Greetings all Fruit producers (apples & pears) in South Africa have, for the first time this year, sprayed Penncap-M (microencapsulated methyl parathion) on their crops. Which has resulted in quite a bit of bee mortality, and quite a furore. Looking through the literature I have found that much the same occurred in the USA (and Australia?) in the early 1980's, but there is not much reported since the mid-1980's. Can anyone help me with any of the following questions? (1) Is Penncap-M still used in the USA, Europe, Australia - and on what crops? (2) What are the spray conditions (pertaining to bees) for its use? (3) Are there still honeybee losses due to Penncap-M? Many thanks Mike Allsopp Stellenbosch, South Africa Mike Allsopp tel (27)(21) 887-4690 Honeybee Research Section fax (27)(21) 883-3285 Plant Protection Research Institute pmail plant3/vredma Agricultural Research Council email [log in to unmask] P/Bag X5017 Stellenbosch 7599 South Africa