Tracey Baute, Field Crop Entomologist and Paul Kozak, Provincial Apiarist, OMAF and MRA The issue of what is impacting honey bee health in Ontario is complex and multifaceted. There are still many unknowns and research is underway to try and address some of those factors. While there are many theories being promoted in the public forum about what may be…
bee kills
Field crop stakeholders across the province are expressing a desire to be proactive in protecting pollinators from the risks associated with neonicotinoid seed insecticides. Assessments to date point to fugitive dust (drift of neonicotinoid contaminated dust from vacuum planters) as the likely cause of spring bee deaths. Fortunately, there are significant advancements being made in this area: “fluency” powder to…
Written by: Tracey Baute – Field Crop Entomologist and Greg Stewart – Corn Specialist, Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Ministry of Rural Affairs A high level of concern was raised last spring regarding bee kills and corn planting. Many growers are asking what actions they can take to help reduce the risk of bee kills this spring during planting….