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Pesticides and Honey Bee Colony Collapse Disorder

Pesticides and Honey Bee Colony Collapse Disorder

1 of Publication30th Year

Volume XXX, Number 9/10, September/October 2008 and

By William Quarles Garvey Keatley Kathy of courtesy Photo

bout one-third of all the food we eat requires animal polli- A nation, and most of our fruits, , and nuts are pol- linated by . Due to increased development, pesticides, and habi- tat destruction, native bees that pollinated many of our crops are in decline (Buchmann and Nabhan 1996). Crop production in the U.S. has shifted to large monocultures, pollinated almost entirely by com- mercially managed colonies of the , Apis mellifera. Large transport thousands of bee colonies long distances to pro- vide crop throughout the U.S. (USHR 2007; 2008; NAS 2007). Large numbers of bees are needed for pollination, and available colonies are overworked. About half University of California, Davis researcher and Michael “Kim” the honey bees in the U.S. are Fondrk is shown tending bees in the Roy Gill orchard, Dixon, needed just to pollinate the 650,000 California. The boxes are beehives, and more than a million of these acre (263,000 ha) California almond colonies are needed to pollinate California . crop. Honey bees are trucked like migrant workers into California for and Calderone 2000; Losey and This 45% reduction in honey bee the almond crop, then to Washing- Vaughn 2006). colonies has been a slow decline ton and Oregon for apples, to marked at points by disaster. for citrus, and into the Disasters include widespread honey Northeast for blueberries. In transit, Decline of the Honey Bee bee deaths due to pesticides, mites, bees are fed poor diets of corn Despite our dependence on honey diseases, and recently, colony col- syrup and soy proteins. Pollination bees, we have lost about 45% of lapse disorder (see below). of diverse crops at a large number them over the past 60 years. of locations increases exposure to According to the USDA, there were pesticides, mites, and diseases 5.9 million colonies in 1947 and (Delaplane and Mayer 2000; USHR about 2.4 million today. However, In This Issue 2007; Cannell 2008; Covina 2007). since 1985, beekeepers with fewer Honey bee pollination is big busi- than five colonies have not been ness, and its crop value has been counted. This change results in an Honey Bee Collapse 1 estimated at $14.6 billion. If the undercount of about 0.86 million ESA Report 11 value of animals fed on forage crops colonies each year. So we have are added to the estimate, honey about 3.3 million colonies today, Calendar 12 bee pollination is worth about $19 and have lost at least 45% of our billion each year (NAS 2007; Morse bees (NAS 2007). 2 Update

