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TOPIC: Bees and imidacloprid
http://groups.google.com/group/entstrees/browse_thread/thread/db42b3599b5fc536?hl=en
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== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Mon, Nov 12 2007 1:46 pm
From: Brandon


Bee decline was for several years being blamed on imidacloprid but has
not been found to be the culprit.

See the CNN story
http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/06/magazines/fortune/stipp_beefolo.fortune/index.htm

as well as the Canadian Honey Council's review of the subject.
http://www.honeycouncil.ca/users/folder.asp?FolderID=4971

France and the EU are reviewing the claims by beekeepers regarding
imidacloprid and are attempting to re-register the product there.

== 2 of 3 ==
Date: Mon, Nov 12 2007 8:58 pm
From: "Will Blozan"


ENTS,

Aside from the rare occurrence of imidacloprid laden resin (equally rare
itself) gathered from a hemlock that might be used as propolis by a
honeybee- what part of a wind pollinated hemlock would a bee use in
quantities high enough to kill?

Obviously, the imidacloprid cited as the culprit was not applied for HWA
(not even in Europe?) but likely encountered aerially (if at all- a fungus
or virus I think is the real cause) for the myriad of agricultural uses it
is mainly used for. Properly and professionally applied hemlock treatments,
except by those foolish enough to spray imidacloprid and have it drift to a
hive or flowers, should pose absolutely no harm to honeybees.

Besides, to me, the loss of the introduced, exotic, native-bee-displacing
honeybee would be a far less catastrophic loss than the hemlocks. Yes, I use
honey occasionally but would gladly not sweeten my tea to save a hemlock.

My company has been impacted by the implication of imidacloprid, and
hemlocks are dying because of the false accusation.

Will