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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460 

OFFICE OF 

CHEMICAL SAFETY 

AND POLLUTION PREVENTION 

MEMORANDUM

Date: October 28, 2011 

SUBJECT: Rimsulfuron. Petitions for New Uses and Tolerances on Caneberry and 

Bushberry. Summary of Analytical Chemistry and Residue Data. 

PC Code: 129009 DP Barcode: D385612, D386178 

Decision No.: 4427470 and 443815 Registration No.: 352-768 

Petition No.: 0E7809 Regulatory Action: Section 3 Registration 

Risk Assessment Type: NA Case No.: NA 

TXR No.: NA CAS No.: 122931-48-0 

MRID No.: 48032001, 48032002, 

48332001, 48332002 

40 CFR: 180.478 

 

FROM: Elizabeth Holman., Chemist 

 Risk Assessment Branch II (RABII) 

 Health Effects Division (HED; 7509P) 

 

THROUGH: Michael A. Doherty, Ph.D., Senior Chemist 

 Risk Assessment Branch II 

 Health Effects Division (7509P) 

 Richard A. Loranger, Ph.D., Senior Scientist 

 Risk Assessment Branch II (RABII) 

 Health Effects Division (HED; 7509P) 

TO: Kable Davis, RM 25 

 Herbicide Branch (HB) 

Registration Division (RD; 7505P) 

 Sidney Jackson/Barbara Madden, RM 05 

Risk Integration, Minor Use, and Emergency Response Branch 

Registration Division (RD; 7505P) 

 
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I. CONCLUSIONS 

Regulatory Recommendations 

There are no residue chemistry issues that would preclude granting a registration for uses of 

rimsulfuron (25% water soluble granule (WDG) formulation; DuPontTM Matrix ® SG Herbicide 

(EPA No. 352-768)) on caneberry and bushberry. HED recommends for the following permanent 

tolerances: 

Caneberry, subgroup 13-07A ........................................................0.01 ppm 

Bushberry, subgroup 13-07B ........................................................0.01 ppm 

Under a separate submission (DP 386178, Decision No. 443815), the registrant has submitted 

revised analytical enforcement methods in order to fulfill conditional data requirements 

previously identified (DP 326655). HED has reviewed these revised methods, which were 

needed to address problems identified by the independent laboratory validation, and determined 

that all issues have been addressed. Thus, this conditional data requirement has been met. 

In addition, in order to ensure that legal uses of rimsulfuron under FIFRA do not result in illegal 

residues in food under the FFDCA, HED recommends for the following tolerance expression to 

be implemented for rimsulfuron under 40 CFR 180.478: 

(a) General. Tolerances are established for residues of the herbicide rimsulfuron, including its 

metabolites and degradates, in or on the commodities in the table below. Compliance with the 

tolerance levels specified below is to be determined by measuring only rimsulfuron (N -((4,6-

dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)aminocarbonyl)-3-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-pyridinesulfonamide). 

Residue Chemistry Deficiencies 

None. 

II. ACTION REQUESTED 

DuPont has submitted petitions supporting the use of rimsulfuron on caneberry and blueberry 

(PP# 0E7809). The petitioner is proposing the establishment of the following permanent 

tolerances for residues of rimsulfuron: 

Caneberry, subgroup 13-07A ........................................................0.01 ppm 

Bushberry, subgroup 13-07B ........................................................0.01 ppm 

III. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Tolerances for residues of rimsulfuron [N-((4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)aminocarbonyl)-3-

(ethylsulfonyl)-2-pyridinesulfonamide] are listed in 40 CFR 180.478 and are expressed in terms 

of rimsulfuron only. Permanent tolerances are established for residues of rimsulfuron at levels 

ranging from 0.01 ppm in/on various tree fruits, tree nuts and grapes to 0.1 ppm in/on potatoes 

and field corn commodities [40 CFR §180.478(a)]. 
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The nature of the residue of rimsulfuron in plants and livestock has been adequately delineated 

based on metabolism studies conducted with rimsulfuron in field corn, potatoes, tomatoes, 

lactating goat, and laying hen. The metabolic pathways were found to be similar in plants and 

livestock. The major route of rimsulfuron metabolism/degradation involves sulfonylurea bridge 

contraction, with sulfonylurea bridge cleavage as a minor metabolic route. Based on the results 

of the studies, HED has concluded that the residue of concern in plant and livestock commodities 

is rimsulfuron. 

