Canada reviews risk to bees exposure to neonicotinoids used on cucurbits

The Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is initiating special reviews of registered pest control products containing the active ingredients clothianidin, imidacloprid or thiamethoxam (this will include both end-use products and technical grade active ingredients) used on cucurbits such as pumpkin, squash and watermelon. The aspect of concern for these special reviews is a potential environmental risk related to squash bees (Peponapis pruinosa), from exposure to these three products when used on cucurbits.

 

At any time during the course of the special review, the registrations of any of the neonicotinoid pesticides may be amended should evidence become available demonstrating reasonable grounds to believe that such action is necessary to deal with a situation that endangers the environment.

Following evaluation of the aspect of concern, the PMRA will publish its proposed special review decisions for public consultation later.