Re-evaluating 'Bee Safe' Pesticides: New Research Highlights Risks to Wild Bees
In light of World Bee Day, researchers from the University of Guelph are urging a re-evaluation of pesticides labeled as "bee safe." Their recent study reveals that chemicals considered harmless to honeybees may have detrimental effects on wild bee populations, which are vital for pollination and agriculture.
Published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the study specifically investigated flupyradifurone, an insecticide previously deemed "practically non-toxic" to honeybees. However, the researchers found that flupyradifurone negatively impacts squash bees, leading to reduced pollen collection, hyperactivity, and altered reproductive behaviors.
Sabrina Rondeau, who conducted the research as part of her PhD at the University of Guelph and is now with the University of Ottawa, highlighted the diversity of wild bees in Ontario, with approximately 400 species. "Many of them are very different in their behavior from honeybees," Rondeau explained. About 70% of these species are ground nesters, which means they can be exposed to pesticide residues in the soil, a risk not faced by honeybees.
Nigel Raine, the Rebanks Family Chair in Pollinator Conservation at the University of Guelph, emphasized the risks posed by pesticide combinations. "While some pesticides, like fungicides, may individually pose lower risks to bees, combined exposure with insecticides can result in synergistic effects, amplifying their overall impact," Raine stated.
The phase-out of neonicotinoid insecticides has led to the adoption of alternatives like flupyradifurone. However, Raine and Rondeau argue that these alternatives must be thoroughly evaluated for their potential risks to all beneficial insects, including pollinators.
Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) had approved flupyradifurone based on its safety under approved conditions. However, the new findings necessitate a review. PMRA spokesperson Mark Johnson confirmed that the agency regularly monitors new information and will review the study to determine if action is needed to protect human health and the environment.
Rondeau stresses the importance of re-evaluating pesticide safety labels. "The marketing of some pesticides as bee safe is misleading," she said. She advises users to read pesticide labels carefully, even those labeled as safe for bees, to understand the potential risks better.
Wild bees are crucial for pollination and agriculture, making their protection imperative. The study's findings underscore the need for more comprehensive risk assessments of pesticides to ensure the safety of all pollinator species.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What prompted the re-evaluation of 'bee safe' pesticides? A: New research from the University of Guelph found that pesticides labeled as safe for honeybees may harm wild bees, highlighting the need for more thorough risk assessments.
Q: What is flupyradifurone, and why is it significant? A: Flupyradifurone is an insecticide previously considered safe for honeybees. The study revealed its negative effects on wild bees, such as squash bees, impacting their pollen collection and reproduction.
Q: How are wild bees different from honeybees in terms of pesticide exposure? A: Many wild bees, including ground-nesting species, can be exposed to pesticide residues in the soil, a risk that honeybees do not face.
Q: What are the risks of combined pesticide exposures? A: Combining different pesticides, such as fungicides and insecticides, can have synergistic effects, increasing their overall impact on bees.
Q: What actions might Health Canada take in response to the study? A: Health Canada will review the study and may take action if there is evidence that the use of flupyradifurone poses unacceptable risks to pollinators or the environment.
#BeeConservation #WildBees #PesticideSafety #PollinatorProtection #SustainableAgriculture