An adequate method is available to enforce the established tolerances, a high performance liquid 

chromatography with ultraviolet (HPLC/UV) detection with column switching. The method, 

AMR-1241-88, has a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.05 ppm. Subsequently, DuPont proposed 

two additional methods using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectroscopy 

(LC/MS/MS) for tolerance enforcement: Method DuPont-15033 for watery and dry crop 

matrices, and Method DuPont-15027 for oily crop matrices. These methods were also adequate 

for data collection, as shown in the submitted studies. The validated LOQ is 0.010 ppm in each 

matrix. 

Adequate independent laboratory validation (ILV) data were submitted for both methods. As 

summarized previously (DP# 326655), these ILV made specific recommendations for revisions 

to DuPont Methods 15027 and 15033. Submittal of revised methods was a condition of 

registration for D326655 and these revisions have now been made. HED has reviewed these 

revisions, which included correction of typographical errors and the addition of 

refrigeration/homogenization periods, and determined that they are adequate. Thus, the 

conditional data requirements have now been met with these submittals. 

Adequate field trial data have been submitted for caneberry and blueberry reflecting treatment at 

1x the proposed rate. The submitted crop field trial data were collected using the proposed 

enforcement methods and are supported by adequate storage stability data. Residues of 

rimsulfuron were <LOQ (<0.01 ppm) in/on all samples of caneberries and blueberries collected 

at the appropriate preharvest interval (PHI). The data indicate that the proposed tolerances for 

these berry commodities are adequate. 

There are no associated processed commodities with the caneberry and blueberry; therefore, no 

processing studies were submitted or required for this tolerance petition. There is no impact on 

the existing tolerances for livestock feedstuffs from these proposed uses and no revisions to these 

existing tolerances are required. 

 

Although rotational crop issues are not relevant to the proposed uses on berries, adequate 

confined rotational crop data are available to support minimum plant-back intervals up to 18 

months, depending on the end-use product. As the label for rimsulfuron currently specifies 

minimum plantback intervals compatible with these plantback intervals, data requirements for 

rotational crops are fulfilled and tolerances are not required for rotational crops. 

Background
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Rimsulfuron is a sulfonylurea herbicide (Group 2) that works via inhibition of acetolactate 

synthase (ALS). It is currently registered to E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. (DuPont) for use 

on potatoes, field corn, tomatoes, grapes, soybean, various tree fruits, and tree nuts for pre and 

post-emergence control of annual grasses, broadleaf weeds, and yellow nutsedge. Permanent 

tolerances are established for residues of rimsulfuron at levels ranging from 0.01 ppm in/on 

various tree fruits, tree nuts and grapes to 0.1 ppm in/on potatoes and field corn commodities [40 

CFR §180.478(a)]. The chemical structure and nomenclature of rimsulfuron are presented in 

Table 1. The physicochemical properties of the technical grade of rimsulfuron are presented in 

Table 2. 

Table 1. Rimsulfuron Nomenclature.

Compound 

N S

O

N

O H

N

H

O N

N OCH3

OCH3

SO2C2H5

Common name Rimsulfuron 

Company experimental name DPX-E9636 

IUPAC name 1-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)-3-(3-ethylsulfonyl-2-pyridylsulfonyl)urea 

CAS name N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]-3-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-

pyridinesulfonamide 

CAS registry number 122931-48-0 

End-use product (EP) 25% WDG (Matrix TM SG Herbicide; EPA Reg. No. 352-768) 
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Table 2. Physicochemical Properties of Technical Grade Rimsulfuron.

Parameter Value Reference 

Melting point 172-173C Reviewed in DP# 193018, M. 

Nelson, 23/NOV/1993; 

Also, MRID No. 47572805. 

