EPA Seeks Public Input on New Herbicide, Metamitron, for Fruit Thinning in US Orchards

Metamitron: A New Approach to Fruit Thinning

Metamitron is an innovative herbicide proposed for use as a chemical fruit thinner. Its primary application is to reduce the number of fruits on apple and pear trees, thereby improving the size and quality of the remaining fruit. Thinning is a critical process in fruit production, as overcrowding on trees can result in smaller, lower-quality produce, and can place stress on trees, reducing overall yield and productivity.

Chemical thinning provides an alternative to traditional manual thinning, which is labour-intensive and costly. The use of metamitron, if approved, could present significant cost savings for fruit growers, particularly in larger orchards, where manual thinning is often impractical. Furthermore, the herbicide could help optimise orchard management by ensuring trees produce higher-quality fruit, which is more marketable.

Proposed Use and Scope

ADAMA AGAN has submitted an application to register metamitron for use in 15 US states, where apple and pear production is substantial. The herbicide would be applied during specific growth stages of the trees to regulate fruit load. This ensures that excessive fruit production, which can lead to smaller, less desirable fruit, is controlled early in the growing season.

The registration process of metamitron is highly regulated, with the EPA assessing its environmental impact, effectiveness, and safety. The agency’s review will focus on ensuring that metamitron does not pose unreasonable risks to human health, wildlife, or water sources. The use of chemical thinners like metamitron must balance agricultural benefits with environmental stewardship, a consideration central to the EPA’s decision-making process.

Benefits and Considerations

One of the key advantages of metamitron is its potential to reduce the need for labour in fruit thinning, a process that traditionally requires significant manual effort. For apple and pear growers, this could lead to both economic and operational benefits. By reducing the fruit load early in the growing cycle, the remaining fruits are allowed to develop into larger, more uniform produce, which fetches higher prices in the marketplace.

However, the introduction of new chemical agents like metamitron also raises environmental and health considerations. The EPA's evaluation will consider factors such as how the herbicide interacts with ecosystems, its potential for runoff into water systems, and its safety for workers applying the substance in orchards. The public consultation period allows for diverse opinions and expert insights to ensure a comprehensive assessment.