In a third and now the newest study to be released this month, pesticide use is now more closely associated to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). It has been speculated for more than a year that neonicotinoid pesticides including the pesticide imidacloprid are at the root of the Honey Bee disappearances and hive deaths.
In this the latest study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health author Alex Lu states “There is no question that neonicotinoids put a huge stress on the survival of honey bees in the environment. The evidence is clear that imidacloprid is likely the culprit for Colony Collapse Disorder via a very unique mechanism that has not been reported until our study”. The study highlights that a dose as low as twenty parts per billion of imidacloprid in corn syrup (supplementary bee food) can cause colony collapse. Bees also come into contact with the pesticides while foraging for nectar and pollen in the field.
Neonicotinoids are used locally in the commercial production of sunflowers, cotton, corn, grains, potatoes, tomatoes, rice, and other crops. Neonicotinoid Pesticides are also sold over the counter to home gardeners and growers.
Neonicotinoid Neurotoxins are trade named: Actara, Platinum, Helix, Cruiser, Adage, Meridian, Centric, Flagship, Poncho, Titan, Clutch, Belay, Arena, Confidor, Merit, Admire, Ledgend, Pravado, Encore, Goucho, Premise, Assail, Intruder, Adjust and Calypso
