Reduced Risk Status for New Insecticide, Flonicamid
April 17, 2002Here is a recent item from the Office of Pesticide Programs about a chemical in the registration process that has been given "reduced risk" status. This status usually streamlines the registration process for a chemical.
OP Alternative Status Granted to the New Insecticide, Flonicamid (F 1785 GH), for Use on Ornamentals Grown in Indoor Greenhouses. Alternative to OP's and Other Chemistries
On April 9, 2002 the OPP Reduced Risk Committee granted OP alternative status ISK Biosciences and FMC's insecticide, flonicamid (F 1785 GH), for use on ornamentals grown in indoor greenhouses. Flonicamid is an alternative to the OP's chlorpyrifos, acephate, dimethoate, and oxydementon methyl; the carbamate, enoxycarb; and the pyrethroids, bifenthin, and fluvalinate, for use on indoor greenhouse ornamentals to control sucking insects (e.g. aphids, trips, and whiteflies).Flonicamid is a systemic (plant) insecticide that immediately suppresses the feeding of sucking insects. It's mode of action, although unknown, appears to be unique and should help with pest resistance management. Flonicamid does not work on acetylcholine esterase (OP's and carbamates), or nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (neo-nicotinoids).
Summary of Uses and Alternatives
| Mode of action | mode of action unknown but not active on acetylcholine esterase, or nicotinic acetylcholine receptors |
| Site | indoor greenhouse ornamentals |
| Pests | aphids, thrips, whiteflies, leafhoppers, mealybugs, scale, stink bugs, plant bugs |
| Alternative for OP's chlorpyrifos, acephate, dimethoate, oxydementon methyl | |
| Carbamates | fenoxycarb |
| Other | acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, bifenthin, fluvalinate |
EPA contact:
Alan Dixon (703) 305-7237
U.S. EPA/OPP/RD
1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW (7505C)
Washington, DC 20460
