http://news.ufl.edu/2009/10/29/bee-toxins/ UF research examines how common pesticide mixes may affect bee die-offs Filed under Environment <http://news.ufl.edu/research/environment/>, Research <http://news.ufl.edu/research/> on Thursday, October 29, 2009. GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Since reports of widespread bee die-offs began to surface in October 2006, researchers have investigated possible reasons ranging from hive-infecting mites to cell phone-tower radiation. They have yet to pinpoint the cause of colony collapse disorder — most likely, because there isn’t just one, say University of Florida <http://www.ufl.edu/>researchers. The mysterious die-offs are likely a result of an accumulation of factors, which might include chemicals found in and around the hives, they say. Led by UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences<http://www.ifas.ufl.edu/>bee specialist Jamie Ellis <http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/honeybee/Dr%20Ellis%20page.html>, the researchers have finished a first round of testing on bee larvae exposed to the pesticides most commonly found in bee hives. The work gives crucial insight to how the larvae react to these pesticides, which are usually only tested on adult bees. More importantly, the work sets the stage for the researchers to test how the bees react to combinations of these pesticides. Just like mixing the wrong medications can have deadly and unpredictable results in humans, chemical mixes pose a quandary for the bee industry. Bees are commonly exposed to multiple pesticides that are either applied to or nearby their hives. -- Juanse Barros J. APIZUR S.A. Carrera 695 Gorbea - CHILE +56-45-271693 08-3613310 http://apiaraucania.blogspot.com/ [log in to unmask] *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Access BEE-L directly at: http://community.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-LSOFTDONATIONS.exe?A0=BEE-L