Feb 18, 2025EPA and California approve emergency use exemption for bactericide in almond orchards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) have approved a Section 18 emergency exemption for the use of Kasumin 2L, a bactericide that helps control bacterial blast in almonds. The exemption, granted for the 2025 growing season, provides California almond growers with a vital tool to combat a disease that threatens crop production.
Kasumin 2L, which contains the active ingredient kasugamycin, is approved for use across 16 counties in California, including Fresno, Merced, Stanislaus and Yolo. The exemption allows for the treatment of up to 107,143 acres of almond orchards, offering growers a solution to protect their crops from the damaging effects of bacterial blast.
Bacterial blast impact on almond yields
Bacterial blast, caused by Pseudomonas syringae, can significantly reduce almond yields by infecting blossoms, causing them to rot and fall off. The disease thrives in cold, wet conditions, particularly when freezing temperatures create small wounds on the plant’s tissue, which allows the bacteria to enter. Infected trees can experience severe blossom loss, leading to reduced crop production and potential secondary infections later in the season.
Kasumin 2L offers an effective solution, as it is one of the few treatments available that has shown no signs of resistance in combating bacterial blast. The product’s unique mechanism of action makes it a reliable option for growers who need to act quickly to protect their crops. Other common treatments, such as copper-based products and antibiotics, have been less effective in recent years due to the development of bacterial resistance.
Under the emergency exemption, growers can apply Kasumin 2L via ground application, with a maximum of two treatments per season. However, to access the product, growers must first visit their County Agricultural Commissioner’s office to add Kasumin 2L to their permit. Officials will provide the necessary labeling and documentation required for the application.
Accessing Kasumin 2L
The exemption is valid from February 1, 2025, to April 15, 2025, and applies to almond orchards in counties most affected by the disease. Growers seeking additional information should contact their local retailers or UPL representatives.
Kasumin 2L is already in use for walnut blight control in California’s walnut industry, where it received federal and state registration in 2019. The product’s approval for almond production marks an important step in expanding its use to combat additional plant diseases.
