The Oregonian covered a story from the New York Times today that covered a couple of studies about the effects of pesticides called neonicotinoids and bees. One study from French researchers showed that the pesticides fogged the bees' brains, making it harder for them to find their way home. Does disappearing sound familiar?
Another study from Britain showed the pesticides made it difficult for bumblebees to bring home enough food for their queen.
Bayer, the maker of the pesticide, predictably stated that we don't know what causes colony collapse disorder or other bee problems.
The article stated that there are other factors, such as mites and habitat loss.
It is interesting to think about when governments decide that the evidence has accumulated enough for them to make a decision about the effects of pesticides.
John S
PDX OR
Michael Phillips, in his book which is practically a Bible for organic growers, to his credit (and in my recollection) was not big on nicotine products for use in the orchard. I am not sure how many people use them. Phillips correctly raised the issue that organic growers should maybe think less about whether a product was "natural" (like nicotine?) or whether it was "synthetic" and look more on how destructive the materials are to the environment and how the products break down after their use. Some synthetic products are actually good for the orchard. He points out that most organic growers drive a tractor which burns up fossil fuels and would not give up their tractors.
In other words, this guru of organic apple production thinks maybe in some cases we shouldn't just accept a product because it is "natural" and/or reject it, per se, because it is synthetic.
I will re-check this book when I get a chance but I think that's what he was saying and I definitely think it is a concept worth considering.
I agree. What are footies made of? Plastic? Not natural, but the effect they have on the plants is the key issue. They do kind of mimic the hairs that peaches, quince, fuzzy kiwi and some other fruits have to deter bugs. Or they are like the outer peel that an avocado, orange, etc. has.
John S
PDX OR
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