Should a Fungus-Based Pesticide for Hemp and Ornamental Plants Be Approved?

Official title: Consultation on Beauveria bassiana strain ANT-03 and BioTitan WP, Proposed Registration Decision PRD2024-09

Closed Regulations & Permits Agriculture & Food Health & Safety
Health Canada is deciding whether to approve BioTitan WP, a biological pesticide made from a naturally occurring fungus. It would be used to control pests like aphids, whiteflies, and thrips on outdoor ornamental plants and industrial hemp. This is a proposed registration—the consultation period has now closed.

Why This Matters

Grow ornamental plants or work in the hemp industry? This affects what pest control options are available to you. Biological pesticides like this one offer an alternative to chemical options. Gardeners and landscapers may see this product on store shelves if approved.

What Could Change

If approved, BioTitan WP would become a registered pesticide in Canada. Hemp growers could use it against tarnished plant bugs. Nurseries and landscapers would have a new biological option for controlling aphids, whiteflies, and thrips on outdoor ornamentals.

Key Issues

  • Should this fungus-based biological pesticide be approved for sale and use in Canada?
  • Is the product effective at reducing pest numbers on hemp and ornamental plants?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Consultation Summary document to understand the proposed registration.
  2. Comments were accepted until January 19, 2025. The consultation is now closed.

What Happened

The consultation period closed on January 19, 2025. Health Canada will consider all comments received before making a final registration decision. The Registration Decision will be posted on the Reports and Publications section of Canada.ca once finalized.

Key Documents