Bee news from NS

[Perry]

http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1317311-study-with-n.s.-connections-sheds-light-on-bee-crisis

[LazyBkpr]

Interesting study, but I have questions...


   The research showed that neonicotinoids applied in quantities that would be realistic in the field have profound effects on queens’ physiology, anatomy and reproductive success.

   Tell me WHY bees would be in the fields rather than on flowers and pollen sources?

   If the flow is HORRIBLE the bees may try to polinate the micro miniature soybean flowers, and possibly gather pollen from corn tassels...  is there enough neonics in corn tassels and the TINY TINY soybean flowers to warrant the worry?  If thee is, then I am all ears....

   

[Perry]

I think when they used the term "fields" they were referring to "foraging" (perhaps poor choice of words). Neonics are in a lot more things than just corn and soy. I am thinking that the huge nursery down the road has tons of plants that have been treated with neonics that end up fanning out into yards everywhere. I am not for or totally against them, but am concerned.

[Les]

I think neonics are just one thing that are stressing the bees.  Add mono culture foraging, the varroa mite and it is like the straw that broke the camel's back.