Hi Allen and Everyone,
Imidacloprid as a seed treatment in the formulation "Gaucho" was recently approved for use here in the USA on corn ( maize).  It may have been used on a few acres here this spring but is being advertized heavily on the radio here in MN this fall and will be much more widely planted next spring from all indications.  How can a farmer not like the prospect of season long insect control with no applications needed " all you have to do is ask for it. " ( the treated seed that is from the ad ).  I am interested in this due to some losses that at least one beekeeper here in MN has experienced this summer which were different than what he has had in the past but many other factors are also possible causes at this time.  I have learned from the French research that the material is present in the pollen of corn ( maize ) in high enough concentrations to cause problems.

At present beekeepers here in the USA should keep a watch on their colonies this coming summer for signs of problems developing during or right after corn pollen shed in their area.  At present EPA only requires acute toxicity testing which is done in the laboratory in cages.  This of course does not access the actual problems in the field very well and appears to have lead to the situation in France where thier pesticide regulatory body has or had a similar requirement.


FWIW

blane


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Blane White
MN Dept of Agriculture
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