> Has there been any research on GMO seeds, and what they do to our industry 
> bees seeing how wild ones reject them?

As Peter pointed out, we discussed this study here on BEE-L earlier and some 
had a closer look at the study, itself and not just the abstract.  After 
some balanced consideration, we concluded that this study does not prove, or 
even suggest that the bees "reject them".  That would require another, 
different study.

What this study did was compare *cropping systems*, not cultivars.  To 
quote: "Pollination deficit ...and bee abundance were measured in organic, 
conventional, and herbicide-resistant, genetically modified (GM) canola 
fields".

Previously, some people, perhaps reading too quickly or with an agenda, 
concluded that the study somehow compared the cultivars, however, that would 
require making other things equal, and the other things not being equal were 
precisely what this study was trying to evaluate.

When we looked at this study carefully, the confusion became apparent, and, 
as I recall, someone communicated with one of the people involved.  Our 
conclusion was that, although this is an interesting study, and something to 
ponder, that the take home message is not so much about the cultivars in 
question, but the entire management surrounding each.  That is not news to 
beekeepers.  We have big problems with monoculture and sprays of all sorts.

FWIW, it seems from closer reading and rumination of the facts, that the 
likely cause of differing bee levels of wild bee activity in the crops 
examined were likely due to 1.) the amount of attractive weed in the crops, 
2.) the surrounding environment (wild areas, weeds, etc.) 3.) the levels of 
chemical use before, during, and after the crop and, 4.)  the cropping 
history of the land.  Also, remember that these hybrids are designed to be 
sprayed in early stages, before flowering, so any weeds, or volunteer 
non-hybrid canola that might be training bees to the crop area or sustaining 
them would be gone.

I live and work around these canola crops, and I can testify that, even if 
the non-organic crops are not sprayed for pests during bloom, they may be 
right after, and if that occurs, then the pilots often take a run down the 
margins, as well, to empty the tanks, sell more spray, and get rid of any 
pests that might be in the fencelines or adjoining crop. The effect of that 
on wild insects living in the area lasts a year or more, particularly where 
the insects do not forage far.  In other words, anywhere near a non-organic 
crop is not an easy place for wild species to build or maintain populations.

As for whether the hybrids are any more or less attractive than other 
domestic varieties, we have little or no useful info.  We know that 
attractiveness varies even within samples of the same cultivar after 
undergoing selection, but do not know if the differences are significant.

From my own experience, I can assure anyone concerned that honeybees are 
attracted to and pollinate *any* canola, GMO or not and seem to thrive on 
the nectar and pollens. 

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