Our test was in the laboratory by applying a specific amount of the material in solvent to a a vial. We role the vial on a hot dog machine to dry. Leaving a thin film on the inside surface of the vials. Then we introduced a number of  bees. We addd sugar cubes for feeding bees. Then we took reading for dead bees after 4 hrs, and 24 hrs. We had control using solvent without any chemicals. We have control with no treatment.we tested several concentrations to calculate the LD 50. We did the same thing for varroa mites but we added bee pupae for feeding during the mites. This is a straight text book procedure for testing contact toxicity of a product. In another set we applied a specific concentration in a specific volume of the  pesticide  using a micro- applicator to bees and mites. We counted dead and alive after 24 hrs to determine also the LD50. Our study objectives was screening miticides to know what works safely against varroa but not bees. It was not to determine safety for bees in the field.

The label will have instructions on how and when to apply the product to avoid or reduce bee exposure in the field and reduce bee mortality. We encourage all applicators to respect the label and follow instructions.

I hope that helps.

Medhat  Nasr

Edmonton Alberta Canada

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 13, 2018, at 9:24 AM, Floyd Cope <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Thank you Medhat, your reply is much appreciated. I would like to get a
> clarification on Abamectin (Agri-Mek 2SC). On the label it states "This
> product is highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment on blooming
> crops or weeds." I interrupt that as the bee must take a direct hit from the
> spray. Did your lab test confirm this or is there an amount of time after
> spraying that Abamectin would still be harmful to the bees? I'm working on
> my 2019 spray schedule and want the best treatment for my berries plus the
> best treatment for my bees, and that balance can be difficult to achieve.
> Cheers
>
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