[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 227 (Monday, November 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-29150]


[Federal Register: November 28, 1994]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[OPP-50799; FRL-4903-9]


Receipt of a Notification to Conduct Small-Scale Field Testing of 
a Genetically-Engineered Microbial Pesticide

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: EPA has received from American Cyanamid Company of New Jersey 
a notification (241-NMP-E) of intent to conduct small-scale field 
testing involving a baculovirus Autographa californica Multiple Nuclear 
Polyhedrosis Virus (ACMNPV) which has been genetically engineered to 
contain an insect-specific protein toxin from the venom of the scorpion 
Androctonus australis. American Cyanamid intends to test this microbial 
pesticide on lettuce, cabbage and leafy vegetables in the states of 
Florida and Texas. Target pests for these field trials include the 
cabbage looper and the tobacco budworm. The Agency has determined that 
the application may be of regional and national significance. 
Therefore, in accordance with 40 CFR 172.11(a), the Agency is 
soliciting public comments on this application.

Dates: Written comments must be received on or before December 28, 
1994.

ADDRESSES: Comments in triplicate, must bear the docket control number 
OPP-50799 and be submitted to: Public Docket and Freedom of Information 
Section, Field Operations Division (7506C), Office of Pesticide 
Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, 
DC 20460. In person bring comments to: Rm. 246, CM #2, 1921 Jefferson 
Davis Highway, Arlington, VA.
    Information submitted in any comment(s) concerning this notice may 
be claimed confidential by marking any part or all of that information 
as ``Confidential Business Information'' (CBI). Information so marked, 
will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 
40 CFR part 2. A copy of the comment(s) that does not contain CBI must 
be submitted for inclusion in the public record. Information not marked 
confidential may be disclosed publicly by EPA without prior notice to 
the submitter. Information on the proposed test and all written 
comments will be available for public inspection in Rm. 246 at the 
Virginia address given above, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, excluding legal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By mail: Phil Hutton, Product Manager 
(PM) 18, Registration Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC 20460. 
Office location and telephone number: Rm. 213, CM #2, 1921 Jefferson 
Davis Highway, Arlington, VA (703-305-7690).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A notification of intent to conduct small-
scale field testing pursuant to EPA's Statement of Policy entitled, 
``Microbial Products Subject to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
Rodenticide Act and the Toxic Substances Control Act,'' published in 
the Federal Register of June 26, 1986 (51 FR 23313), was received on 
September 29, 1994, from American Cyanamid Company of New Jersey (NMP 
No. 241-NMP-E). The proposed small-scale field trial involves the 
introduction of a genetically-engineered isolate of the baculovirus 
Autographa californica Multiple Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (AcMNPV). 
The strain to be tested (VEGTDEL-AaIT) has been genetically modified 
with approximately 1 kilobase internal deletion in the ecdysteroid UDP-
glucosyltransferase gene and an inserted gene which encodes an insect 
specific toxin protein from the venom of the scorpion Androctonus 
australis.
    The purpose of the proposed testing will be to evaluate the 
efficacy of this genetically-altered AcMNPV (relative to the gene-
deleted construct and a commercial Bacillus thuringiensis insecticide) 
against certain lepidopteran species (Trichoplusia ni (cabbage looper 
and Heliothis virescens (tobacco budworm)) on lettuce, cabbage, and 
leafy vegetables.
    The proposed program consists of two field trials to be conducted 
late 1994 or early 1995 (depending upon pest infestation levels) in 
Florida and Texas. Both sites will be located on secured research 
farmland. The test will consist of a maximum of four treatments with 
four plots per treatment and a maximum of six applications per 
treatment. The maximum size of a given treatment plot in each test will 
be 0.018 acres (4 rows wide x 60 ft. long). The total acreage treated 
with the genetically modified construct will consist of 0.44 acres. 
Treatments will be applied to plots in the test area using ground 
equipment: small tractor sprayers or CO2 driven back pack 
sprayers.
    Soil monitoring will take place both during the test and 
approximately 1 month after the crops are destroyed. Baculovirus 
present in the soil (if any) will be detected via bioassay and 
identified genetically using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. 
Upon completion of the trial, crops will undergo crop destruction at 
the test site and adjacent buffer zones. Wild-type ACMNPV will be 
oversprayed if the genetic construct is detected in the area 100 feet 
from the site of application. Following the review of American Cyanamid 
Company's application and any comments received in response to this 
notice, EPA will decide whether or not an experimental use permit is 
required.

    Dated: November 14, 1994.
Stephen L. Johnson,
Director, Registration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs.

[FR Doc. 94-29150 Filed 11-25-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-F