>How do you figure the widespread prophylactic use of neonicotinoids is > "targeted pest control"? > Seed treatment is definitely "targeted," but certainly not integrated pest management. I'm currently discussing with Dr Christian Krupke when neonic seed treatment would be economically justified in integrated pest management. Unfortunately, if the seed companies don't give back the $15-18 dollars per acre that the treatment costs, then there is no economic justification to not apply it, unless there are other negative consequences, such as damage to earthworms. But to continue to treat all seed with any single insecticide year after year is just plain stupid. Such unnecessary overuse not only contaminates the environment, but will rapidly lead to resistant pests, and thus shorten the effective economic life of that particular insecticide. The seed companies are doing a disservice to both the farmers and the environment by not making this clear to the growers, and providing cheaper untreated seed. Dr Cynthia Scott-Dupree suggests that growers go back to treating their own seed, so that they can withhold the insecticide when field sampling of pest levels does not indicate that it would be of benefit. This is all about grower education and market choices. Obviously, the seed companies aren't helping. I'm glad that the PMRA is recognizing the problem. -- Randy Oliver Grass Valley, CA www.ScientificBeekeeping.com *********************************************** 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