Acaricide, fungicide and drug interactions in honey bees (Apis mellifera).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chemical analysis shows that honey bees (Apis mellifera) and hive products contain many pesticides derived from various sources. The most abundant pesticides are acaricides applied by beekeepers to control Varroa destructor. Beekeepers also apply antimicrobial drugs to control bacterial and microsporidial diseases. Fungicides may enter the hive when applied to nearby flowering crops. Acaricides, antimicrobial drugs and fungicides are not highly toxic to bees alone, but in combination there is potential for heightened toxicity due to interactive effects.

Methodology/principal findings

Laboratory bioassays based on mortality rates in adult worker bees demonstrated interactive effects among acaricides, as well as between acaricides and antimicrobial drugs and between

SUBMITTER: Johnson RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3558502 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature