A report from INRA http://www.inra.fr/presse/interaction_pathogene_insecticide_affecte_sante_abeilles The results show that the interplay between Nosema and imidacloprid at concentrations encountered naturally by bees, induces a mortality rate of energy and stress were significantly higher than each agent alone. While Nosema and imidacloprid alone have no effect, their combination results in a significant reduction in the production of glucose oxidase. This suggests the long-term, more immediate effects of these two agents on bee mortality, increased sensitivity of the hive to pathogens due to the decrease of antiseptic products. Reference : Alaux C., Brunet JL, Dussaubat C., MONDET F., Tchamitchan S., Cousin M., Brillard J., A. Baldy, Belzunces LP, Le Conte Y. Interaction between a Nosema microspores and neonicotinoid Weaken Honeybees (Apis mellifera) Environmental Microbiology , (2009) doi: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2009.02123.x Bil Harley *********************************************** 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