UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460 

OCT 14.2014 

MEMORANDUM 

OFFICE OF CHEMICAL SAFETY 

AND POLLUTION PREVENTION 

SUBJECT: BEAD Chemical Profile for Registration Review: Famoxadone (113202) 

FROM: 

THRU: 

Tara Chandgoyal, Ph. D., Plant Pathologist 

Biological Analysis Branch 

Cynthia 

Science ~nformation 

Doucoure, Environmental 

and Analysis Branch 

Protection Specialist C: · ~ 

Elizabeth Hill, Economist 

Economic Analysis Branch 

Biological and Economic Analysis Division (7 

Arnet Jones, Chief 

Biological Analysis :~--- j "':" ) 

Diann 

Science 

Sims, 

Information 

Chief ~ 

and Analysis Branch 

Timothy Kiely, Chief (/1/(UW.J~ ~ {«- 1/'rruJfVL~ J(_;-e (f 

Economic Analysis Branch 

Biological and Economic Analysis Division (7503P) 

TO: Christina Scheltema, Chemical Review Manager 

Risk Management and Implementation Branch III 

Pesticide Re-evaluation Division (7508P) 

Product Review Panel date: September 24, 2014 

Page 1 of8 
SUMMARY 

Famoxadone, a fungicide belonging to the oxazolidine-diones chemical group of quinone outside 

inhibitor (Qol) group of fungicides, was registered in July 2003. It is registered for use on 

caneberries, fruiting, leafy, and bulb vegetables, cucurbits, potatoes, hops, and grapes to control 

and/or manage fungal and bacterial disease. In recent years (2008-2012), approximately 41,000 

lbs a.i. are used to treat an average of 352,000·acres in the U.S. at an overall average application 

rate of 0.12 lb a.i. per acre. The predominant uses of famoxadone in terms of percent crop 

treated are cucumbers (25% ), caneberries (15% ), and potatoes, onions, peppers, and pumpkin 

(10% each). The predominant uses in terms of average annual pounds a.i. applied are potatoes 

(10,000), cucumbers (8,000), tomatoes (6,000) and peppers (3,000). 

INTRODUCTION 

The purpose of this document is to convey usage information and a broad overview of the pest 

management roles of pesticides that are beginning to undergo registration review. The 

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

of famoxadone, and eventually the general public. This document builds upon the data BEAD 

provides in the Screening Level Usage Analysis (SLUA) to Registration Review teams. The 

document is based on information and data available to BEAD as of June 2014. 

IDSTORY OF BEAD ASSESSMENTS FOR F AMOXADONE 

BEAD prepared a Screening Level Usage Analysis (SLUA) in June 2014 that contained usage 

information on predominant uses of famoxadone during the 2004-2012 time frame. The top uses 

in terms of average percent crop treated (PCT) and average pounds a.i. applied annually include 

the following: cucumbers- 25% PCT and 8,000 pounds a.i. applied; caneberries- 15% PCT 

and 1,000 pounds a.i. applied; and potatoes - 10% PCT and 10,000 pounds a.i. applied. Other 

crops worth noting are onions, peppers, and pumpkins, with 10% PCT each and a range of 1,000 

to 3,000 pounds a.i. applied annually. 

To date, BEAD has not reviewed any Section 18 Emergency Exemption requests for the use of 

famodaxone; this should not be interpreted as a lack of benefits associated with the chemical. 

COMMON FORMULATIONS AND APPLICATION METHODS 

Famoxadone is premixed with cymoxanil and formulated as water dispersible granules (dry 

flowable) applied via ground, air, or chemigation equipment. 

Page 2 of8 
USE SITES 

Agricultural Use Sites: 

Famoxadone is registered for use on bulb vegetables subgroup 3-07 A, caneberries subgroup 13-

07 A, cucurbits, grapes (East of the Rocky Mountains), hops, leafy vegetables subgroup 4A 

(except Brassica), peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. 

Non-Agricultural Use Sites: 

There are no non-agricultural use sites registered for famoxadone. 

FAMOXADONE USAGE 

Agricultural Usage Trend 

According to proprietary market research surveys, famoxadone use in the U.S. has increased 

overall following short term fluctuations during the reporting period of 2004-2012 as shown in 

Figure 1. During this period, the overall average annual pounds a.i. applied was 33,000 lb a.i. 

used to treat an average of 287,000 acres at an overall application rate of 0.11 lb a.i. per acre. 

