In the UK the regulatory authorities have investigated the issue of insecticidal dust at planting and do not seem to believe that there is a problem: http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/guidance/industries/pesticides/topics/reducing-environmental-impact/wildlife/honeybees-and-seed-treatments ... and to head off any problem it is now a requirement (farmers must follow the 'label' requirements) to vent the exhaust from planters directly onto or into the soil to avoid generating airborne dusts. http://www.bayercropscience.co.uk/about-us/Stewardship-Food-and-environment/stewardship/seed-treatment-stewardship/ Haven't the regulatory authorities in other countries also required that change? If not, why not? However the internet and, sorry to say, the UK mainstream press is still full of hype on the topic. Here is one that claims that one third of US colonies die each year and that there is now an explanation for CCD: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2116263/Honeybee-deaths-Mystery-solved-scientists-link-corn-insecticide.html Gavin *********************************************** 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
