Minimizing Pesticide Risk to Bees in Cross Pollinated Crops
D.N. Kambrekar*
Dept. of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka (580 005), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Cross pollinated crops, Honeybees, Pesticides, Risk
Abstract
Bees are essential for pollination of many fruit crops. Bees and other pollinators can be harmed by some pesticides used to manage insects, mites and diseases in cross pollinated crops. Growers can reduce pesticide risk to bees through these approaches: Develop and implement a pollination contract with your beekeeper. Use integrated pest management (IPM) to reduce the need for sprays. Avoid pesticide sprays during crop bloom. Apply pesticides after sunset or before sunrise, or when air temperature is below 50 °F. Select the least toxic pesticides and formulations when possible. Reduce drift onto areas outside crop fields. Remove lowering weeds from crops. Provide bee-friendly habitat away from crops.
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Reference
EPA resources for pollinator protection: www2.epa.gov/ pollinator-protection.
Louisa, H., Sagili, R., Johansen, E., 2013. How to reduce bee poisoning from pesticides. Pacific Northwest Extension Publication PNW 591. https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/files/project/pdf/pnw591.pdf.
Keith, S.D., Mayer, D.F., 2000. Crop Pollination by Bees. CABI Publishing. p. 344.