This application rate did not change significantly during the 2008-2012 time frame (0.12lbs. a.i. 

per acre). Similar trends were found for total area treated as shown in Figure 2. 

Figure 1. Famoxadone Usage: Pounds AI Applied, 2004-2012 

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Source: EPA Proprietary Data, 2004-2012 

2007 2008 

Year 

Page 3 of8 

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2009 2010 2011 2012 
Figure 2: Famoxadone Usage: Total Area Treated, 2004-2012 

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Source: EPA Proprietary Data, 2004-2012 

2007 

Agricultural Usage: Top Crops. 2008-2012 

2008 

Year 

2009 

l 

2010 2011 2012 

Famoxadone is used primarily on potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers as shown in Table 

1. The average annual pounds a.i. applied on all crops during this period was 41,000 used to 

treat an average of 352,000 acres at an overall application rate of 0.12 lb a.i. per acre. 

T a bl e 1 F amoxa d one u sage on T C op ro ps, 2008 -2012 

Top Crops Proportion of Proportion of A vg A .I. Rate Labeled Max 

Total Pounds A.l. Total Area (lb a.i./acre) App Rate per 

Applied Treated Application 

(lb a.i./acre) 

Potatoes 43% 47% 0.11 0.13 

Cucumbers 21% 19% 0.13 0.16 

Tomatoes 10% 10% 0.12 0.13 

PeQPers 8% 7% 0.14 0.16 

Other* 18% 17% 0.11-0.15 0.13; 0.16 

*Other crops include caneberries, cantaloupes, celery, grapes (wine), lettuce, onions, pumpkins, spinach, squash, 

and watermelons. 

Source: Propnetary Data, 2008-2012 

Page 4 of8 
Agricultural Usage: Top States. 2008-2012 

The top states, in terms of pounds a.i. applied, are Florida, Michigan, Washington, and Idaho as 

shown in Figure 2. The average annual pounds a.i. applied in all states during this period was 

41,000, which was used to treat an average of 352,000 acres at an overall average application 

rate of 0.12 lb a.i. per acre. 

T a bl e 2 F amoxa d one u . T S sagem op tates, 2008 -2012 

Top States Proportion of Total Proportion of Total Avg AI. Rate 

Pounds AI. Applied Area Treated (lb a.i. per acre) 

Florida 18% 17% 0.13 

Michigan 18% 17% 0.12 

Washington 17% 17% 0.12 

Idaho 8% 10% 0.09 

California 5% 5% 0.12 

Wisconsin 5% 6% 0.10 

Other* 29% 28% 0.11-0.13 

*Other states include AZ, CO, CT, DE, GA, IL, IN, ME, MD, MA, MN, NE, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, 

SC, TX, and VA 

Source: Propnetary Data, 2008-2012 

Agricultural Use Intensity of Famoxadone Use in the U.S. 

Another measure of usage is the use intensity. In this analysis, the use intensity is expressed as 

the average annual amount (in pounds) of the active ingredient applied per 1,000 acres of crop 

acres grown. This differs from the application rate, which is expressed as the pounds a.i. applied 

per treated area. Figure 3 spatially represents famoxadone's use intensity in the U.S. in Florida, 

which is driven by production of peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes; in Michigan, which is driven 

by production of cucumbers; and in Washington, which is driven by production of potatoes. 

Famoxadone product is labeled for the suppression of bacterial diseases for several crops, 

including peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, cucurbits. For bacterial disease control only copper, 

mancozeb and streptomycin are registered. Resistance against copper and streptomycin is 

common on many crops. This may be the reason that growers in Florida, Michigan and 

Washington find famoxadone a useful pesticide in managing bacterial diseases. The higher use 

intensity in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts results from low crop acres grown 

within the states. For more information on Figure 3, see Appendix A 

Page 5 of8 
Figure 3. Annual Average Agricultural Use Intensity of Famoxadone (2008-2012). 

Pounds Active Ingredient 

per 1 ,000 Crop Acres Grown 

0No0ata 

D<o.os 

D o.os-1 

- 1-2 

- >2 

(Source: Proprietary Data, 2008-2012) 

BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS RELEVANT TO FAMOXADONE 

Famoxadone is registered for the control of downy mildew and suppression of bacterial soft rot 

and Xanthomonas blight of bulb vegetables; leaf spot diseases of caneberries; Alternaria leaf 

blight, anthracnose, and bacterial fruit blotch of cucurbits; downy mildew of grapes, hops and 

leafy vegetables; early and late blight of potatoes, and various fungal diseases of tomatoes. 

