Canada approves Beauveria bassiana strain ANT-03 and BioTitan WP

Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act, is granting registration for the sale and use of Beauveria bassiana strain ANT-03 and BioTitan WP, containing the technical grade active ingredient Beauveria bassiana strain ANT-03, for the reduction in numbers of tarnished plant bug on industrial hemp grown outdoors; and for the reduction in numbers of whiteflies, aphids, and thrips on outdoor ornamentals, including transplants.

Beauveria bassiana strain ANT-03 is a fungus that infects and kills insects. It is the active ingredient in the biological insecticide BioTitan WP, which is a commercial class product registered for use in certain agricultural products and in turf.

BioTitan WP is suitable for use in organic production of crops. BioTitan WP reduces numbers of tarnished plant bug in industrial hemp grown outdoors, which has been identified as a priority for Canadian growers, and also reduces numbers of whiteflies, aphids and thrips in outdoor ornamental plants, including transplants. BioTitan WP provides a new mode of action for these uses.

The Proposed Registration Decision PRD2024-09, Beauveria bassiana strain ANT-03 and BioTitan WP, containing the detailed evaluation of the information submitted in support of this registration, underwent a 45 day consultation period ending on 19 January 2025. The evaluation found that, under the approved conditions of use, the health and environmental risks and the value of the pest control products are acceptable. Health Canada received written comments relating to the health and value assessments during the public consultation period conducted in accordance with section 28 of the Pest Control Products Act.