Microbial pesticides small-scale field testing

A few of these new products are now at the stage where they are ready for small scale field testing. This chapter summarizes EPA s current regulatory program for genetically engineered microbial pesticides and presents a case history for one of the experimental products the Agency has evaluated. 

The policy also contained guidance on the kinds of data and information that should be provided to enable the Agency to evaluate the submitted request to conduct a small scale field test. This policy statement was reiterated in a proposed interagency policy statement issued December 31, 1984 (7) and was subsequently revised and set forth on June 26, 1986 as part of a final interagency policy statement (8). Under the June 26, 1986 policy statement, EPA reviews all genetically engineered microbial pesticides before they may be legally applied in the environment. 

Small-scale field testing. The EPA requires notification prior to the use of microbial pesticides for small-scale testing for those organisms which are defined as nonindigenous or genetically altered. The purpose is to screen for possible risk to human health or the environment, and to determine if an EUP is required. Small-scale tests are defined as terrestrial field studies that involve 10 acres or less of land, or 1 surface acre or less of water. 

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