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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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From:
randy oliver <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 3 Nov 2015 06:38:26 -0800
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In another thread there was a discussion on ranking pesticide residues in
combs by level.
Stan was completely correct that they should be ranked by level x toxicity
in order to determine actual risk.

However, *is* also useful to rank them by prevalence.  If they are not
normally present at detectable levels, then they would be unlikely to be
having a widespread effect.

The most *prevalent* pesticide found in combs (other than beekeeper-applied
miticides) is the organophosphate chlorpyrifos, another neurostimulant.
There is strong evidence that it can be harmful to humans.

The Associated Press reported over the weekend that EPA was considering
revoking the registration of this very popular insecticide.  The article
stated that U.S. farms apply 6 million lbs of chlorpyrifos a year, about
25% of it in California (that works out to nearly an ounce of the pure
active ingredient per California resident per year).  CDPR has been pushing
for years to reduce the amounts of cholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides
applied in the State (the biological effect of these pesticides is similar
to that of neonics, but with a different mechanism of action).

A revocation of chlorpyrifos would cause a major shift in insecticide use
across the country.  I suspect that it would result in greatly increased
application of neonics and pyrethroids applied foliarly.

Some recent studies have compared the effects of sublethal doses of neonics
or chlorpyrifos on bees.  As I recall, there was usually a greater negative
effect observed for the neonics tested.  It will remain to be seen whether
further restriction of organophosphates in order to minimize risk to humans
will result in greater risk to pollinators.

-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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