The first round of major losses mites. Exposure to these pesticides The IPM Practitioner is published six times was due to the careless use of pes- depresses bee immune systems and per year by the Bio-Integral Resource ticides, development, loss of forage, makes them even more susceptible Center (BIRC), a non-profit corporation undertaking research and education in inte- and other factors. Honey bee to varroa transmitted pathogens grated pest management. colonies declined from 5.9 million (Desneux et al. 2007; Morse 1975). Managing Editor William Quarles in 1947 to 4.1 million in 1972—a The mite- combination has Contributing Editors Sheila Daar loss of about 30%. This first crisis caused a drop from 4.2 million Tanya Drlik was mentioned by Rachel Carson in honey bee colonies in 1981 to 2.4 Laurie Swiadon Silent Spring (NAS 2007; Carson million colonies in 2005. This is a Editor-at-Large Joel Grossman 1962). In California alone, pesti- decline of about 43% using raw Business Manager Jennifer Bates cides killed about one million bee USDA data. When this figure is cor- Artist Diane Kuhn colonies between 1966 and 1979. rected for a change in USDA count- Large numbers of bees were killed ing methodology in 1985, the esti- For media kits or other advertising informa- by organochlorine, carbamate, mate of colony losses due to pesti- tion, contact Bill Quarles at 510/524-2567, [email protected]. pyrethroid, and organophosphate cides and mites is 22% (NAS 2007). pesticides. In the 1970s, farmers Advisory Board George Bird, Michigan State Univ.; Sterling adjusted application methods to Pesticide Resistance Bunnell, M.D., Berkeley, CA ; Momei Chen, help protect bees. Efforts were Pesticide treatments were effective Jepson Herbarium, Univ. Calif., Berkeley; made to restrict pesticide applica- for a time, but varroa mites are now Sharon Collman, Coop Extn., Wash. State tions while crops are in bloom, and Univ.; Sheila Daar, Daar & Associates, resistant to both fluvalinate and Berkeley, CA; Walter Ebeling, UCLA, Emer.; during times when honey bees are coumaphos. Replacement pesti- Steve Frantz, Global Environmental Options, actively foraging. However, residual cides, including biocontrol fungi Longmeadow, MA; Linda Gilkeson, Canadian pesticides have undoubtedly kept Ministry of Envir., Victoria, BC; Joseph have been studied, but have not Hancock, Univ. Calif, Berkeley; Helga bees under stress (NAS 2007; been widely adopted. Many experts Olkowski, William Olkowski, Birc Founders; Atkins 1992; Johansen 1977; Morse believe that IPM management, George Poinar, Oregon State University, 1975). Corvallis, OR; Ramesh Chandra Saxena, including resistant queens may be ICIPE, Nairobi, Kenya; Ruth Troetschler, PTF necessary in the future (Baxter et Press, Los Altos, CA; J.C. van Lenteren, Mites and Pesticides al. 1998; Delaplane et al. 2006; Agricultural University Wageningen, The Netherlands. Disaster struck again in the Oliver 2007; Elzen and Westervelt 2002; NAS 2007). Manuscripts 1990s. The weakened bees were The IPMP welcomes accounts of IPM for any attacked starting in 1984 by the Other stresses contributing to pest situation. Write for details on format for trachael mite, Acarapis woodi, and U.S. honey bee decline include manuscripts or email us, [email protected]. by the “vampire mite” Varroa invasion of Africanized bees in Citations destructor in 1987. Tracheal mites 1990, pathogens such as Nosema The material here is protected by copyright, and Paenibacillus larvae, and pests and may not be reproduced in any form, interfere with bee respiration. either written, electronic or otherwise without Varroa mites are lethal to a colony such as the small hive , written permission from BIRC. Contact because they interfere with repro- Aethina tumida, and the wax moth, William Quarles at 510/524-2567 for proper Galleria melonella (NAS 2007; publication credits and acknowledgement. duction and carry pathogens that infect and destroy the bees. Bee lar- Quarles 1994). Subscriptions/Memberships vae and pupae are parasitized, and A subscription to the IPMP is one of the bene- fits of membership in BIRC. We also answer those that live to become adults are Massive Losses of Bees pest management questions for our members weakened. They are starved, show- In the last ten years, we have and help them search for information. Memberships are $60/yr (institutions/ ing low weight, low serum proteins, seen large, dramatic losses of honey libraries/businesses); $35/yr (individuals). severe wing deformations, and bees both in the U.S. and else- Canadian subscribers add $15 postage. All reduced longevity. Varroa infesta- other foreign subscribers add $25 airmail where. Massive honey bee deaths postage. A Dual membership, which includes tions are fatal to a colony within six have been seen in France, a combined subscription to both the IPMP months if untreated, and honey bee Germany, Belgium, and the UK. and the Common Sense Quarterly, costs $85/yr (institutions); $55/yr colony losses of 30-80% were seen Problems were first noticed in (individuals). Government purchase orders in some states in 1995-1996 (NAS France in 1994. Beekeepers there accepted. Donations to BIRC are tax- 2007; Sammataro et al. 2000; blamed the sudden deaths on deductible. FEI# 94-2554036. Benjamin and McCallum 2008). Gaucho®, a new systemic pesticide The mites were bad, the reaction with the active ingredient imidaclo- Change of Address also bad. Beekeepers treated mite When writing to request a change of address, prid. Gaucho was used to protect please send a copy of a recent address label. infestations with pesticides intro- sunflower seeds against pests. © 2008 BIRC, PO Box 7414, Berkeley, CA duced directly into the hive. First, Treated seeds grow into sunflowers 94707; (510) 524-2567; FAX (510) 524-1758. the pyrethroid tau-fluvalinate containing in flowers All rights reserved. ISSN #0738-968X (Apistan®), then the organophos- (8 ppb), (3 ppb) and nectar phate coumaphos (CheckMite®) (1.9 ppb). Perhaps coincidentally, were used to control the parasitic the French honey bee population

