Hi.
In France "imidaclopride", a systemic insecticide, is used to cover seeds
of cultures such as sunflower, corn, beetroot, and some others, under the
trade name GAUCHO, manufactured and sold by BAYER Cie. Beekeepers suspect
it to be the cause of decreases in honey production, losses and mortalities
of bees, and so on. After some studies last year, the results of which are
controversial, in january the french minister of agriculture interrupted
the use of Gaucho on sunflower only .
I would like to know if such a problem is encountered in other countries
where imidaclopride is used, and what are the actions engaged by beekeepers.
Thanks.