Bob Harrison wrote:

>> The application rates for neonicotinoid insecticides are *much
lower* than older, traditionally used insecticides.
>
>The above statement has little to do with the issue but I am sure
impressed the uninformed person.

Nicely put, Bob. I emphasized the words *much lower* because this is a
very strong selling point for imidacloprid. It is much safer for the
*people* exposed to the insecticide. Especially attractive to
applicators is pre-treated seed, since they don't have to handle the
chemicals at all.

I understand that as a beekeeper you are focused on the potential
damage to bees, but all insecticides present a risk to bees. One also
has to weigh the risk to the applicators, to non-target organisms and
to consumers. If Gaucho-treated corn and sunflowers are toxic to bees,
maybe beekeepers need to keep their bees away from them. Not every
location is a "good location".

-- 
Peter L. Borst
Danby, NY  USA
42.35, -76.50
http://picasaweb.google.com/peterlborst

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