Bumble bees still being harmed by pesticides
A five-year study conducted at 106 sites in eight European countries revealed that the use of approved pesticides in European agricultural landscapes still negatively affects non-target organisms, such as bees. This significantly reduces the colony performance of bumble bees: a key wild and commercial pollinator. The study, published in the journal Nature, said sustainability goals are needed to reduce pesticide use and risk.
Professor Mark Brown from Royal Holloway said: “The scale of this work provides a step-change in our understanding of the impact of agrochemicals on pollinator health, but we need to act now. A strong, and governmentally supported move towards integrated pest management in agricultural systems across the globe, resulting in a reduction in pesticide use, would dramatically improve the health of wild pollinators, and broader biodiversity.”
Image: Getty/Nigel Harris