IPM Practitioner, XXX(9/10) September/October 2008 2 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 3 Update

started to crash as the treated sun- flowers began to bloom and nectar Garvey Keatley Kathy of courtesy Photo began to flow. The manufacturer denied that there was any relation- ship between seed treatments and deaths of the bees (Bonmatin et al. 2005; Schmuck et al. 2001). Bees in France had definitely been exposed to pesticides. One study used traps to collect pollen samples at 125 widely separated colonies throughout the country. They analyzed for 36 different pesti- cides and found residues of 19, including , imidacloprid, car- baryl, aldicarb, cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos and others. Pesticides found in largest concentrations were coumaphos and tau-fluvali- nate—the chemicals used to treat varroa mite infestations. The most A honey bee is headed toward an almond blossom. Honey bee frequent residues found were imida- pollination is essential for the California almond crop. cloprid (49.4%), imidacloprid metabolites (44.4%), and fipronil (12.4%). Imidacloprid or its Baden-Wurttemberg were killed. 2006-2007. Another 36% were lost metabolites were found in 69% of The problem was traced to the during the winter of 2007-2008. the samples. Pollen was contami- application of the systemic pesti- Some of the loss was due to over- nated with 1-5 pesticides. The con- cides and imidacloprid wintering stress, but many colonies tamination was seasonal only with to seeds. According to the manufac- that died showed a strange, new fipronil, with fipronil maxima in turer, farmers applied these pesti- behavior. Entomologists studying March and April (Chauzat et al. cides without using the adhesives these large losses called the phe- 2006). recommended to keep the pesticides nomenon colony collapse disorder localized to seeds. Germany banned (CCD) (USHR 2007; 2008) French Pesticide Ban the use of these pesticides for seed Pressure from the French bee- treatment after this incident (ENS Colony Collapse Disorder keeping industry led to a ban on 2008; EPA 2008). Colony collapse disorder (CCD) the use of imidacloprid on sunflow- was first noticed in November of ers and corn, but honey bees con- Large Losses in the U.S. 2006, although it may have started tinued to die. Finally, in 2004 Large losses have also been seen about two years earlier. Normally, France also banned the pesticide in the U.S. According to a National a large number of bee colonies, per- Regent®, which has the active Academy of Science report (NAS haps 15-25%, die due to overwin- ingredient fipronil. According to tering stress, including starvation. 2007), “During the winter of 1995- Schacker (2008), the bees started to During the winter of 2006-2007, 1996, northern U.S. beekeepers recover in 2005 and even larger some operations lost experienced their largest losses in numbers were seen in 2006. 30-90% of their colonies, and aver- history; in some states, 30 to 80% There is no doubt that these age overall losses of about 33% potent new pesticides can kill bees of colonies were lost. Similar losses were about 10-15% larger than if bees are exposed. Just 3.7 bil- were observed in the winters of usual (USHR 2007; Bee 2007; lionths of a gram of imidacloprid 2000-2001 and 2004-2005. Data on Henderson et al. 2007). will likely kill a bee (oral LD50= 3.7 colony losses are derived from Adult bees were not dying in to 81 ng/bee). Another pesticide, informal surveys of beekeepers, and their hives or near their hives, they fipronil, is also potent with an oral the exact causes of colony deaths simply disappeared. They left and LD50 of 3.7 to 6 ng/bee. For com- have not been established.” Possible never came back. Beekeepers in parison, the oral LD50 of cyperme- causes were a combination of pesti- Pennsylvania with CCD lost an thrin is 160 ng/bee and for the cides, mites, and pathogens (NAS average of 75% of their colonies in organophosphate dimethoate 152 2007). 2006, while those free of CCD lost ng/bee (Colin et al. 2004; Schmuck Even larger losses have been seen about 25% (Bee 2007). Losses from et al. 2001; Suchail et al. 2001ab). in the last two years. About 33% of CCD also occurred in the winter of In May of 2008, about 50% of the managed honey bee colonies in 2007-2008, when about 36% of all honey bees in the German state of the U.S. were lost in the winter of bee colonies were lost (USHR 2008).

