Review of Bee Health

Scientists question neonicotinoid restrictions

From: National Farming Union

‘The dose makes the poison’ – scientists question neonicotinoid restrictions

The scientific basis for EU restrictions on neonicotinoid seed dressings to safeguard the bee population has been questioned by a recent review carried out by the International Bee Research Association.

The EU Commission’s restrictions on the use of neonicotinoids was put in place in December 2013 and was influenced heavily by studies relying on artificial dosing, which demonstrated sub-lethal effects of the insecticides on honey bees and bumble bees. This research was followed by intensive lobbying from pressure groups who claimed that bee populations were being harmed.

Leave a Comment February 4, 2015

Crop planter dust reduction may reduce pollinator threats

From: Delta Farm Press

Entomologists battle potential restrictions on insecticide seed treatments

Larry Stalcup, Contributing Writer

University entomologists continue their efforts to keep cotton farmers and other producers from losing effective insecticide seed treatments that some allege are threats to honey bees and other important pollinators.

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As far as actual concentrations to plants and fields, he said there is little, according to various Mid-South studies. “Our research finds that concentrations of neonicotinoids in nectar and pollinations is miniscule,” Stewart said. “I don’t think it’s a legitimate threat. The dust thing is the issue now, as far as seed treatments are concerned.”

Leave a Comment February 2, 2015