Mites and insecticides prove killer combo for honey bees
Since 1985, the total number of bees in Switzerland has fallen by a quarter.
Keystone-sda-ats Ag Switzerland
Swiss researchers have shed light on the whys behind the rapid decline of the honey bee with a study focused on the combined effect of two key stressors.
The researchers treated workers in honey bee colonies with two selected insecticides (neonicotinoids). These had no influence on the weight and longevity of the bees, according to a statement by the University of Bern on Tuesday.
However, as soon as the Varroa mite entered the mix, a harmful interaction of the two factors could be demonstrated.
The researchers have published their results in Scientific ReportsExternal link, the open access platform of the scientific journal Nature.
Winter bees particularly affected
Winter bees, which are born in autumn to ensure the survival of the colony over the coldest months, were particularly hard hit,
The negative “combined effect” not only led to a shorter lifespan of the winter bee workers, but also took a toll on body size. Body size is crucial to how well winter bees can defend their body temperature against the cold.
The researchers are therefore calling for sustainable solutions in agriculture.
“Reduced use of insecticides and improved control of the Varroa mite are urgently needed,” says Lars Straub, lead author and post-doctoral fellow at the Institute for Bee Health.
The western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is by far the most important human pollinator. In recent years there have been high losses of honey bee colonies worldwide.
Is artificial intelligence an advantage or a disadvantage for workers?
What is your experience with AI at work? Have you already used it? Has it helped you work better? Or has it caused you more stress, more work or caused you to lose your job? Tell us about your experiences!
Swiss price watchdog slams excessive prices for generic medicines
This content was published on
The cheapest generic medicines available in Switzerland are more than twice as expensive as in other countries, according to a study by the Swiss price watchdog.
Nature should not figure in net zero calculations: academic study
This content was published on
The natural removal of CO2 from the atmosphere by forests or oceans should not be included in the net-zero balance of climate protection measures, argue researchers.
This content was published on
None of the 15 major Swiss retail banks is meeting international climate and biodiversity targets, according to a ranking by WWF Switzerland.
This content was published on
Nestlé's new CEO Laurent Freixe, has presented plans for the future of the world's largest food company, after his first few weeks in office.
Swiss foreign minister calls on Moscow to end Ukraine war
This content was published on
It's high time Moscow ended its war against Ukraine, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis tells the UN Security Council.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
The endangered insects that we never see
This content was published on
Can the decline of insects in Switzerland be halted? The first national day of the insect is calling on politicians and public to act.
Different hives make sticky situations for beekeepers
This content was published on
A different type of hive has made beekeeping more attractive to people who haven’t looked after bees before. But there are still some essential things beekeepers need to know.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.