A new paper published in the journal Nature has some surprising results. 

we show that pollen collected by honey bee foragers in
maize- and soybean-dominated landscapes is contaminated throughout the growing season with multiple agricultural pesticides, including the neonicotinoids used as seed treatments.
Notably, however, the highest levels of contamination in pollen are pyrethroid insecticides targeting mosquitoes and other nuisance pests. Furthermore, pollen from crop plants represents only a tiny fraction of the total diversity of pollen resources used by honey bees in these landscapes, with the principle sources of pollen originating from non-cultivated plants.




Not sure I would call it surprising.   (I do need to read the paper yet)  but it matches what has been seen in most Midwest and AG areas.

Myself have been tested every year for pollen and wax,  find pesticides a non issue,  but fungicides levels have spiked several times.  Azoxystrobin was last years bogey,  with huge levels found. Didn't help samples were taken  during a period of wet weather for beans.  (also during corn pollen exposure)


The data is out there.  Amy Toth last year had a decent report on it,  unfortunately  she has no plans for follow up.

Charles

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