Famoxadone is a fungicide belonging to the oxazolidine-diones chemical group of quinone 

outside inhibitor (Qol) group of fungicides. It belongs to group 11 of Fungicide Resistance 

Action Committee based on mode of action of fungicides (FRAC, 2013). Resistance in fungi 

against Qol fungicides (azoxystrobin, famoxadone, fenamidone, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, 

trifloxystro) is known and cross resistance is present between all members of Qol group of 

fungicides (FRAC, 2013). These fungicides have high risk of resistance development in fungi 

(FRAC, 2013) and resistance management is recommended (FRAC, 2013B). 

Page 6 of8 
Famoxadone is premixed with cymoxanil and sold under the trade name Tanos. The label states, 

"Repeated use of products for the control of specific plant pathogens may lead to selection of 

resistant strains of fungi and result in a reduction of disease control. Famoxadone, one of the 

active ingredients in Tanos, is one of the EPA's target Site of Action Group 11 fungicide, which 

also includes all strobilurins and fenamidone. A disease management program that includes 

rotation between Tanos and other non-group 11 fungicides is essential to reduce the risk of 

fungicide resistance development". The label also states that tank mixing of Tanos with a 

protectant (contact) fungicide that has a different mode of action is required. The product label 

states, "Do not make more than one application before alternating with a fungicide with different 

mode of action". 

ROLE OFF AMOXADONE IN PEST MANAGEMENT 

Overall use of famoxadone in the U.S. has increased in terms of pounds a.i. applied and acre 

treatments following periods of fluctuation since its registration in July 2003. Based on the 

available percent crop treated (PCT) and average annual pounds a.i. applied during 2004-2012 

time frames, famoxadone appears to play a relatively important role in the control of fungal 

diseases in the production of cucumbers, caneberries, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes. However, 

due to the high risk of resistance development, future use of famoxadone may continue to 

fluctuate. 

REFERENCES 

EPA Screening Level Usage Analysis (SLUA), June 2014 

EPA Proprietary Data, 2004-2012 

FRAC. 2013. Accessed on August 21, 2014. 

http://www .frac.info/publication/anhang/FRAC%20Code%20List%2020 13-final.pdf 

FRAC. 2013B. Accessed on August 25, 2014. 

http://www .frac.info/work/Minutes%20of%20the%2020 13%20Qoi%20Meeting, %20Recommen 

dations %20for%2020 14. pdf 

Page 7 of8 
APPENDIX A 

The map included herein is primarily for the use of the risk assessors in the Envirolimental Fate 

and Effects Division. The map provides a very broad geographical view of the average annual 

amount (in pounds) of the active ingredient applied per 1,000 acres of crop acres grown. These 

data are included in the maps because risk assessors are interested in the amount of a pesticide 

used across agricultural land. The calculated values presented in the map are not equivalent to 

an application rate (lb ail A). 

The data used to make these maps have several limitations. Any interpretation of the maps 

should consider the underlying data and the associated limitations carefully. 

The numerator (annual average pounds applied) is based on private market surveys of pesticide 

use in agriculture averaged over the last five years (Proprietary Data, 2008-2012). These surveys 

cover about 60 crops and are targeted in states that produce the majority of the crop. Although 

the surveys capture most of the use of a particular active ingredient in agriculture, there are 

several limitations to these surveys. 

• States with minor production of a surveyed crop are not sampled 

• Not all types of pesticides are surveyed in every crop in every year 

• Many specialty crops with very small acreages are not included in the survey 

The result of these limitations is that states that show no usage may actually have a small amount 

of the active ingredient being used. In some cases the displayed use intensity may be distorted 

because the surveyed crops and the reported pesticide usage may not accurately represent the 

actual pesticide usage on the crops produced in the state. 

The denominator (1,000 crop acres grown) was also obtained from the same private market 

survey database. The "Crop Acres Grown" variable represents the total acres grown in a given 

state of all of the surveyed crops. This value is independent of p~sticide usage and pesticide 

registration. It is important to note that the surveyed crops (about 60) are sampled from states 

that are major producers of each crop. Therefore, there are cases where the actual crop acreage in 

a state is higher than that reported by crop acres grown in the survey because either that state 

and/or crop was not included in the survey. 

The reader should pay particular attention to the figure legends and realize that a map prepared 

for a particular chemical is not directly comparable to a map prepared for a different chemical as 

the legend bins will likely be different. 

Page 8 of8