Study uncovers new link between neonicotinoid pesticide exposure and bumblebee decline

(Worcester Polytechnic Institute) Adding to evidence that pesticide use may be abetting the decline of bumblebee, a new study reveals that daily consumption of even small doses of neonicotinoids reduces the survival of queen and male bees, which are critical to the viability of wild populations. The study also found that exposure to neonicotinoids alters the expression of many bee genes, suggesting that the chemicals may be having a greater impact on wild bee populations than previously thought.

Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - October 17, 2018 Category: Biology Source Type: news