Risk assessment of the biological plant protection product Montyline with the active organism Amblyseius montdorensis. Opinion of the Panel on Plant Protection Products of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety.

Montyline with the predatory mite Amblyseius montdorensis as the active organism is sought to be used as a plant protection product in Norway. Montyline is intended for use against whiteflies in ornamental plants, vegetables and herbs in greenhouses and plastic tunnels, as well as fruit and berries in greenhouses, plastic tunnels and open field. VKM was requested by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority to consider the possible environmental and health risk related to the properties of Montyline; in particular to evaluate if the predatory mite is naturally occurring in Norway, the potential for establishing and spreading under Norwegian conditions, possible taxonomic challenges, and potential for health risk related to its use. The assessment was finalized in January 2017 and adopted by VKM’s Panel on Plant Protection Products. VKM’s conclusions are as follows: Natural occurrence of the mite in Norway: The predatory mite Amblyseius montdorensis has not been observed in Norway. It is the view of VKM that this is due to its lack of capability to survive and establish in areas with cold winters. Potential for establishing and spreading of the predatory mite under Norwegian conditions: The thermal preference of Amblyseius montdorensis restricts its establishing, and the mite has not been observed in northern parts of Europe. The species is incapable of entering diapause and it is the opinion of VKM that it is unlikely that Amblyseius montdorensis will be able to establish in outdoor areas in Norway. Taxonomic challenges: There are no taxonomic challenges related to the assessment of Amblyseius montdorensis. Human health risk for operators: VKM is unaware of reports where harm to humans by Amblyseius montdorensis itself, or associated pathogenic organisms have been observed. Insects and mites may however produce allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.NO; PDF; vkm@vkm.n