Understanding the environmental impact of microbial crop protection products is a critical component of regulatory compliance and product stewardship. In this one-hour webinar, Arthur Putt, Research Director, will explain the differences, challenges, and interpretation of testing used to evaluate the environmental risk and characteristics of microbial products compared with conventional crop protection products. These tests are used to confirm potential hazards posed to environmental systems, and, along with the evaluation of the physical properties, enable regulators and stakeholders to evaluate a microbial substance’s environmental profile. 

Join us for an exploration of what types of studies are required for microbial pesticides for various regulatory frameworks (e.g. US EPA, EU EFSA), how these studies differ from conventional crop protection product tests, and how results are interpreted. Attendees will gain insight into what studies are needed to support environmental risk assessments and how these studies are designed and executed. The webinar will conclude with an audience Q&A session.  

Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 
Time: 9am ET / 2pm BST 

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Presented by:
Arthur Putt, Research Director 
Smithers, Wareham, Massachusetts 
Arthur Putt has over 35 years of experience in ecotoxicology and aquatic toxicology. Since joining Smithers in 1988, he has held a variety of scientific and leadership roles, and today provides technical guidance to study directors, mentors staff, and supports clients with study design, data interpretation, and regulatory strategy. He is recognized as a scientific authority in the field, with deep expertise in aquatic invertebrate toxicology, contaminated sediment assessment, and the development of novel test methods. He earned a B.S. in Botany from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and has authored multiple publications and conference presentations in environmental toxicology. An active member of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), he served as President of the North Atlantic Chapter and has been an instructor at several SETAC short courses.   

Moderated by: 
Michael Bradley, Director of Ecotoxicology, North America 
Smithers, Wareham, Massachusetts 
Michael Bradley joined Smithers in 2007 as an Assistant Biologist, and has progressed through roles of increasing responsibility, serving most recently as Manager of Terrestrial Ecotoxicology. The majority of Mike’s career at Smithers has been spent with a focus in sediment toxicology, during which he has collaborated with industry and government on developing and advancing multiple test methods. Mike obtained his BS degree in Coastal and Marine Policy and Management, with a minor in Marine Biology, from the University of Rhode Island, College of Environmental Life Science.