>"Problems can not be caused by pesticides & fungicides because we are not > seeing the proof to support the hypothesis. " > > The truth is the science will not confirm for sure that today's pesticides > & fungicides by their selves or in combination are the source of reported > bee > problems in certain areas or exonerate the pesticides & fungicides. > Bob, I've heard a lot of presentations of late, and read a lot of research papers. I can't think of a single scientist, even those in the employ of pesticide companies, who does not understand that pesticides hurt bees (OK, Paul may be the exception). Indeed, most researchers strongly suspect pesticide and miticide effects are causing problems. We have had considerable discussion on the List about whether seed treatment of corn and sunflowers with imidacloprid or clothianidin has been the cause of CCD (although I can never tell if you believe that CCD exists or not). To date, there is virtually no evidence to support that hypothesis. Please note, in those discussions we were speaking of seed treatment only, by only two pesticides, on only two crops, and whether it resulted in massive colony collapses. That said, there are clearly other pesticide issues, especially with fungicides, and likely with neonics under certain circumstances. Recent yet to be published research suggests that exposure to some pesticides can effect transgenerational epigenetic immune function. I suspect that this may become a hot topic. Bob, I feel that it does a disservice to the research community to paint the scientists with the broad black or white brushstrokes that you express. Randy Oliver *********************************************** 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 Access BEE-L directly at: http://community.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-LSOFTDONATIONS.exe?A0=BEE-L