UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

WASHI NGTON D.C., 20460

DEC 09 2010

OFFICEOF

CHEMICALSAFETY AND

POLLUTION PREVENTION

MEMORANDUM

SUBJECT: BEAD Chemical Profile for Registration Review: Lambda-cyhalothrin

FROM: Nikhil Mallampalli, Entomo logist

Biological Analysis Branch

THRU:

TO:

Elizabeth Hill, Economist

Economic Analysis Branch

Sepehr Haddad

Science Information & Analysis Branch

Biological and Economic Analysis Division (7503P)

Arnet Jones, Chief

Biological Analysis Branch

Timothy Kiely, Chief cJ\-- l"''''

Economic Analysis Br ~h

Diann Simms, Chief

Science Information & Analysis Branch

Biological and Economic Analysis Division (7503P)'

Wilhelmina Livingston Chemical Review Manager

Pesticide Reevaluation Division (7508P)

Peer Review Panel date : May 19, 2010

Introduction

Lambda-cyhalothrin is one of a group ofinsecticides known as synthetic pyrethroids. Their mode

of action is to act as sodium channel modul ators that result in neurotoxicity in the target insects

(lRAC, 0000). Pyrethroids are derived from the chemi cal structure of pyrethrum, a chemical

prod uced by chrysanthemum plants. Lambda-cyhalothrin is a restricted-use , broad -spectrum,

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insecticide registered in the U.S. for most major aphid, caterpillar, and beetle pests on a wide

variety of crops and for public health pests such as mosquitoes and cockroaches in nonagricultural uses.

This document follows a format recently developed by BEAD to convey usage information on

pesticides that are beginning to undergo registration review. The anticipated audience for this

paper consists of the team of EPA staff currently evaluating the registration status of lambdacyhalothrin, as well as the general public. This document builds upon the data already provided

in the "Usage and Label Use Data Packages" that are also provided to Registration Review teams

by BEAD.

PRI MARY USE SITES

Lambda-cyhalothrin is registered on a wide range of crops (prominent brand names include

Warrior® and Karate®, among others) as well as for the treatment of various non-agricultural

settings (residential lawns, pet living quarters, ships and boats, etc.). There are no postharvest

treatment uses. Crops for which it is registered include fruits, vegetables, and row and field crops

such as alfalfa, rice, soybean, and wheat.

The major agricultural use sites appear to be alfalfa, cotton, soybeans, winter wheat, and rice (see

below for further descriptions of usage trends in these crops).

COMMON FORMULATI ONS AND APPLICATION METHODS'

Formulations include: microencapsulated, pelleted/tableted, emulsifiable concentrate, wettable

powder, granular, ready-to-use, and impregnated material.

This chemical is applied in a number of ways. Agricultural application methods include sprays

made with ground and aerial application equipment, chemigation via irrigation equipment, foliar

treatment, and soil treatments (in-furrow, T-banding, etc.).

Non-agricultural application methods include: Soil treatments (e.g., subslab injection and

"redding"), foam application, contact and/or surface treatment, premise treatment (including

outdoor premise treatment), Crack and crevice and/or spot treatment, Perimeter treatment, Indoor

general surface treatment, Spot treatment, Ultra low volume, Broadcast, Mound treatment,

Mound drench, Band treatment, Indoor premise treatment, Barrier treatment, Void treatment,

Prepaving treatment, Impregnated covering application, Wood surface treatment, Manual brush

treatment, and Injection treatment.

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USAGE

Larnbda-cyhalothrin agricultural usage

Based on private market pesticide usage data, the annual total agricultural usage averaged

approximately 250,000 pounds active ingredient for 10 million acre s from 1998-2008 (GfK

Kynetec, 1998-2008). Over the 1O-year period of 1998-2007, the usage remained fairly steady;

however, a large percent increase in use occurred between 2007 and 2008 (a 58% increase). This

increase was largely due to an increase in soybean usage and winter wheat.

From 1998-2008, the largest markets in tenns of total pounds of active ingredient applied were :

colton (25%), soybeans (20%), com (10%), alfalfa (8%), winter wheat (8%), and rice (6%) (GfK

Kynetec, 1998-2008).

