Among all of the insects in the world, few are put to use for keeping the garden producing. The honey bee is one of many nature's pollinators and is wanted where crops need pollinating. But some crop fields are being visited more than others. Pesticides are used for ridding the field of small potential trouble-makers that may destroy thousands of dollars worth of crops. The insects that are exposed, but not killed by the pesticides seem to have a liking to these contaminated crops.
There is worry for these pollinators and the bees do not that the crops visited are contaminated for the bees can not taste neonicotinoids. It has been shown that honey bees are exposed to neonicotinoids and the colonies exposed have lower health than other colonies. A study is underway by scientist to steer these bees in another direction (Insect Pollinators Initiative). So, far there is no change of path from the pollinating bees.
This could be bad for any vegetation that needs/should be pollinated since the bees will visit uncontaminated area less. The exposed bees are also at a greater health risk and could lead to possible survival and population problems. Other insects have not been studied for this occurrence, yet.
Bees are an important part of our environment. I'm glad to see scientist are working towards finding ways to stop bees from visiting the contaminated crop fields and stay away from pesticides. Interesting article.
ReplyDelete