IPM Practitioner, XXX(9/10) September/October 2008 3 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 4 Update

Symptoms of CCD include: colonies are moved from state to were imported from Australia. •Foraging adult bees leave the state, colonies are sometimes Increased expense has forced many hive and do not return. counted more than once. beekeepers out of business, and •Decline is rapid, and the colony Furthermore, health of honey bee has driven a steady downward goes from a large, strong colony colonies is not monitored, and bees trend in the number of colonies. with no signs of mite infestation to are not systematically checked for The overall loss of 45% of our bees a dead one within a couple of exposure to pesticides and since 1947 has occurred despite months. pathogens (NAS 2007). constant colony replacements (NAS •No dead bees are found in, or Most of the information about 2007). near the hive. CCD has been obtained from case At the same time that honey bee •Adult bees left in the hive show studies of individual beekeepers, by numbers are decreasing, planted signs of a depressed immune sys- online surveys completed by bee- acreage requiring pollination has tem. keepers (625 of them), and by sur- increased. Increasing need plus •Queen and apparently healthy veys conducted by trade magazines. decreased supply has resulted in brood remain in the hive. •Nearby bees wait weeks before they enter the hive to remove food. Garvey Keatley Kathy of courtesy Photo •Predators such as the or the wax moth also delay entry. •When a dead hive is placed on top of a healthy one, so that the healthy bees are forced to occupy the hive, those bees also disappear (USHR 2007; 2008; USDA 2008; Hayes 2007). Extent of the Problem According to an online National Bee Survey through June of 2007, CCD is widespread throughout the country, and has been reported in at least 35 states. Both large com- mercial beekeepers that transport Closeup of a hive suffering from colony collapse disorder. Note that their bees from state to state and brood is present, but that adult bees have disappeared. small non-migratory beekeepers are reporting the problem (USHR 2007). Both large and small beekeepers This information is not comprehen- higher prices for pollination. In are reporting severe losses, but sive and may not reflect the total 2007, the average rental cost for a operations with 1,000-10,000 extent of the problem. Though com- bee colony for almond pollination colonies are reporting extreme loss- prehensive data is not available, it was $150, about double what it was es more often. These are beekeepers is clear that very large numbers of the year before (USHR 2007). that focus on migratory crop polli- bees are dying in the U.S. (Bee nation. Their bees are exposed to 2007). Effect of the Season transportation stress, and are more Most of the massive bee kills in likely to encounter pesticides (Bee Colony Replacement the U.S. are occurring during over- 2007). If we had not replaced them, we wintering. This is not too surprising would have lost 55% of our honey due to the basic biology of the Is it Real? bee colonies over the last two years. honey bee. Honey bees live in Hard data about honey bees is Fortunately, colonies are replaced perennial colonies, but the nature hard to get. The USDA counts the in the spring either by ordering of the colony changes with the sea- number of honey producing “package bees” from suppliers or by sons (see Box A Honey Bee Biology). colonies every year. However, this splitting existing colonies and Queens live 1-3 years, worker bees estimate is somewhat unreliable adding new queens. All the replace- live about 6 weeks in the summer because colonies used only for polli- ment activity is expensive, and the and 6 months during the fall and nation are not counted. Starting in numbers of U.S. bees are limited. In winter. Large numbers of foragers 1985, beekeepers that maintain 2005, U.S. beekeepers were forced collect nectar and pollen during the fewer than five colonies have not to import bees for the first time summer. Foraging kills a lot of been included in the count. Since since 1922. Over 100,000 colonies them, and colony numbers drop in