All product chemistry 

requirements reported to be 

fulfilled. 

pH 4.32 to 5.89 (1% dilution in water) 

Density 1.5032 ± 0.0016 g/cm3

Water solubility pH 5: 0.135 ± 0.005 g/L (25°C) 

pH 7: 7.3 ± 0.03 g/L (25C) 

pH 9: 5.56 ± 0.05 g/L (25C) 

pH 4-4.5: 0.024 ± 0.001 g/L (20C) 

Solvent solubility (25°C) N,N-dimethylformamide 241 ± 1 g/L 

Dimethyl sulfoxide 113 ± 3 g/L 

Methylene chloride 35.5 ± 0.4 g/L 

Acetonitrile 17.2 ± 0.5 g/L 

Acetone 14.8 ± 0.5 g/L 

Ethyl acetate 2.85 ± 0.17 g/L 

Methanol 1.55 ± 0.11 g/L 

Toluene 0.363 ± 0.022 g/L 

Xylene 0.093 ± 0.008 g/L 

n-Hexane <0.01 g/L 

Vapor pressure (25°C) <10-5 Pa 

Dissociation constant, pKa 4 

Octanol/water partition coefficient, 

Log(KOW) 

pH 5: 1.94 

pH 7: 0.0342 

pH 9: not attempted 

UV/visible absorption spectrum pH 1.80 at 230 nm, ε = 1.78 x 104 (log ε = 4.25) 

and at 290 mm, ε = 1.81x 102

 (log ε = 2.26) 

pH 2.10 at 290 nm, ε = 2.03 x102

 (log ε = 2.31) 

pH 5.03 at 240 nm, ε = 2.24 x 104

 (log ε = 4.35) 

and at 290 nm, ε = 4.81 x 102

 (log ε = 2.68) 

IV. RESULTS/DISCUSSION 

860.1200 Directions for Use

DuPont has submitted a proposed label for a 25% WDG formulation, DuPontTM Matrix ® SG 

Herbicide (EPA No. 352-768), proposed for use on caneberry (raspberry, blackberry) and 

blueberry. A summary of the proposed use directions is presented in Table 3. 
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Table 3. Summary of Directions for Use of Rimsulfuron. 

Applic. Timing Form. Applic. 

Rate 

lb ai/A 

Max. No. 

Applic. per 

Season 

RTI1

(days)

Max. Seasonal 

Applic. Rate 

lb ai/A 

PHI 

(days) 

Use Directions and 

Limitations 

Caneberry (Raspberry, Blackberry) 

Preemergence, 

postemergence 

and/or post harvest 

25% WDG 0.03-

0.06 2 -- 0.06 21 

Apply using a directed 

spray application or 

broadcast banded 

application treatment. 

Blueberry 

Preemergence, 

postemergence 

and/or post harvest 

25% WDG 0.03-

0.06 2 -- 0.06 21 

Apply using a directed 

spray application or 

broadcast banded 

application treatment. 1

 RTI = Retreatment interval 

Conclusions. The label directions are adequate to allow evaluation of the residue data relative to 

the labeled uses. The available caneberry and blueberry data support the proposed 21-day PHI. 

It is noted that while all blueberry field trials were conducted with an adjuvant (non-ionic 

surfactant or crop oil concentrate), none of the caneberry trials included an adjuvant. The label 

directions include no discussion of the use of adjuvant for the proposed commodities. However, 

HED finds the blueberry data adequate for representation of the impact of adjuvants on residue 

levels in/on berries in general, and therefore no prohibition of the use of adjuvant on caneberry is 

required. See Section 860.1500 for further discussion. 

860.1300 Nature of the Residue - Plants and Livestock

MARC Decision Memo, 11/FEB/1998, L. Cheng, G.J. Herndon; and DP# 200158, M.J. Nelson, 29/MAR/1994 

MARC Briefing Memo, 04/FB/1998, L. Cheng; and DP# 200157, M.J. Nelson, 17/MAR/1994 

The nature of the residue in plant and livestock commodities is adequately understood based on 

metabolism studies conducted with rimsulfuron, labeled in the pyridine or pyrimidine ring, in 

field corn, potatoes, tomatoes, lactating goat, and laying hen. 

The metabolic pathways were found to be similar in plants and livestock. The major metabolic 

route of rimsulfuron metabolism/degradation involves sulfonylurea bridge contraction, with 

sulfonylurea bridge cleavage as a minor metabolic route. The metabolites detected were IN70941, IN-70942, IN-E9260, IN-J290, IN-69190 (goat), IN-H1043 (goat), IN-T5831 (potato), 

IN-JF999 (hen, tomato), and unresolved polar/nonpolar products. Based on the results of the 

studies, HED has concluded that the residue of concern in plant and livestock commodities is 

rimsulfuron. 

