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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-08-07, Page 1110 Lakeshore Advance • Wednesday, August 7, 2013 . Ag science n keeping up with )Pollinators at risk from neonicotinoid- coated seed Gerard Creces WI Agency They are essential to both plant and hutnan life, but agricultural pesticides are anything but a birds and bees rotnance with local beekeepers. Neonicotinoids - neonics for short - are a group of pesticides commonly used as seed coatings for corn and soy- beans. While the Ontario government is studying the full effects of the pesticide, other governments around the world are calling for moratoriums - even out- right banning, as is the case with the European Union in 2014. However, in Canada, the use is still common and while it is heavily impli- cated in the deaths of many bees, there are other variables at play that also need to be studied to come up with a com- plete picture. Still, the correlation between neonics and bee deaths is too large to ignore. "They are the worst offenders," said Bill Ferguson of Ferguson Apiaries west of Hensall• During planting season the Fergusons lost all their field bees when corn was planted this year, representing about one-third of their population. "There is enough poison on one ker- nel of corn to kill 80,000 bees, he added. "It only takes three nanograms of poi- son to kill one bee." Air planters, which use air to distrib- ute seeds in the soil, require seeds to be lubricated in some way to work prop- erly. Talc is a common lubricator, and when dust mixed with insecticide is vented through the planter's exhaust, the neonicotinoids, and other pesti- cides, become airborne. For Ferguson, two years of bee losses have rnade all the difference between being passive about the situation and seriously concerned. "This stuff is an environmental disas- ter worldwide," Ferguson said, noting mass bee deaths in the United States and United Kingdom. "I wasn't an alarmist until a year ago." Entomologist with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Tracey Baute, said there are practices within the Ag industry that can be taken to mitigate the amount of stray pesti- cides. However, it requires many differ- ent players to accomplish. But before any large change in the industry itself, she said science need to be there to back it up. An outright ban on one substance may not necessarily be the best or only answer. "Science will help ensure the risks are actually reduced," said Baute. "If some decisions are made in the absence of science problems do occur, and you're left scratching your head. "That's been the big problem, without being present in the field in every situation where kills are taking place, we can't document Arbortech/Taylor Professional Tree Care Inc. Within this past year Arbortech Professional Tree Care and Taylor Tree Service became one company. 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A working group has been struck to determine what the best way forward is for farmers and bee populations, and Baute noted a study commissioned in the spring of this year is due back with recommendations this October. While it is too early for an outright ban, Octo- ber's recommendations can at least get some best practices in place. Manufacturing exhaust modifica- tions on planters is a part solution, she noted. By installing a deflector on the exhaust, the lubricant and insecticide would he forced back down to the ground, with less risk of becoming airborne. Seed associations can look at using non -treated seed as well. Baute said the biggest part is to try and reduce produc- tion of seriously contaminated dust that could be coming out of the planter. For Ferguson and other beekeepers, the situation is urgent. Not only are the initial kills affecting bee crops, he said, but secondary con- tamination has lasting effects on hives as well. Bee larva exposed to non -lethal doses of the pesticide cause develop- ment problems in the hive. When they finally go into the field, many are una- ble to find their way back. Every year there is a delay, he said populations will continue to drop - and the ripples will last long after the imple- mentation of any neonicotinoid pesti- cide ban. "At this point," he said. "Even if they totally quit using it, you would still see sub -lethal effects for the next few years." Baute is well aware of the urgency. "I personally didn't feel comfortable with another year of this taking place at the field level," she explained. "Time is not on our side. We don't want those instances to keep occurring. "It's a very emotional situation too. For beekeepers, this is their livestock they are seeing dying off." Integrated Pest Management involves a site-specific approach to controlling unwanted insects. Uniform use of pesti- cides on all planted seeds may be needed in specific areas, but unneces- sary elsewhere. While Baute said growers do not want to have a large impact on bee WEST COAST KITCHENS -- And Much More • Kitchens • CustomVanities • Entertainment Units • Home Offices Linda Reaunu Dc%Igner "' Visit Our Showroom 50 West St. Goderich 519.440.0352 www. westcoastk lichen. net Email: westcoastklt@hurontel.on.ca t lfnoes t11O Agency Bill Ferguson of Ferguson Apiaries lost all his field bees this year after corn planting. populations, they also don't want to lose much in the way of productivity. Health Canada outlines some planting practices that can reduce bee kills, including not planting in windy or very dry conditions, controlling flowering weeds in fields to minimize the attraction to bees, proper loading and cleaning of plant- ers and planting pollinator -friendly areas of alfalfa or clover well away from active fields. Meanwhile, beekeepers will continue to wait, watch and press for science and technology to catch up to what's hap- pening in nature. Gerard Crum OMI kern, Beehives at Ferguson Apiaries are holding steady this year after an early kill during planting season. Bee deaths were significantly higher In 2012.