PMRA reinstates livestock grain feeding on lambda-cy insecticide label

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The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has reinstated livestock grain feeding use for insecticides containing lambda-cyhalothrin. A regulatory announcement in late 2022 changed the labeled approvals for crops treated with lambda-cy products, and resulted in two growing seasons with restricted use and access for growers.

Syngenta shared the reinstatement news today, noting that a label update will give growers renewed access to its two lambda-cyhalothrin products — Matador 120EC and Voliam Xpress — with some important changes. Growers will be able to purchase both products for the 2025 growing season, Syngenta says; however, while grain feeding has been reinstated, grazing of treated crops or feeding other parts of treated crops remains prohibited.

Lambda-cyhalothrin is the active ingredient in some of the most commonly used products growers use to control yield-robbing pests such as soybean aphids and western bean cutworm in Eastern Canada and flea beetles and cutworms in Western Canada.

The PMRA re-evaluated lambda-cyhalothrin and end use products in 2021 and determined that some uses posed human health risks, particularly in animal feed uses, as well as in lettuce, mustard seed (condiment type), bulb vegetables, oilseeds (except flax seed), mustard seed (oilseed-type) and canola. In April 2023, PMRA ordered a label change that eliminated their application on crops or crop by-products that end up as feed.

Additionally, Syngenta says there are other changes to the Matador 120EC and Voliam Xpress labels which include: the cancelation of uses on apples and peaches; updated requirements for personal protective equipment; and cancellation of specific handheld application methods.

“This decision reinstates a critical use for many growers who, since 2023, have been without these important tools to protect crop quality and yield from destructive insect pests,” the Syngenta release notes. The reinstatement applies to grain and meal from treated canola, cereals, field corn, soybeans, and pulses.

“This update, based on rigorous scientific evidence, meets a crucial need for both growers and the broader agricultural industry,” says Anna Shulkin, head of regulatory and stewardship with Syngenta Canada. “These products remain valuable tools for Canadian agriculture when used responsibly and in accordance with label directions.”

The company is advising growers to review the updated product labels for a complete list of requirements, precautions, and restrictions.

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