I agree wholly with Randy.  Lab bees in cages don't have the same  dynamics 
as whole populations of bees.  I too worry that calls for bans may  
actually force us to abandon the better environmental choice.
 
Treated seed, in a factory, greatly reduces the amount of chemical used,  
available to the environment.
 
I do have concerns when systemic pesticides are trenched in to soils,  
sprayed from planes, AND ADDED to drip irrigation systems.  I think   that 
mixing multiple pesticides (fungicides, pesticides) in a tank, disregarding  
chemistry and product manufacturer has the potential for unknown and potentially 
 hazardous impacts to the pollination system (direct effects on bees, 
indirect  effects via the plant, etc.)
 
I've just reviewed a major paper that shows no effects of one of the hot  
button pesticides under field conditions - the bees simply did not show   any 
significant exposure.
 
Jerry

             ***********************************************
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

Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at:
http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm