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Science/nature/environment

More good news: bee deaths 'not' caused by pesticides

(11 Posts)
Bags Sat 09-Feb-13 10:07:21

It seems that bees are dying in areas where the suspected pesticides are not used. So we still have to find out what the problem is, but at least one possible cause has been eleiminated.

Bags Sat 09-Feb-13 10:07:33

eliminated

j08 Sat 09-Feb-13 10:09:53

I haven't read the link yet but I thought they knew it was some kind of bug that was doing the most damage.

Will read link after porridge.

vampirequeen Sat 09-Feb-13 10:14:16

It's good that they've proved it's not pesticides. Last I heard they were also looking at it being some sort of virus.

JessM Sat 09-Feb-13 10:27:51

Am somewhat sceptical about the pronouncements of the manufacturer.
Journalists write these headlines but a fairer headline would be "Manufacturer disputes EFSA's conclusions"

j08 Sat 09-Feb-13 10:52:40

Chemicals can't do them any good though. I say go for belt and braces.

annodomini Sat 09-Feb-13 10:55:25

the varroa virus spread by mites is established as the main eradicator of honeybees throughout the world. Those of us who have been to New Zealand know how worried they are there about the possibility of its spreading to their honey producing bees - where would their manuka honey industry be then?

j08 Sat 09-Feb-13 10:56:46

Where would any of us be without bees?

Elegran Sat 09-Feb-13 11:10:07

Very hungry. Most pollination of food crops is done by bees. No pollination, no fruit, no cereal crop. No food.

j08 Sat 09-Feb-13 11:13:17

Yes. That is what I meant.

Bags Sat 09-Feb-13 11:16:48

So am I, jess, but what they have claimed is very easily tested. So people who are sceptical of the claims can go and test. Simple. #howscienceworks