EPA Opens Comment Period on Pyridate Proposed Decision

For Release: July 10, 2020

EPA is taking comments on pyridate, a pesticide active ingredient that could help consumers with weed management and resistance.

EPA has opened a 30-day comment period on the Agency’s proposed decision to register one technical product and four end-use products for pyridate, an herbicide that controls various types of broadleaf weeds. Pyridate is proposed for use on weed control related to the growing of vegetables, including cabbage, chickpea (garbanzo bean), collards, field corn, mint and peanuts. 

The proposed label for pyridate suggests it could be used on difficult-to-control and economically important weeds such as redroot pigweed and Palmer amaranth. Pyridate might also be important for over-the-top weed control in chickpeas and mint. 

EPA has not identified any dietary, residential, aggregate or occupational risks of concern for human health. Based on the ecological assessment, the most notable finding involves larval bees. However, pyridate has a contact activity and is unlikely to move to pollen and nectar sources.  Additionally, none of the proposed crops involve sites where managed bees are used for pollination.  

Pyridate was previously registered for use in the United States, but all registrations were cancelled in 2004 for administrative reasons. Tolerances for residues of pyridate were retained, and they will need no adjustments with this proposed registration. 

The public comment period for this proposed decision will be open for 30 days, closing on August 10, 2020.