Figure 1 presents the states with the most agricultural usage in terms of pounds A.I. appli ed:

Arkansas, Minnesota, North Caro lina, Illinois, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and California

(GtK Kynetec, 1998-2008). These states are also the large st in terms oftotal acre s treated from

1998-2008 .

FIGURE 1. States with Highest Use - Percent of Total Lbs. AI Applied

Pounds AI

11%:----....-

11%

12%

Source: GfK Kynetic, 1998-2008

USE TREl\'DS

Trends in agricultural usage

14%

• ARKA NSAS

• MINNESOTA

o NORTH CAROUNA

o ILUNOIS

• LOUISIANA

o lEXAS

• MISSISSIPPI

o CALIFORNIA

The following graphs provide usage trends, in terms of pounds applied and acre s treated for

larnbda-cyhalothrin during 1998-2008 (see Figure 2), and for the largest agricultural markets

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(Figure 3) (individual graphs for those crops receiving 10% or more of the pounds A.I. applied,

Figures 4 through 6).

FIGURE 2.

Lamb da-Cyhalothrin Usage (1998·2008)

400,000 p-_~__~~_~~~~==~=__~=_......

D Other

• Rice

til Wheat, Winter

• Sweet Corn

D Alfalfa

o ccm

• Soybeans

• Cotton

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Source: GfK Kynetec, 1998-2008

FIGURE 3.

Acres Treated by Crop

18,OOO,OO'"p"""_ = = = = ~~~===_...."1

. Rice

IJ W heat, Winter

• Sweet Com

o Alfalfa

o Corn

• Soy beans

• Cotton

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 200 5 2006 2007 2008

Year

Sou rce: GfK Kynetec, 1998-2008

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FIGURE 4.

Cotton

160.000,------ --- ----- ----------- - - --,

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Years

Source: GfK Kynetec,1998-2008

FIGURE 5.

Soybeans

250,000

-

;;

•

"

c

,

0

.. - ..,. rr-

•

0 D

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Years

Source: GfK Kynetec,1998.2008

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FIGURE 6.

Com

50,000 ""'~------=-=-~-~~------"lI

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Years

Sou r ce: GfK Kyuctec, 1998-2008

Lambda-cyhalothrin non-agricultural usage

In terms of non-agricultural usage, BEAD reviewed available non-agricultural sources, but

information was limited on use oflarnbda-cyhalothrin in non-agricultural use sites to only golf

courses (3,000 Ibs. A.I. in 2006). There was use reported on turf farms and by lawn care

operators (LeOs) in 2006 ; however, the usage was below the reporting threshold. There was use

reported for cockroach control hy PMPs (12,000 lbs. A.I. in 200 I ),

History of BEAD assessments for lambda-cyhalothrin

Lambda-cyhalothrin has not been the subject of any risk mitigation impact assessments

developed by BEAD. However, there have been several emergency exemption (Section 18)

reque sts from various slates over the years that have been reviewed by BEAD. These reque sts

have covered a diverse range of crops and pests, reflecting the broad-spectrum insecticidal

activity of this chemical. See Appendix 1 for a list of BEAD 's completed assessments of these

reque sts.

Biological issues relevant to lambda-cyhalothrin use

Like gamma-cyhalothrin, a very similar pyrethroid insecticide, lambda-cyhalothrin is one of the

recommended control options for a set of significant pests in the crops with the highest usage. In

soybeans, it is recommended for control ofsoybean aphid (Aphis glycines). This insect,

introduced from China, was first dete cted in the U.S. in 2000 and now occ urs throughout the

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country's main soybean production regions. In addition to causing yield losses in high

infestations, this aphid can also transmit severa l plant viruses that can cause significant yield

losses of their own. These include the bean yellow mosaic virus and the soybean mosaic virus

(Rice et al., 2007).

While there are several other pyrethroids, as well as neonicotinoids and organophosphates,

mentioned in soybean aphid management recommendations from major production states (e.g.,

Iowa, Wisconsin), BEAD speculates that lambda-cyhalothrin use in this crop may have increased

in recent years as concern about the soybean aphid has grown among soybean farmers.

