[Pollinator] A new paper shows mixed effects of neonics on honeybee hives

[Clement Kent]

A new paper (Dively et al. PLoS One 2015, "Assessment of Chronic Sublethal
Effects of Imidacloprid on Honey Bee Colony Health") makes interesting
reading. Honey bee colonies were exposed to imidacloprid in pollen patties
within the hives, and many variables relating to hive health were tracked.

It will be important for a clear understanding of the issues around neonics
to read this study carefully.

Some important points to consider:

   1. exposure to imidacloprid was via pollen patties.
   - question: how much in-hive pollen do foragers eat?
      2. strong effects of imidacloprid on colony survival over winter were
   shown (their Figure 9,), but
   3. effects on other endpoints were not significant.

As a result of point 3 above, supporters of continued neonic use will quote
this article as showing no ill effects of neonics on bees.

Those wishing to support a more scientifically complete viewpoint will need
to draw attention to points 1 and especially 2.

The study is freely available at
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0118748


Clement Kent
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