Standardization News

ASTM International Committee E35 on Pesticides, Antimicrobials and Alternative Control Methods invites all interested parties to join a new task group on biorationals. The task group is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee E35.22 on Pesticide Formulations and Delivery Systems.

The primary purpose of the task group will be to define products being marketed as biorationals. In response to ever-increasing demands for the production of food and fiber, the growth in nontraditional pest control agents based on biologically derived materials continues to grow as well. Several terms are being proposed for these new materials. Among the terms currently being used for marketing purposes are "biopesticides," "biorationals" and "biostimulants."

Definitions are needed to eliminate confusing terminology and, in some cases, the overlap of terminology being applied to the same material. To accomplish its initial goal of developing definitions, the task group has begun work on its first proposed standard, ASTM WK32362, Terminology for Biorationals.

CONTACT Technical Information: Lizbeth Rea, Sipcam Agro USA Inc. • Durham, N.C. • Phone: 919-226-1288, O ASTM Staff: Jennifer Rodgers • Phone: 610-832-9694 O Upcoming Meeting: April 16-19, 2012 • April Committee Week • Phoenix, Ariz.