860.1340 Residue Analytical Methods

Enforcement methods: Currently, an HPLC/UV method exists for the enforcement of tolerances 

for residues of rimsulfuron in/on corn, potato, and tomato commodities. The method, AMR1241-88, involves extraction of samples with pH 7 potassium phosphate buffer and methanol 

(75:25, v:v). The extract is acidified to pH 2.5-3.5 (using concentrated phosphoric acid) and 

filtered for analysis by HPLC/UV with column switching, using a phenyl column for clean-up 
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chromatography followed by an Rx column for analytical chromatography. The LOQ is 0.05 

ppm. 

DuPont also proposed two additional methods using liquid chromatography with tandem mass 

spectroscopy (LC/MS/MS) for tolerance enforcement: Method DuPont-15033 for watery and dry 

crop matrices, and Method DuPont-15027 for oily crop matrices. These methods were also 

adequate for data collection, as shown in the submitted studies. The validated LOQ is 0.010 ppm 

in each matrix. Based on feedback from the ILV for each method, revised methods DuPont15033 and DuPont-15027 have been submitted and address all recommended changes from the 

ILV. These changes included the addition of refrigeration/homogenization periods, in order to 

reduce the degradation of rimsulfuron residues, and fixing noted typographical errors. Thus, the 

conditional data requirement from D326655 (D. Rate, 5/13/2007) has been met. 

Data-Collection methods: Samples were analyzed for rimsulfuron using the LC/MS/MS 

method, DuPont-15033 (Revision 1), as described above and in D326655. 

Conclusions. The submitted LC/MS/MS methods (Method 15033 and 15027, Revision 1) are 

adequate for enforcing tolerances. No new DER was written for the submitted revised methods 

(MRIDs 48332001 and 48332002), as it has been reviewed in a previously submitted petition 

(DP# 326655, D. Rate, 5/13/2007). The current submission incorporates the ILV comments as 

previously requested by HED and fulfills the conditional data requirement set in D326655. The 

methods do not require validation by EPA’s Fort Meade laboratory, and can be forwarded to 

FDA. 

860.1360 Multiresidue Methods

DP#s 184551 etc., M. Nelson, 25/FEB/1994 

Rimsulfuron is not recovered by FDA Multiresidue Methods. The multiresidue method test 

results have been forwarded to FDA. 

860.1380 Storage Stability

Adequate storage stability data were submitted concurrently with crop field trial data for 

rimsulfuron in/on caneberry and blueberry (MRIDs 48302001 and 48302002). To support the 

sample storage intervals, a concurrent storage stability study was conducted using control 

samples of caneberry and blueberry fortified with rimsulfuron at 0.10 ppm. These samples were 

stored frozen (~ -20 oC) and analyzed at 706 days (caneberry) or 379 days (blueberry) with a 

freshly fortified sample. The data indicate that residues of rimsulfuron are stable for up to 23 

months in/on caneberry and for up to 12.5 months in/on blueberry stored at ~-20C. 

The storage intervals and conditions of samples from the crop field trials submitted to support 

this petition are presented in Table 4. 

TABLE 4 Summary of Storage Conditions and Intervals of Samples from Crop Field Trials 
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Matrix Storage Temperature1

 (°C) 

Actual Storage Duration Interval of Demonstrated Storage 

Stability2

Caneberry (blackberry and 

raspberry), mature fruit ~-20 646-680 days (21-22 months) 

Concurrent storage stability data 

indicate that residues of rimsulfuron 

are stable in/on caneberries stored 

frozen for up to 706 days (23 months). 

Blueberry fruit ~-20 320-355 days 

(10.5-11.7 months) 

Concurrent storage stability data 

indicate that residues of rimsulfuron 

are stable in/on blueberries stored 

frozen for up to 379 days (12.5 

months). 1

 Storage duration from harvest to analysis; caneberry samples were extracted and analyzed on the same day, blueberry samples 

were analyzed 0-1 days after extraction. 

Conclusions. The submitted concurrent storage stability study is adequate and indicates that 

residues of rimsulfuron are stable for up to 23 months in/on caneberry and up to 12.5 months 

in/on blueberry. Although, no 0-day data were provided with the concurrent storage stability 

study, these data are adequate to support the storage conditions and durations of samples from 

the subject field trials. 

Field trial samples of caneberry and blueberry commodities were stored frozen from collection to 

analysis and were analyzed within 22 months (caneberry) or 12 months (blueberry) of collection. 

 Therefore, the submitted concurrent storage stability data provides adequate coverage of the 

time periods during which samples were stored frozen.

