Effect on honey bees of 2,4-D

Abstract

After aerial application of sodium 2,4-D superphosphate to control ragwort several hundred hives in the Rotorua-Taupo area suffered serious adult bee mortality resulting in much-reduced honey crops. In an experimental application the 2,4-D mixture caused distress and an average mortality of over 20 per cent in field bees, although no adverse effect was observed in the apiary from which they came. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.