In alfalfa, lambda-cyhalothrin is one ofthe recommended options for control of the alfalfa

weevil (Hypera postica). There are several other pyretbroids and organophosphates

recommended for this pest as well. In South Dakota, one ofthe states with high gammacyhalothrin usage, grasshoppers of various species may also be a target of pyrethroid treatments

(USDA, 200 I). In winter wheat, major target pests for lambda-cyhalothrin appear to be the

Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxla) and greenbug (Schizaphis graminum Rondani). The

Russian wheat aphid is another introduced pest that is capable of plant disease transmission.

It is worth noting here that pyretbroid performance is enhanced in "cool temperatures" (Rice et

al., 2007). Since the major use of lambda-cyhalotbrin occurs in Midwestern states that generally

have cooler springs and falls, this aspect may be another factor in the popularity ofthis

insecticide in alfalfa, soybean, and winter wheat.

In cotton grown in major production states such as California, Texas and Arkansas, lambdacyhalothrin is one of several insecticides used to control cutworms, fleahoppers, aphids,

bollworms, Lygus bugs, and boll weevils (Godfrey et al., 2009; USDA 2009, 2000). However, at

least one extension service recommends avoiding lambda-cyhalothrin (and other pyrethroids) as

a control option for boll weevil, so as to avoid fostering resistance (USDA 2005). Early-season

use of pyrethroids is also discouraged because these insecticides can cause resurgence of aphids,

whiteflies, and mites by releasing these pests from control by natural enemies (USDA 2005).

Depending on the pest involved, alternatives include many other synthetic pyrethroids,

organophosphates, carbamates, neonicotinoids, and narrow-spectrum insect growth regulators.

Lambda-cyhalothrin is sometimes used in a preformulated mixture with thiamethoxam, a

neonicotinoid (USDA 2009).

In rice grown in the major production states that show significant lambda-cyhalothrin usage,

including California, Louisiana, and Texas, this pyrethroid is used to control a variety of pests. In

California, these include armyworms and the rice water weevil. Weevil control may constitute a

major portion ofCalifornia control, because this is a potentially serious, widely distributed pest,

and because lambda-cyhalothrin is one of only three insecticides recommended for foliar sprays

targeting adult weevils (Godfrey and Espinosa 2009). The other materials available for this use

are zeta-cypennethrin (also a pyrethroid) and dilflubenzu ron (an insect growt h regulator).

Lambda-cyhalothrin is the only one ofthese three that is allowed for pre-flood applications;

furthermore , research shows that treating vegetation adjacent to rice field levees is often enough

to keep adult weevi l populations below damaging levels in the rice (Godfrey and Espinosa

2009). In eastern US rice, lambda-cyhalothrin is used to control aphids, chinch bugs, stem

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borers, rice stink bugs, and rice water weevil adults. Of these, stink bugs and weevils are

considered major pests (Anciso 2000, USDA 2002).

According to a large database maintained by Michigan State University (accessible at

http://\-\'\\'w.pesticideresistance.comlDB/index.html), there have been several published reports,

from many countries, of resistance in insect populations to lambda-cyhalothrin. In the United

States, these reports indicate localized resistance in the bluegrass weevil (a pest of turf and golf

course), the codling moth (a pest of many fruit crops), hom flies (a livestock pest), and public

health pests including bed bugs, mosquitoes, and German cockroaches.

DATA NEEDS RELEVANT TO BEAD's FUTUR E WO RK ON LAMBDA-CYHALOTHRIN

Obtaining additional information on the following items would improve BEAD's assessment of

the importance of lambda-cyhalothrin as a pest management tool. This assessment is likely to be

required as part of the registration review of this pesticide.

I. For non-agricultural uses, information on target pests and treatment costs.

2. Confirmation ofthe major target pests for which lambda-cyhalothrin is used in

agricultural production.

3. Recent resistance reports for lambda-cyhalothrin in populations of important target pests.

4. For agricultural uses, worker activities that occur in treated fields at the typical time of

lambda-cyhalothrin applications.

