Pan-European baseline of chemical, nutritional and pathogen stressors for bees
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In 2019, PoshBee partners undertook a field survey across 8 European countries (CH, DE, EE, ES, IE, IT, SE, UK) to assess the exposure of bees to multiple stressors (chemical products, pathogens, and nutritional deficiency). Honey bees, bumble bees and mason bees were deployed on oilseed rape fields and apple orchards (128 sites in total). For each site, the agricultural practices, environmental parameters and landscape features were assessed.
High levels of pesticide residues were found in bees and bee products. Nearly all beebread samples contained at least one pesticide, mostly fungicides. Approximately half of nectar samples were contaminated with pesticides, fungicides being often identified. More than two thirds of beeswax contained at least one pesticide. Potassium, magnesium and aluminium were quantified at high concentrations in honeybees and in beebread from the three bee species. The main pathogens (viruses, microsporidia, and bacteria) were detected in honey bees. In contrast, only few of them were detected in bumble bees and mason bees. In terms of nutrition, protein content in beebread did not vary at country and species level. In contrast, there was a high variation of lipid content at country and species level.
As a result, we recommend that:
• Scientists: Assess several types of stressors at multiple developmental stages and matrices when investigating pollinator health.
• Beekeepers: Thoroughly examine colonies for early detection of diseases to reduce damage on honeybee populations.
• Farmers: Pollinator health is also important for you. Adjust your plant protection strategy to reduce pesticide use.
See summary in English.
PoshBee: Pan-european assessment, monitoring, and mitigation Of Stressors on the Health of BEEs
Ongoing | 2018-2023
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- United Kingdom