IPM Practitioner, XXX(9/10) September/October 2008 4 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 5 Update the fall. A smaller colony overwin- According to an online survey of tion that seems to implicate pesti- ters, then queens start laying eggs 625 beekeepers, most of them do cides is that organic beekeepers do in late December, and the colony not feed their overwintering bees. not seem to have CCD (Schacker starts to expand in January But providing food does not stop 2008). (Winston 1987; Langstroth 1923; CCD. When colonies are fed sucrose Bees can come into contact with Morse 1975). syrup, about half these colonies still pesticides when foraging or when Adult winter bees are old bees, get CCD. Feeding of this sort does the hive is treated with pesticides to and are physiologically different not stop ingestion of stored pollen kill mites. Foragers can collect con- from summer bees. Because of their and exposures to pesticides in wax taminated pollen and nectar and relatively long lifetime, winter bees and (see below) (Bee bring it back to the hive. Some of have had more time to be exposed 2007). the nectar and pollen is mixed to pesticides and pathogens. Winter together with enzymes to form bee bees are often more susceptible to What is Causing CCD? bread. In the hive bees evaporate pesticides. This may be because water from nectar to produce The exact cause of CCD has not they have greater fat deposits, honey. Any pesticide in the nectar yet been determined. A CCD task allowing pesticides to accumulate. is concentrated at least 4x in the force has been established, and a For instance, winter bees are 4x honey, which is stored for later use. number of possibilities are being more sensitive to the chronic lethal So bees can be exposed both in the investigated (USDA 2008). effects of imidacloprid than are field and in the hive (Bonmatin et Pathogens are known to kill honey summer bees. Cold temperatures al. 2005; Kievits 2007). bees, and pathogens are being also make pyrethroids and investigated as a cause of CCD. organophosphates more toxic to Many of the colonies are infected Pesticides in the Hive bees (Decourtye et al. 2003; with Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus Despite the importance of honey Johansen 1975; Belzunces et al. (IAPV). However, this virus is bees, colony health and pesticide 2001b). believed to be a marker, not a exposure has not been systemati- In Northern states, overwintering cause. Also, this pathogen does not cally monitored, and EPA registra- bees must cluster for warmth, and fit the specifics of the disorder. Bees tion of a pesticide does not require eat massive amounts of stored dying from pathogens are thrown a measurement of sublethal effects honey. Consumption ranges from out of the hive by housekeeping on honey bees (NAS 2007). Pesticide 30-80 lbs (13.6-36.3 kg) per hive bees, and dead bees accumulate in contamination of bees is only now (Farrar 1952). Clustering bees front of the hive. Certainly mites being systematically studied. Re- rarely defecate, so any pesticide will kill bees, but again deaths from searchers at Penn State University residue in the honey could build up mites are well characterized. CCD analyzed bees, pollen, and wax in their bodies (Morse 1975; colonies start out healthy and mite honey combs for pesticide residues Langstroth 1923). They are exposed free. Surviving bees do not show in 2008. Some of the samples came all winter to any pesticides in the mite infestations (USHR 2007; from CCD colonies, others came honeycomb from mite treatments. Schacker 2008). from colonies that showed no symp- Unprecedented amounts of fluvali- toms. All of the bees tested were nate, up to 400 ppm, have been Pesticides as a Cause of carrying at least one pesticide. A found in CCD hives (USHR 2008). total of 108 pollen samples showed Winter colonies are also smaller, CCD residues of 56 pesticides and typically 10,000 workers versus The surviving bees are showing metabolites. Each pollen sample 40,000 workers found in the sum- signs of stress. Pesticides and other averaged 6 pesticides, and one sam- mer. Since there are fewer bees in chemicals are known to kill bees ple showed 31. In 88 wax samples, the winter, loss of smaller numbers and depress their immune systems residues of 22 pesticides and can lead to colony collapse (Morse (Morse 1975; Desneux et al. 2007). metabolites were found. The miti- 1975; Winston 1987). Many currently used pesticides cides coumaphos and fluvalinate Because of the problems of over- such as imidacloprid, clothianidin, were found in all wax samples. This wintering in cold climates, many fipronil, chlorpyrifos and others are diverse contamination opens the beekeepers transport their bees to extremely toxic to bees. Pesticides question of synergism. Mixtures of warmer climates to overwinter. can also exert sublethal effects that pesticides are known to be more These colonies are allowed to forage include disorientation and loss of toxic to bees than individual prod- and are sometimes fed corn syrup short term memory that may pre- ucts. Some fungicides, for instance, or sucrose solutions. Even these vent bees from returning to the are known to increase the toxic pampered bees are still exposed to hive. So pesticide exposure and effects of (Johansen any toxins or pathogens present in pesticide contamination of the hive 1977; Atkins 1992; PA 2008; USHR the hive, and CCD was actually first could explain most of the symptoms 2008; Pilling and Jepson 1993; observed in colonies transported of CCD (USHR 2007; Decourtye et Schmuck et al. 2003). from Pennsylvania to overwinter in al. 2003; Suchail et al. 2001ab; According to David Mendes, Vice Florida (USHR 2007). Chauzat et al. 2006). One observa- President of the American Bee-