APPENDIX 1

Previous lambda-cyhalothrin assessments conducted by BEAD include the following 30

emergency exemption reviews:

• BEAD Review of Documentation Submitted in Support of any Emergency Exemption of

the Use of Lambda-Cyhalothrin (Warrior) on Pasture Grass in New York to Control

Armyworms, Alfalfa Weevil and Potato Leafhopper

• Emergency Exemption Request for the use of Lambda-Cyhalothrin on California Olives

to Control the olive Fruit Fly (Bactrocera oleae)

• Review ofColorado Request for Emergency Exemption Use of Lambda-cyhalothrin to

Control Anny Cutworms on Pastureland

Rangeland, Alfalfa/Clover/Grass Mixed Stands, and Grasses Grown for Seed

• Review of New York's Emergency Exemption Request for the Use of Lambdacyhalothrin (Warrior) on alfalfa/clover/grass mixed stands for hay to control Potato

leafhopper (Empoasca fabaev

• BEAD's Review of Request for an Emergency Exemption for the Use of LambdaCyhalothrin (Warrior®) on Wild Rice in Minnesota to Control the Riceworm (Apamea

apamijoris).

• Review of a Request for Emergency Exemption for Lambda-cyhalothrin on Barley to

Control the Russian Wheat Aphid and Cereal Leaf Beetle in Idaho

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• BEAD's Review of Request for an Emergency Exemption for the Use of LambdaCyhalothrin (Warrior) on Wild Rice in Minnesota to Control the Riceworm

• BEAD Review of Documentation Submitted in Support of an Emergency Exemption for

the Use of Lambda-Cyhalothrin (Warrior) to Control Russian Wheat Aphid (Diuraphis

noxia) on Barley

• Review of Emergency Exemption Request from Idaho for Use of Lambda-Cyhalothrin

(Warrior) to Control Russian Wheat Aphid on Barley

• Review of a Request for Emergency Exemption for Lambda-cyhalothrin on Barley to

Control the Russian Wheat Aphid and Cereal Leaf Beetle in Idaho

• Bead Review of Documentation Submitted in Support of an Emergency Exemption for

the Use of Lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior) on Canola in Montana to Control Flea Beetle

• BEAD's Review of Documentation Submitted in Support of an Emergency Exemption

for the Use Lambd a-cyhalothrin (Warrior) on Barley to Control Army Cutworm (Euxoa

auxiluris) and Pale Western Cutworm (Agrotis orthogonia)

• BEAD Review of Documentation Submitted in Support of an Emergency Exemption for

the Use of Lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior) on Kansas grown Canola to Control Army

Cutwork (Euxoa auxiliaris v

• BEAD Review of Documentation Submitted in Support of an Emergency Exemption for

the Use of Lambda-Cyhalothrin (Warrior) on Canola in North Dakota to Control the

Crucifer flea beetle (Phyllotreta cruciferae) and the Striped flea beetle (Phyllotreta

strio/ara) (99ND 12)

• BEAD Review ofDocumentation Submitted in Support of an Emergency Exemption for

the Use of Lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior) to Control the Crucifer Flea Beetle iPhyllotreta

cruciferae) on Montana Gro'V;TI Canola

• BEAD Review of Documentation Submitted in Support of an Emergency Exemption for

the Use of Lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrio r) to Control the Crucifer Flea Beetle (Phyllolrela

cruciferae) on Montana Grown Canola

• BEAD Review of Documentation Submitted in Support of an Emergency Exemption for

the Use of Lambda-Cyhalothrin (Warrior) to Control Grasshoppers on Flax in North

Dakota

• Review of Emergency Exemption Request for the Use of Lambda-Cyhalothrin (Warrior)

on Montana grown Barley to control cutworms

• BEAD's Review of Documentation Submitted in Support on an Emergency Exemption

for the Use of Lambda Cyhalothrin (Warrior) in Montana and Wyoming to Control

Cereal Leaf Beetle on Barley

• Evaluation of Emergency Exemption Request from Montana for the Use of LambdaCyhalothrin (Warrior) to Control the Cereal Leaf Beetle on Barley

• Review ofEmergency Exemption Request from Montana for Use of LambdaCyhalothrin to Control Crucifer Flea Beetle on Canola

