Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance Akanthomyces muscarius strain Ve6, formerly Lecanicillium muscarium strain Ve6.

The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, the Netherlands, and co-rapporteur Member State, France, for the pesticide active substance strain Ve6 formerly Ve6 are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012 as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of strain Ve6 as an insecticide on fruiting vegetables of cucurbitaceae with edible and inedible peel, fruiting vegetables of solanaceae, strawberries, floriculture crops (except roses), cut roses and tree nursery.

Mitogen and antigen induced B and T cell responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina).

In vitro assays were developed for studies concerning the functioning of the immune system of the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). Proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were measured after stimulation with different concentrations of the mitogens concanavalin A (Con A), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) or lipopolysaccharide from Salmonella typhimurium (LPS). Con A and PWM induced strong proliferative responses, while PHA and LPS induced comparatively low proliferative responses.