UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460 

MAR 112015 

MEMORANDUM 

SUBJECT: BEAD Chemical Profile for Re 

FROM: Colwell Cook, Entomologist 

Biological Analysis Branch 

THRU: 

TO: 

Cynthia Doucoure, Environmental Protection Specialist 

Science Information and Analysis Branch 

Elizabeth Hill, Economist 

Economic Analysis Branch 

Biological and Economic Analysis Division (7503P) 

Arnet Jones, Chief 

Biological Analysis Branch 

Diann 

Science 

Sims, 

Information 

Chief ~ and Analysis Branch 

Timothy Kiely, Chief ~\IV\ l/ A 

Economic Analysis Branch -J u LJ 

Biological and Economic Analysis ivision (7503P) 

Kelly Ballard, Chemical Review Manager 

Risk Management and Implementation Branch I 

Pesticide Re-evaluation Division (7508P) 

Product Review Panel date: February 26, 2015 

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OFFICE OF CHEMICAL SAFETY 

AND POLLUTION PREVENTION 
SUMMARY 

Rotenone is a botanical pesticide first registered in the U.S. in 1947. Only piscicidal uses are 

currently registered in the U.S., as all other uses were voluntarily canceled during the 

Reregistration process in 2006. It is applied to lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers, and streams 

typically to kill invasive or non-native fish for habitat restoration purposes. The mode of action 

is blocking electron transport at complex I, thus uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation within the 

mitochondria. 

BEAD has data from other government agencies indicating small amounts of use. 

INTRODUCTION 

The purpose of this do.cument is to convey usage information and a broad overview of the pest 

management roles· ofrotenone that is beginning to undergo registration review. The anticipated 

audience consists of the team of EPA staff currently evaluating the registration status of 

rotenone, and eventually the general public. This document is based on information and data 

available to BEAD as of February 2015. 

HISTORY OF BEAD ASSESSMENTS FOR ROTEN ONE 

BEAD conducted an alternatives analysis for antimycin A and rotenone in lakes and streams in 

2006 (Kaul and Faulkner, 2006). Their finding that these are the only piscicides in the U.S. 

remains true today. 

REGISTRATIONS 

Currently there are 12 Section 3, 2 Section 24(c), and 2 pending registrations for rotenone. 

There is also an Experimental Use Permit. 

COMMON FORMULATIONS AND APPLICATION METHODS 

Rotenone is formulated as a dust, liquid, emulsifiable concentrate, and wettable powder. Dust 

formulations must be mixed as a slurry to be applied to water surface by dragging equipment to 

release product behind a boat below the water surface. Applications can be made with aircraft, 

backpack sprayer, drip can, or handheld or hand-directed nozzle to the water surface. 

CURRENT USE SITES 

Rotenone is registered for use in aquatic areas, including lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers, streams 

and in aquaculture. 

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BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS RELEVANT TO ROTEN ONE 

Rotenorte is a Restricted Use Pesticide used in aquatic situations to manage fish. It is related to 

isoflavonoid compounds derived from the roots of Derris spp., Lonchocarpus spp., and 

Tephrosia spp. It targets undesired fish species in lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers, streams, and iri 

aquaculture. Its mode of action is through uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation within cell 

mitochondria by blocking the electron transport at complex I. 

ROLE OF ROTENONE IN PEST MANAGEMENT 

It is one of two piscicides registered in the U.S. It is critical for managing invasive fish species 

as well as for eliminating non-native fish in habitat restoration. 

INFORMATION THAT MAY BE USEFUL FOR BEAD'S FUTURE WORK ON 

ROTEN ONE 

The Agency has limited information that some government agencies use small amounts 

rotenone. Obtaining more usage information may improve future assessments conducted by the 

Agency related to the use and importance of ~otenone: 

• Aquatic areas: usage data (pounds a.i. applied per year, maximum rate of application, 

number of applications per year). 

REFERENCES 

Kaul, M., J. Faulkner. 2006. Memorandum to Lance Wormell: Alternatives Analysis for 

Antimycin A and Rotenone in Lakes and Streams (DP# 310753 and 307400). 

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