Insecticides with the trade names Matador, Silencer and Labamba are again approved for most uses in the growing season ahead.
The active ingredient is lambda-cyhalothrin. Back in 2023, the Pest Management Regulator Agency (PMRA) cancelled all feed uses of lambda on crops. While human consumption of crops treated with lambda was still a registered use, crops for human use all have a feed component, including screenings, and byproducts like canola meal. Therefore, cancelling feed uses basically cancelled legal use of Matador, Silencer and Labamba, which were widely used to control pests such as grasshoppers and flea beetles.
Ironically, American corn imported into Canada for feeding was not affected by the restriction. Industry lobbied extensively saying the PMRA erred in its decision. As of February 3, the PMRA now says feeding lambda treated crops including pulses, oilseeds and meal, and cereal grains and milled by-products to livestock is now acceptable again.
However, uses such as feeding forage from corn, legumes or cereals has not been re-instated. As well, the use of lambda on apples and peaches must stop.