Pesticides and Honey Bees: The Danger of Microencapsulated Formulations

Abstract

Microcapsules designed to improve the safety and persistence of pesticides are about the same size as pollen. Foraging bees collect pollen contaminated with such microcapsules and pack both together into hive combs. Sustained release formulations remain toxic in food stores of the colony. This combination of accumulation and persistence produces prolonged toxicity for bee colonies. © 1979, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.