D3263: Phylogenetic methodologies to identify surrogate species representative of threatened and endangered species

Understanding crop protection product toxicity to  threatened and endangered (i.e., listed) species under the United States Endangered Species Act (US ESA) is paramount for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct an accurate pesticide Effects Determination. Characterizing the way crop protection products interact and affect listed species’ survival, growth, reproduction as well as understanding habitat needs, food abundance, and life cycle are important aspects of the assessment. Because toxicity data for listed species cannot be generated, this presentation explores a methodology to phylogenetically identify the most appropriate surrogate species to use in regulatory testing. A case study using a representative insecticide will compare using data from traditional laboratory species versus a more closely related surrogate in a risk assessment. We will also discuss future testing plans to address points of concern where higher tiered testing could provide a more accurate assessment.