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Date: | Thu, 12 Oct 1995 09:42:00 -0700 |
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Gerard Worrell kindly forwarded the note about bees being used to
disperse nuclear polyhedrosis virus of corn earworm, but was concerned
about the public relations problem of honey from such "pesticide
contaminated" bees and hives.
I'd consider wisely-aimed insect viruses as a pest management tool that
could reduce "traditional" pesticide use, and the bee kill and other
problems they may cause. I don't know if any of the virus (or talc
carrier) ends up in honey.. I'd guess extremely little or none, but even
if it were detectable, I think exposure through such honey to these
viruses would have no significance to non-insects.
The bees are obviously closer to any potential problem (the product
mixing with pollen, etc). I would expect that (and other non-target
exposure) would have to be well addressed, but again, the virus used is
probably of no significance to bees. That's what the assessment prior to
pesticide registration addresses.
It might require some public education effort.
Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
1201 103 Ave
Dawson Creek B.C.
V1G 4J2 CANADA Tel (604) 784-2225 fax (604) 784-2299
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