NEWS RELEASEUNIVERSITY OF GUELPH*************************Pesticides that have been marketed as “safe for honeybees” can still cause harm to wild ground-nesting bees, finds new research from the University of Guelph. The study is one of the first to test the impacts of such insecticides and fungicides on wild solitary bees. This could have implications for squash bee populations and the crops they pollinate, including squash and pumpkin (cucurbits), and the broader array of animals and plants they interact with. However, this designation may overlook the risks posed to ground-nesting bees, which have different exposure routes, the researchers say. Unlike honeybees, many wild bee species spend a significant part of their lives underground.”Combining pesticides increases riskThe study also highlights the risks of pesticides when they’re combined, says Raine.

Source: The Guardian May 20, 2024 05:01 UTC