Pesticides, Pathogen May Be Killing Bees

[jpak]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nat-gen/2007/jun/15/061509903.html

LEWISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Scientists investigating a mysterious ailment that has killed many of the nation's honeybees are concentrating on pesticides and microorganisms as possible causes of the disorder, and some beekeepers are refusing to place their hives near chemically treated fields.

Scientists from Penn State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are leading the research into the disease, which has killed tens of thousands of bee colonies in at least 35 states.

The die-off has threatened the livelihood of commercial beekeepers and strained fruit growers and other farmers who rely on bees to pollinate more than 90 flowering crops, including apples, nuts and citrus trees.

After months of study, researchers cannot tie the ailment to any single factor. But scientists are focused on a new, unnamed pathogen found in dead bees, and on the role of pesticides, said Maryann Frazier, a senior extension associate in the university's entomology department.

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[Dover]

1. The Ag Dept. and the major Ag Schools in this country DEPEND on the chemical companies

for their bread and butter. So any research and testing from that quarter will have to serve
these companies or face getting their own food chain cut off.

[kestrel91316]

3. Well, maybe if taxpayers would step up to the plate and fund universities

this wouldn't be an issue.

Oh, wait, they ALREADY DO.

WTF have YOU been smoking? And since when does source of funding determine the outcome of research? it sure didn't when my boss in the microbiology lab was researching early Aquatech water filters. He frequently got results that showed there was room for improvement in their products.

Are you saying that ALL university researchers are bald-faced liars? 'Cause it sure as hell sounds like it.

Here's what I think of your attitude: :puke:

[Dover]

4. If testing results 'displeased' the supporting chem companies

and there was pressure put on them to change their findings or get funds cut off, then yes I think that is problematic.

If you think companies don't provide major research and other funding to universities then perhaps you might do a little research yourself on the matter.

[depakid]

2. "some beekeepers are refusing to place their hives near chemically treated fields."

Now there's an EXCELLENT market based solution.

Hope it catches on.

Actually, I think full disclosure should be mandated at the each stage of the process- from farm to supermarket. Everyone has a right to know what poisons are being applied to their food- as well as the harms (costs) that accrue to their water supplies, health care, and ecosystems.