Lambda Cyhalothrin (Matador®, Silencer®, etc.) Update
In 2023, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) ruled that lambda cyhalothrin (trade names include Matador®, Silencer®, etc.) uses must be restricted. PMRA is the division of Health Canada responsible for reviewing safety data for pesticides.
The PMRA decision resulted in the label no longer allowing application on grain that may be used for livestock feed, including downstream uses.
This means that feed barley growers should not use lambda cyhalothrin and should seek alternative products (Insecticide Options in 2024).
But what does this mean for malt barley growers, as well as food barley or other niche markets? Realistically, all grain may be directed, redirected or alternatively used as livestock feed. As a result, all barley growers should seek alternative products to lambda cyhalothrin, because:
- The crop may not meet quality specifications and be downgraded to feed.
- Stresses including hail, drought, excess rain, early snow, disease or insects may result in downgrading the crop to feed.
- End-users may clean the grain and sell screenings to the livestock feed market, or the grain may be fractionated with a portion directed to the livestock feed market.
- Spent grains from brewing are often directed to the livestock market.
All of those unintended uses would result in a lambda cyhalothrin application being off-label. Producers have to declare on delivery that the crop protection products used were used according to the label. The only way to ensure protection is to seek alternative products (Insecticide Options in 2024).
More information: Keep it Clean resources: https://keepitclean.ca/tools-resources/lambda/
Updated: May 2024
Outcome of re-evaluation of agricultural uses of lambda-cyhalothrin
On May 9, 2024, the PMRA released an information note to provide an overview to pesticide users and stakeholders of the changes to the agricultural uses of Lambda-Cyhalothrin. In summary:
- Continued registration for some food uses, as outlined in Appendix I, with additional risk mitigation measures.
- Cancelled registration for the following uses:
- Crops for animal feed uses
- Lettuce (field and greenhouse)
- Condiment type mustard seeds
- Bulb vegetables from revised Crop group 3-07
- Oilseeds from revised Crop group 20
- except flax seeds, oilseed-type mustard seeds and rapeseed (canola grade only)
For more information, read the full information note here.