IPM Practitioner, XXX(9/10) September/October 2008 5 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 6 Update

Box A. Biology of the Honey Bee

A beehive is dynamic, with rapid the egg membrane slowly dissolves, supers, brood in the lower ones. population turnover, especially in the revealing the larva. Larvae are fed by Honey laden frames can be removed, summer. A summer hive has typically nurse bees a combination of glandu- uncapped with a knife, and honey is 40-45% of its population as eggs, lar- lar secretions and honey over the first removed with a centrifuge. Frames vae and pupae. About 55-60% are four days, and larvae molt daily. Food are reused for years (Langstroth adult workers that live about 6 is often just dumped into the cell and 1923; Winston 1987). weeks, spending their first 3 weeks larvae are exposed to the food by con- working in the hive, and then 3 tact and ingestion. Larvae are fed Age and Work weeks foraging. It takes about 3 hundreds of times by nurse bees. Jobs inside the hive are done by weeks for an egg to become an adult, Pollen is fed starting on the 3rd day. young adults, older adults act as so as the foraging population dies, it By the 6th day of the larval stage and guards and foragers. Hive jobs is replaced by hive workers, and hive 9 days after egglaying, the cell is include first cleaning, then acting as workers are replaced by new adults. capped. Over a period of 3-5 days nurses, food processing and comb Every 3 weeks in the summer there is after the cell is capped, larvae stand building. These jobs are age related a new foraging population, and every upright in the cell, defecate and spin because they rely on glandular devel- 6 weeks there is a completely new a cocoon for the pupal stage. The opment. Nurses are about 7-13 days generation of adults (Wilson 2004). pupal stage lasts about 8-9 days, old. Adults start foraging when they Numbers of honey bees in colonies then the pupae molts, becoming an are about 23 days old. Variations are vary by the season. A winter colony adult. The process for development of seen in these ages according to com- has about 10,000 workers, a summer a new worker takes about 21 days plex factors and the needs of the colony 40,000. Foragers feed on nec- (Winston 1987). colony. When there are large colony tar and collect pollen. The pollen is Adults eat honey and pollen. Honey losses, workers start foraging at made into bee bread, which is a com- is obtained from storage or by begging younger ages (Winston 1987). bination of pollen, nectar and and trophallaxis. Lack of pollen and Bees spend very roughly 10-15 enzymes. This is used to feed larvae. protein during the first 10 days of days collecting nectar; 15-20 days Up to 100 kg (220 lbs) of nectar is adult life reduces life span. Some pol- collecting pollen; 30 days eating collected by individual foragers, about lens are more nutritious than others, pollen; about 30 days processing and 50 mg at a time. This is made into but bees must obtain 10 essential storing nectar; and about 10 days about 30 kg (66 lbs) of honey, which amino acids to continue living feeding larvae. So adults are exposed is used as food for overwintering (Winston 1987). to nectar for 45 days, to pollen about (Kievits 2007). 