Preliminary semi-field study on the effect of the neonicotinoid containing seed dressings to honeybees as pollinator in sunflower

Abstract

The key of the success of the neonicotinoid-type insecticides is that they have the greatest affinity to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of the insect central nervous system. They block them irreversibly, eventually, they cause the destruction of pests insects. Ultimately, they affect the healthy functioning of ecosystems: their effect also can be extended to plant visitor pollinators – bees, butterflies, hoverflies, etc. –, causing poisoning-, health- and behaviour-changing symptoms. In 2013, we investigated the effect of the residues of a neonicotinoid seed treatment of sunflower's among semi-field conditions More than 19 000 died individuals were collected during the measurements. On the basis of the results it can be stated that the literature known symptoms required about two weeks to appear on bees. The result have underlined the relevancy of our examinations to interrelation of beekeeping and modern crop systems.