860.1400 Water, Fish, and Irrigated Crops

There are no proposed or registered uses that are relevant to this guideline topic. 

860.1460 Food Handling

There are no proposed or registered uses that are relevant to this guideline topic. 

860.1480 Meat, Milk, Poultry, and Eggs 

The proposed uses will have no impact on livestock commodities, as there are no associated 

livestock feed commodities from caneberry or blueberry. Therefore, the livestock dietary burden 

analysis and livestock tolerances remain unchanged since the most recent petition with 

associated livestock commodities (DP# 360852, D. Rate, Aug 2009). 

860.1500 Crop Field Trials

48302001.der.doc (Caneberry), E. Holman, Aug 2011 

48032002.der.doc (Blueberry), E. Holman, Aug 2011

DuPont submitted field trial data supporting the use of rimsulfuron (25% WDG) on caneberry 

and blueberry as a single or split postemergence application totaling 0.06 lb ai/A. The results 

from these field trials are discussed below, and the residue data are summarized in Table 5. 
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TABLE 5. Summary of Residue Data from Crop Field Trials with Rimsulfuron.

Commodity Total Applic. 

 Rate, 

lb ai/A 

PHI 

(days) 

Analyte Residue Levels1 

(ppm) 

N Min. Max. HAFT2 Median Mean Std. Dev.3

Caneberry 

subgroup 

0.0641-

0.0674 

21-24 Rimsulfuron 12 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 NA 

Blueberry 0.0604-

0.0660 

19-23 Rimsulfuron 16 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 NA 

1

 All residues in caneberry samples were <LLMV (<0.01 ppm). 2 HAFT = Highest Average Field Trial. 

3

 NA = not applicable. All residues were <LLMV. 

Caneberry The Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR-4) has submitted field trial data for 

rimsulfuron on caneberry. Six caneberry field trials (2 blackberry and 4 raspberry) were 

conducted in Zones 2 (NJ; 1 trial), 5 (MI; 1 trial), 10 (CA; 1 trial) and 12 (OR; 3 trials) during 

the 2007 growing season. 

Each test site included one control and one treated plot. Treated plots received a single soil 

application of a 25% water dispersible granule (WG) formulation of rimsulfuron at a target rate 

of 0.0625 lb ai/A. The treatment was applied to the ground next to the base of the plants in a 

swath at least 36 inches wide on either side of the rows. The application was not concentrated 

into the swath. This is described as a broadcast application in the protocol, while some of the 

field trials describe it as a banded application. Both terms are used in the study report, and all 

trial sites performed the application correctly as intended by the protocol. Applications were 

made in spray volumes of 21-37 gal/A using a CO2 backpack sprayer. A spray adjuvant was not 

used for any of the trials. Mature raspberries and blackberries were harvested from test sites at 

pre-harvest intervals (PHIs) of 21-24 days. 

Samples were analyzed for residues of rimsulfuron using high performance liquid 

chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The procedure used for analysis of 

rimsulfuron was derived from DuPont method #15033. The validated limit of quantitation 

(LOQ) was determined to be 0.00848 ppm and the limit of detection (LOD) was determined to 

be 0.00283 ppm. The lower limit of method validation (LLMV) was 0.010 ppm. The method 

was adequate for data collection based on acceptable method validation and concurrent method 

recoveries. 

Samples were stored frozen (~ -20oC) from harvest to analysis for 646-680 days (21-22 months); 

samples were extracted and analyzed on the same day. Storage stability data were generated 

concurrently with the field trial study demonstrating that residues of rimsulfuron were stable 

in/on fortified samples of caneberry stored frozen for up to 706 days (23 months). Although no 

0-day data were provided with the concurrent storage stability study, these data are adequate to 

support the storage conditions and durations of samples from the subject field trials. 

Residues of rimsulfuron were <0.01 ppm in/on caneberry harvested 21-24 days following a 

single application of the 25% WG formulation of rimsulfuron at 0.0641-0.0674 lb ai/A. 

No residue decline data were included in the study. 
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Blueberry The Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR-4) has submitted field trial data for 

rimsulfuron on blueberry. Eight field trials were conducted in Zones 1 (ME; 1 trial), 2 (NC; 3 

trials), 5 (MI; 3 trials) and 12 (OR; 1 trial) during the 2008 growing season. 

