May 7, 2009

Kasumin Wins Section 18 Approval in Michigan

EPA has approved the use of the antibiotic Kasumin 2L on apples for the control of fire blight in nine Michigan counties. The approval, granted under Section 18, allows treatment on a maximum of 10,000 acres of apples in Berrien, Cass, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Newaygo, Oceana, Ottawa and Van Buren counties.

Kasumin is a product of Arysta LifeScience North America.

EPA has placed restrictions on use under section 18, approving Kasumin only when the disease forecasting model or state experts determine that weather conditions favor a fire blight epidemic, and in areas of Michigan where streptomycin resistance is confirmed. The approval is applicable only for the 2009 growing season.

Arysta LifeScience is currently seeking a full crop registration with EPA, but neither Kasumin 2L nor the active ingredient are currently registered in the United States. Kasumin contains 2 percent kasugamycin and has been approved for a maximum of three applications by ground equipment at a rate of 64 fluid ounces of product per acre.

EPA has also determined Kasumin should only be applied after the first spray of a registered alternative, with a maximum of two sequential treatments permitted. Kasumin is also restricted from use in orchards in which the soil has been fertilized with animal manure – a safety measure to avoid exposing bacteria from animals to this antibiotic.