or on all food commodities when applied
preharvest and used in accordance with good agricultural practices.
[FR Doc. 2012-3585 Filed 2-14-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P