Each test site included one control and one treated plot. Treated plots received a single soil 

application of a 25% water dispersible granule (WG) formulation of rimsulfuron at a target rate 

of 0.0625 lb ai/A. Banded applications to the ground on either side of the rows were made in 

spray volumes of 19.6-35.5 gal/A using a CO2 backpack sprayer. A non-ionic surfactant (NIS) 

or crop oil concentrate (COC) was used with the applications at all trial sites. Blueberry fruit 

was harvested at pre-harvest intervals (PHIs) of 19-23 days. 

 

Samples were analyzed for residues of rimsulfuron using high performance liquid 

chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The procedure used for analysis of 

rimsulfuron was derived from DuPont method #15033. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 

determined to be 0.0102 ppm; the limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 0.0034 ppm. 

The lower limit of method validation (LLMV) was 0.010 ppm. It is noted that the LLMV is 

lower than the LOQ, but this is not considered to be an issue for the following reasons. The 

LOQ is an estimated value whereas the LLMV is empirically derived and the difference between 

them is minor (~0.0002 ppm). The method was adequate for data collection based on acceptable 

method validation and concurrent method recoveries. 

Samples were stored frozen (~ -20oC) from harvest to analysis for 320-355 days (10.5-11.7 

months); samples were extracted 0-1 days before analysis. Storage stability data were generated 

concurrently with the field trial study demonstrating that residues of rimsulfuron were stable 

in/on fortified samples of blueberry stored frozen for up to 379 days (12.5 months). Although, 

no 0-day data were provided with the concurrent storage stability study, these data are adequate 

to support the storage conditions and durations of samples from the subject field trials. 

Residues of rimsulfuron were <0.01 ppm (<LLMV) in/on blueberry harvested 19-23 days 

following a single application of the 25% WCG formulation of rimsulfuron at 0.0604-0.0660 lb 

ai/A. 

No residue decline data were included in the study. 

Conclusions. The available caneberry and blueberry field trial data are acceptable and support 

the proposed use patterns for rimsulfuron (WDG) on these proposed commodities. A single 

application was used for the submitted field trials whereas the proposed use pattern may include 

a split application. Given that all residues were <LOQ based on a single application and we 

would expect residues to be lower with a split application, these field trial data do support a split 

application use pattern. An adequate number of tests were conducted on each crop in the 

appropriate geographical regions. All samples were analyzed for the residue of concern using an 

adequate method, and sample storage conditions and intervals were supported by the available 

storage stability data. 

It is noted that while all of the blueberry trials included an adjuvant in the spray mixture (NIS or 

COC), none of the caneberry trials included adjuvants. Given that the blueberry trials, including 

adjuvant, yielded residues <0.01 ppm (LOQ), identical to the result of the caneberry trials 

without adjuvant, the impact of adjuvants is believed to be minimal. This would be consistent 
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with the application being directed to the ground as opposed to the foliage and fruit of the crop. 

Therefore, while the proposed label does not include discussion of the use of adjuvants on the 

proposed commodities, HED does not believe that prohibition of the use of adjuvants on 

caneberry is necessary. The proposed use pattern and label is adequate and revisions are not 

required. 

The field trial data support the proposed 21-day PHI for caneberry and blueberry commodities. 

The data support tolerances of 0.01 ppm in/on caneberry and blueberry. 

860.1520 Processed Food and Feed

There are no processed commodities associated with the proposed commodities of caneberry and 

blueberry for which residues are expected to concentrate. 

860.1650 Submittal of Analytical Reference Standards

An analytical reference standard for rimsulfuron (expires 04/APR/2014) is currently available at 

the EPA National Pesticide Standards Repository (personal communication with Dallas Wright, 

ACB, 03/AUG/2011). 

860.1850/860.1900 Confined and Field Accumulation in Rotational Crops

DP# 206712, M. Nelson, 24/AUG/1994

Adequate confined rotational crop data are available to support minimum plant-back intervals up 

to 18 months, depending on the end-use product. As the label for rimsulfuron currently specifies 

minimum plantback intervals compatible with these plantback intervals, data requirements for 

rotational crops are fulfilled and tolerances are not required for rotational crops. 

860.1550 Proposed Tolerances

Tolerances for residues of rimsulfuron are currently expressed in terms of rimsulfuron. 

