No effect of low-level chronic neonicotinoid exposure on bumblebee learning and fecundity.

ABSTRACT: In recent years, many pollinators have declined in abundance and diversity worldwide, presenting a potential threat to agricultural productivity, biodiversity and the functioning of natural ecosystems. One of the most debated factors proposed to be contributing to pollinator declines is exposure to pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, a widely used class of systemic insecticide. Also, newly emerging parasites and diseases, thought to be spread via contact with managed honeybees, may pose threats to other pollinators such as bumblebees. Compared to honeybees, bumblebees could be particularly vulnerable to the effects of stressors due to their smaller and more short-lived colonies. Here, we studied the effect of field-realistic, chronic clothianidin exposure and inoculation with the para

SUBMITTER: Piiroinen S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4806594 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature