Published in 1962, ‘Silent Spring’ called attention to collateral damage from widespread use of synthetic pesticides. Many problems the book anticipated persist today in new forms.
A female squash bee.
Charles Melton/Alamy Stock Photo
Wild bees pollinate trees and shrubs that feed and shelter wildlife, provide flood control, prevent soil erosion and help regulate the climate.
Workers spray pesticides on strawberry fields. Most of the studies that examine the effects of pesticides are funded by the chemical’s producer.
(Shutterstock)
Most studies on the use of pesticides are funded by those that produce the chemicals but only independent research can inform us about the best agricultural practices.
Plant-based foods, including fruits and vegetables, will be more popular this year.
Sydney Rae/Unsplash
US farmers are planting more and more acres with seeds coated with neonicotinoid pesticides. An ecologist explains why this approach is overkill and may be doing more harm than good.
Australian bees have so far avoided the ‘colony collapse’ devastating hives around the world, but there’s growing pressure for a ban on certain insecticides blamed for bee deaths.
Here’s how to take the sting out of these harmful pesticides.
Two papers published today report that neonicotinoids have negative effects on honey bees and wild bees in realistic field experiments.
from www.shutterstock.com
Phil Lester, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Two large-scale studies confirm that neonicotinoid pesticides can harm bees. But the effects vary widely in different countries, suggesting that calls for a world ban would be premature.
Gardening in Australia requires, to varying degrees depending where in the country you are, pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers.
from shutterstock.com
When working with garden chemicals, always make sure you are wearing gloves. Apply sprays and dusts downwind and wear goggles if necessary. Always follow the directions.
After the pesticides we spray, who will be left flying?
John Severns
The UK government is prepared to accept funding for studies on the risks of pesticides to bees and other pollinators from the manufacturers of the chemicals in question. Not surprisingly, this raises uncomfortable…
Bees still in a sticky situation, despite the neonicotinoid ban.
P7r7
The controversial ban on neonicotinoid insecticides comes into effect across the EU this weekend. Neonicotinoids, or neonics, are powerful neurotoxins, killing insects with minute doses and impairing their…
Bees are dying, but scientists and beekeepers are at loggerheads over what to do about it.
Nick Ansell/PA
The EU banned the use of neonicotinoid pesticides for two years in April, after a sustained campaign by beekeepers, green groups and environmental organisations across Europe. These groups are convinced…