What are the initial steps involved in the pesticide registration process in the U.S.?

The initial steps involved in the pesticide registration process in the U.S. begin with research and development. This stage is crucial as it entails the formulation of the pesticide, conducting laboratory studies, and assessing the pesticide's safety and efficacy. The company developing the pesticide must gather comprehensive data to demonstrate that the product can effectively control the intended pest without harming humans, animals, or the environment.

During this phase, various tests are conducted to determine the chemical's toxicity, environmental impact, application methods, and target pest effectiveness. This foundational work informs subsequent steps in the registration process, ensuring that the pesticide meets regulatory standards before it can move on to field testing and approval or the submission of data to regulatory bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

As for the other choices, while they are all relevant aspects of the overall registration process, they do not represent the initial step. For instance, field testing and approval occur after the initial research is completed, and combination of state and federal review happens once the registration application has been submitted. Submission of data to agencies is an essential part of the regulatory process but follows the initial research and development phase.