Decisive action from the Government is required on the dangers
of pesticides for pollinators 22 October 2012 Biologists at the
University of London that carried out a detailed field study
into bumblebees have exposed to two commonly used agricultural
insecticides, including the neonicotinoid imidacloprid.
According to the researchers at Royal Holloway, University of
London, exposure to a combination of the two pesticides
increases the likelihood of colonies failing . The researchers
sought to mimic what happens in a real-life setting, where
different crops are sprayed with different pesticides at
different dosages and times. The scientists have outlined how
the experiment was exceptionally long and detailed – monitoring
the bees for four weeks, rather than the 96 hours required by
current guidelines. Today also marks the closing date of the
Government’s consultation on the UK’s National Action Plan (NAP)
for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides . The Soil Association has
submitted a response which outlines the f