• Evaluation of Emergency Exemption Request from Wyoming for the Use of LambdaCyhalothrin (Warrior) to Control the Cereal Leaf Beetle on Barley

• BEAD Review of Documentation Submitted in Support of an Emergency Exemption for

the Use of Lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior) on Barley in Montana and Wyoming to control

Russian Wheat Aphid {Diuraphis noxia)

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• Emergency Exemption Request for the Use of Lambda-Cyhalothrin on California Olives

to Control the Olive Fruit Fly (Bactrocera oleae)

• BEAD's Review of Documentation Submitted in Support of an Emergency Exemption

for the Use ofTebufenozide (Confirm} and Lambda Cyhalothrin (Karate) on Sugarcane

to Control the Sugarcane Borer

• Review ofCrisis Exemption Request from Colorado for Use of Lambda-Cyhalothrin

(Warrior) to Control Russian Wheat Aphid on Barley

• Review ofCrisis Exemption from North Dakota for Use of Lambda-Cyhalothrin to

Contro l Bertha Armyworm on Canola

• Section 18 Specific Exemption from the Montana Department of Agriculture for the Use

of Lambda-Cyhalothrin (Warrior Insecticide) on Canola to Control the Diamondback

Moth

• BEAD Review of Section 18 Application (Specific Exemption) from Colorado for

Lambda-Cyhalothrin (Warrior) Against Russian Wheat Aphid on Barley Grown

Primarily for Brewing

REFERENCES

Anciso, J. 2000. Rice in Texas: Crop Brief on Production, Pests, & Pesticides. Departmental

Report SCS-2000-01 of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service . Available at http://aggie -

horticulture.tamu.eduJextension/cropbriefs/rice.html. [Accessed on May 13,2010]

GtK Kynetec . (1998-2008). Proprietary data.

Godfrey, L.D., P. B. Goodell, E. T. Natwick, and D.R. Haviland. 2009. UC IPM

Pest Management Guidelines: Cotton. Insects and Mites. ppI 4-68. Publication 3444 of the

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources UC Statewide Integrated Pest

Management Program. Available at http ://wwv'i.ipm.ucdavis.eduJPDFIPMG/pmgcotton.pdf.

[Accessed on May 13,2010]

Godfrey, L.D. and L.A. Espinosa. 2009. UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Rice.

Invertebrates. Pp5-18. Publi cation 3465 ofthe University of California Agriculture and Natural

Resources UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program. Available at

http://ww\v.ipm.ucdavis.eduJPDF/PMG/pmgrice.pdf. [Accessed on May 13,2010]

Kline and Co. Professional Turf and Ornamental Markets For Pesticides and Fertilizers USA:

Golf Courses (2007), Turf Farms (2006), Lawn Care Operators (2006)

Kline and Co. The U.S. Professional Pest Management Market 2001: Cockroach Control

Products.

Rice, M., M. O'Neal, and P. Pedersen. 2007. Soybean Aphids in Iowa - 2007. Publication SP247 ofthe Iowa State University Extension Service. Available at

extension.agron.iastate.eduJsoybean/documents/SP247Aphids07.pdf. [Accessed on May 13,

2010]

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USDA. 2000. Crop Profile for Cotton in Arkansas. Available at:

http://v.'\\w.ipmcenters.orglcropprofiles/CP fonn.cfm. [Accessed on May 13, 2010]

USDA. 200 1. Crop Profile for Alfalfa and Other Hay Production In South Dakota. Available at:

http://wv.w.ipmcenters.erglcropproti1es/CP form.cfm.

USDA 2002. Crop Profile for Rice in Louisiana. Available at:

http://www.ipmcenters.erglcropprofiles/CP form.cfm . [Accessed on May 13,2010]

USDA. 2005. A Pest Management Strategic Plan for Cotton Product ion in Texas. Available at

http ://v.'\\w.ipmcenters.orglpmsp/index .cfm [Accessed on May 13,20 10]

USDA. 2009. Crop Profile for Cotton in Texas. Available at:

http://wv.w.ipmcenters.orglcropprofiles/CP form.cfm . [Accessed on May 13,2010]

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