Permanent tolerances are established for residues of rimsulfuron at 0.01 ppm in/on grapes, pome 

fruits, stone fruits, citrus fruits, tree nuts and pistachios, 0.05 ppm in/on tomatoes, 0.09 ppm 

in/on almond hulls, and 0.1 ppm in/on potatoes and field corn grain, forage and stover [40 CFR 

§180.478(a)]. No tolerances are established for residues in either animal commodities or 

rotational crops. The proposed and recommended tolerances are presented in Table 6. 

As residues were <LOQ in/on all samples of caneberry and blueberry collected at the appropriate 

PHI, the recommended tolerance is 0.01 ppm. 

 

There are no established or proposed Codex maximum residue limits (MRLs) for residues of 

rimsulfuron on caneberry (Appendix II) or blueberry. However, there is a Canadian MRL of 

0.05 ppm for rimsulfuron residues on blueberry, based on their method LOQ of 0.05 ppm and no 

residues above LOQ being observed in their reviewed field trials. Given the availability of a 

more sensitive analytical method with an LOQ of 0.01 ppm, HED recommends proceeding with 

setting a tolerance for blueberry of 0.01 ppm. 
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Table 8. Tolerance Summary for Rimsulfuron. 

Commodity Proposed Tolerance 

(ppm) 

Recommended 

Tolerance (ppm) 

Comments; Correct Commodity 

Definition

Caneberry, 

subgroup 13-07A 0.01 0.01 

Bushberry, 

subgroup 13-07B 0.01 0.01 

V. REFERENCES

PP#1F4005. Rimsulfuron in/on Field Corn and Potatoes. Review of Crop Rotation Restrictions 

on Proposed Labels, DP# 206712, M. Nelson, 24/AUG/1994. 

PP#1F4005/EPA Reg. No. 000352LLL. DPX-E9636 technical. Review of Product Chemistry 

Data Submitted in Support of Registration of New Chemical Herbicide (Rimsulfuron), DP# 

193018, M. Nelson, 23/NOV/1994. 

HED Metabolism Committee Meeting of 3/23/94. Riinsulfuron (E9636; DPX—E9636), DP# 

200158, M.. Nelson, 29/MAR/1994. 

PP#1F4005. RIMSULFURON (E9636; DPX—E9636). Briefing for the MED Metabolism 

Committee Meeting of 3/23/94. DP# 200157, M. Nelson, 17/MAR/1994. 

PP# 1F4005. Rimsulfuron in/on Corn and Potatoes. Petition f or First Permanent Tolerances. 

DP# 184551, M. Nelson, 25/FEB/1994. 

ID# 352—555. DuPont Rimsulfuron Technical. ID# 352—556. DuPont Matrix® Herbicide. 

ID# 352—571. DuPont Basis® Herbicide. Letter of 2/14/95 With Storage Stability Data. DP# 

212624, M. Nelson, 05/APR/1995. 

Attachments: 

Appendix I -International Residue Limit Status sheet 
Rimsulfuron Summary of Analytical Chemistry and Residue Data D385612, D386178 

13 of 13

 

Appendix I - International Residue Limit Status 

Rimsulfuron (PC Code 129009; July 28, 2011) 

Summary of US and International Tolerances and Maximum Residue Limits 

Residue Definition: Rimsulfuron 

US Canada Mexico2 Codex3

40 CFR 180.478: 

Plant/Livestock: rimsulfuron, N-((4,6-

dimethoxypyrimidin-2-

yl)aminocarbonyl)-3-(ethylsulfonyl)-

2-pyridinesulfonamide) 

N-[[(4,6-dimethoxy-2-

pyrimidinyl)amino]carbo

nyl]-3- 

(ethylsulfonyl)-2-

pyridinesulfonamide 

 None 

Commodity1 Tolerance (ppm) /Maximum Residue Limit (mg/kg) 

US Canada Mexico2 Codex3

Caneberry, subgroup 13-07A 0.01 

Bushberry, subgroup 13-07B 0.01 0.05 blueberries 

 

Completed: M. Negussie; 08/01/2011 

1

 Includes only commodities of interest for this action. Tolerance values should be the HED recommendations and 

not those proposed by the applicant. 

2 Mexico adopts US tolerances and/or Codex MRLs for its export purposes. 

3 * = absent at the limit of quantitation; Po = postharvest treatment, such as treatment of stored grains. PoP = 

processed postharvest treated commodity, such as processing of treated stored wheat. (fat) = to be measured on the 

fat portion of the sample. MRLs indicated as proposed have not been finalized by the CCPR and the CAC.