>
> > Is it absolutely essential for the grower to use this at the time the
> bees are in the almond orchard, or is the fact that it is described by the
> manufacturer as "Bee-safe" causing the growers to adopt a "better safe than
> sorry" approach to managing their fungus problems, and are assuming that
> there is no danger to the bees or consequence for the beekeeper?
>
Peter, nothing is "absolutely essential." Everything is about economics
and risk management. Growers save money by minimizing sprays, making up
tank mixes, and spraying during the day. Many beekeepers in the US follow
similar methods.
>
> > Are the adjuvants used as tank mixes to facilitate chlorothalonil
> fungicide effectiveness of concern to the almonds beekeeper pollinators?
>
Emphatic yes!
>
> > Are any subsequent short or long term apiary management problems being
> attributed by almond pollinators to the growers use of these chemicals?
>
Many of us see some "hit" to the colony, or entombed pollen afterwards, but
is generally accepted as part of the contract. The only beekeepers that I
know of who complain strongly about chems in almonds are the Calif queen
producers, and then only with concern to a couple of fungicides.
>
> >If this is a problem, and bearing in mind that view may only be supported
> by anecdotal evidence rather than peer -reviewed science, is there any
> alternative? In other words, if the beekeepers were experiencing problems
> as a consequence, would it be possible for the growers to adopt some other
> course of action to resolve their orchard problem?
>
Of course! U.C. Davis has done, and continues to perform, research on
alternative fungicides. But economics, inertia, and fear of losing crop
slow the adoption of such practices. Peter, I'm surprised that there is
any need for fungicides in West or South Australia--not needed in Calif
unless there is considerable rain on the bloom.
>
> >At this stage it appears to me that the burden rests on the beekeepers
> shoulders, who may have no other recourse than to replace a substantial
> number of brood combs in order to eliminate the influence of these
> chemicals.
Peter, I've pollinated almonds for over 25 years. I've not noticed
long-term problems due to such contamination. Colonies generally come out
of almonds in great shape, and thrive afterwards.
I'm not supporting needless spraying--far to the contrary. But the
fungicides are not a great concern to most almond pollinators. Note that
the California package bee industry raises those bees in the almonds each
year.
--
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com
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