>There has been a lot of speculation that the recent 2 year suspension of 3 neonicotinoids will lead to a reduction in the acerage of Oil seed rape/canola planted - so paradoxically the ban may become a driver to reduce colony numbers in Europe.

I see no reason why the ban should affect the acreage planted.  Rape has been grown profitably for many years and long before neonicotinoids arrived - in fact there are records of it being grown in the 16th century apparently!  What has changed to prevent a return to the previous regime?

This year it is absolutely everywhere around here.

Best wishes

Peter 
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W

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