Gerard Worrell kindly forwarded the note about bees being used to disperse nuclear polyhedrosis virus of corn earworm, but was concerned about the public relations problem of honey from such "pesticide contaminated" bees and hives. I'd consider wisely-aimed insect viruses as a pest management tool that could reduce "traditional" pesticide use, and the bee kill and other problems they may cause. I don't know if any of the virus (or talc carrier) ends up in honey.. I'd guess extremely little or none, but even if it were detectable, I think exposure through such honey to these viruses would have no significance to non-insects. The bees are obviously closer to any potential problem (the product mixing with pollen, etc). I would expect that (and other non-target exposure) would have to be well addressed, but again, the virus used is probably of no significance to bees. That's what the assessment prior to pesticide registration addresses. It might require some public education effort. Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist B.C. Ministry of Agriculture 1201 103 Ave Dawson Creek B.C. V1G 4J2 CANADA Tel (604) 784-2225 fax (604) 784-2299 INTERNET [log in to unmask]