The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially registered a new herbicide active ingredient, Glufosinate-P, under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The registration, granted on October 17, 2024, follows BASF's application to use Glufosinate-P on various crops including corn, cotton, canola, and soybeans. This decision comes after a comprehensive review of its environmental impact, ensuring that proper mitigation measures will protect endangered species and critical habitats.
Background of Glufosinate-P Registration
On May 18, 2022, BASF Corporation submitted an application to register Glufosinate-P, a new active herbicide ingredient, intended for both conventional and glufosinate-resistant crop varieties. Glufosinate-P functions as an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase, a crucial enzyme for plant growth, leading to its use as a broad-spectrum herbicide to control weeds in crops like corn, cotton, and soybeans.
Regulatory Review and Safety Measures
The EPA's review of Glufosinate-P focused on ensuring that its use would not result in unreasonable adverse effects on the environment, as mandated by FIFRA. The review highlighted the need for mitigation strategies to protect endangered species, which included buffer zones to prevent spray drift and runoff into vulnerable habitats.
Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7, the EPA consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. They identified specific species at risk from exposure to the herbicide, including the Spring Creek bladderpod and the Whorled Sunflower, for which tailored mitigation measures have been established.
Mitigation Strategies to Minimize Risk
The EPA implemented a set of mitigation measures as part of Glufosinate-P’s registration. These include geographically specific use limitations, strict guidelines for application timing, and measures to prevent off-site transport of the herbicide through spray drift and runoff.
Additionally, growers are provided with flexible options for complying with these measures, allowing them to adapt the mitigation techniques based on their specific field conditions. This includes options such as contour farming and vegetative filter strips to reduce runoff.
Future Environmental Impact Monitoring
To ensure continued protection of the environment, the EPA will monitor the herbicide’s effects, especially on non-target species. Further consultations with federal agencies will help assess whether any additional mitigation measures are needed to protect endangered species from long-term exposure risks.
