In a message dated 5/3/2012 2:46:20 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

We're  still hoping that those with access to research databases will 
cough up  some references on the question.
 
Its been over 30 years since I ran across this.  I don't remember who  did 
the work, and my University doesn't have any of the old bee journals - they  
all got moved to Helena.  I took this observation at face value,  memory 
loss would have messed up the work I was doing for EPA at the  time.
 
That said, our PERS work has shown that many chemicals induce memory  loss 
in bees.  But, I wouldn't want to use them for this  purpose.  Screw up and 
you've dead bees.  That actually could  be a benefit with respect to some 
pesticides.  If the returning bees  can't convey where they were when they 
contacted the chemical, they can't  communicate the dangerous location. 
 
Keep in mind, many pesticides are neurotoxins, NOT just the neonics.   When 
you affect the nervous system, you can get short term, transitory  
responses; longer term responses which include behavioral changes, and  obviously 
too much kills bees.
 
Just the fumes from malathion will induce bees to sting.  Try a few  drops 
on a cotton ball, see what happens.
 
You could always try alcohol - bees get drunk just like people, get a  real 
buzz so to speak.  They also apparently sober up.  Too much  kills them.  
Joking of course about using alcohol, not about the  effects.
 
Caffeine stimulates learning, but too much makes them jittery.  
 
I've a Fulbright Scholar coming from India in mid-May.  Maybe I  can get 
her to test some non-toxic chemicals, look at this issue.  
 
Jerry
 
 
 Peter Borst has the best library access for old work that I  know.  Sorry

             ***********************************************
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