Green Beat

A new study published in Science highlights the alarming risks pesticides pose to ground-nesting bees, vital for pollination and food production.

- Lisa Guy

Wild pollinators in danger: new research exposes pesticides' threat to ground-nesting bees

Led by Dr Sabrina Rondeau at the University of Ottawa, the research reveals that current pesticide risk assessments overlook wild bees' unique vulnerabilities.

Findings show more than 70 per cent of wild bee species face significant risks from pesticide residues in soil. Pesticides such as cyantraniliprole reduce survival and reproduction of queen bumble bees. Squash bees exposed to insecticide-fungicide mixes experience disrupted behaviour and lower offspring production.

The study calls for a reassessment of pesticide safety standards to protect wild pollinators. Dr Rondeau warns, “Protecting wild pollinators requires rethinking pesticide regulations urgently. It's crucial for safeguarding both our food systems and biodiversity.”

Source: Science