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Seed coating with a neonicotinoid insecticide negatively affects wild bees
Maj Rundlöf1, Georg K S Andersson2, Riccardo Bommarco3
1Lund University, Department of Biology, 223 62 Lund, Sweden.
Nature
|April 23, 2015
Summary
Insecticide seed coatings harm wild bees, reducing their populations and nesting. This study highlights potential underestimation of pesticide risks to wild bees in agricultural settings.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Bees are vital pollinators for ecosystems and agriculture.
- Neonicotinoid insecticides are suspected to harm bees, leading to EU restrictions.
- Previous studies often used artificial feeding, questioning real-world impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of insecticide seed coatings on wild bees in agricultural landscapes.
- To assess the impact of Elado (clothianidin + β-cyfluthrin) seed coating on oilseed rape.
Main Methods:
- Field study using replicated and matched agricultural landscapes.
- Application of Elado insecticide seed coating to oilseed rape.
- Monitoring of wild bee density, solitary bee nesting, and bumblebee colony parameters.
Main Results:
- Elado seed coating significantly reduced wild bee density.
- Solitary bee nesting and bumblebee colony growth and reproduction were negatively impacted.
- Honeybee colonies showed no significant response, indicating differential effects.
Conclusions:
- Insecticide seed coatings pose substantial risks to wild bees in agricultural environments.
- The contribution of pesticides to wild bee decline may be underestimated.
- Pesticide effects observed in honeybees may not be directly applicable to wild bees.