50 days of their adult lives. Finally, The fate of the colony depends on Hives and Swarms there is extensive trophallaxis so that the workers. Workers in the summer food collected by a few bees is distrib- Wild honey bees swarm with a live 15-38 days; spring and fall 30-60 uted throughout a colony within 24 queen looking for a nest. When they days. Winter bees live an average of hours (Winston 1987) find an appropriate space, they start 140 days, but as long as a year. Bees building the waxy honey comb. drink large amounts of water. They Hexagonal cells for worker brood and Foraging Behavior collect water, propolis, which is honey are the same size, cells resinous glue used for construction, Honey bees specialize in their forag- are larger; queens are raised in thim- nectar, which is used to make honey; ing. They tend to collect either nectar ble sized appendages to the comb. and pollen, which is especially used or pollen from a single species of Comb construction takes about 45 to feed developing larvae. Nectar is 5- flowers until the food source is days. Several combs are constructed, 80% sugars, mostly sucrose, fructose depleted. For instance, one study spaced about 0.95 cm (3/8 in) apart. and glucose. Foragers transfer nectar showed 58% of foragers collected only Combs are glued to the nest site with to nurse bees that add enzymes, nectar, 25% only pollen, and 17% bee glue or propolis, which is also reduce the water content to less than both nectar and pollen. Good nectar used to cement cracks, and insulate 18%, then store it in the honey comb producers are maple, milkweed, the nesting cavity (Winston 1987). as a food source for the whole colony. phacelia, sage, thyme, acacia and fig- Domestic beehives are based on the Most of the honey bee nutrition wort. Colonies need 15-30 kg (33-66 Langstroth principle. Wooden frames comes from pollen, which contains lbs) of pollen every year, but may col- containing or plastic hexago- protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and lect up to 55 kg (121 lbs). Colonies nal cell templates are suspended in a steroids (Winston 1987). need 60-80 kg (132-176 lbs) of honey wooden box about 0.95 cm (3/8 in) each year. Workers must make one to Life Stages apart. These boxes are called supers, four million trips a year to manage and they can be stacked vertically. this supply. Relatively few resources Life stages include eggs, larvae, Supers are placed on a wooden foun- are used for scouting. A few scouts pupae and adults. Adults include dation, and the top super has one or find a rich resource, and communi- males (drones), female workers, and a two wooden lids. This simple arrange- cate its location through a dance that queen. The queen starts laying eggs ment makes it easy to move the hives recruits large numbers of foragers in December. Over a period of 3 days around. Honey is produced in the top (Winston 1987)

IPM Practitioner, XXX(9/10) September/October 2008 6 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 7 Update keeping Federation, 18 of his hives were used in the above study. Garvey Keatley Kathy of courtesy Photo Samples of pollen from Florida cit- rus showed high levels of imidaclo- prid and aldicarb. In Massachusetts cranberries, fungicide levels as high as 7000 ppb were found in pollen. Only four hives were still alive 10 months later (USHR 2008). Are Systemic Pesticides Causing CCD? Though many pesticides can stress bees, some U.S. beekeepers believe that CCD is caused by bee exposures to new pesticides, such as imidacloprid (IMD), clothianidin, SusaSusann Cobey, University of California bee breeder and fipronil, and others (USHR 2007). gegene neticist,ticist, is is holding holding a a “frame” “frame” of of healthy healthy bees. bees. Each Each For instance, imidacloprid is used beehbee hiveive contains contains several several of of these these frames. frames. extensively in the U.S. on crops such as blueberries, citrus, cran- through a season, and levels of pes- can lead to concentrations of 13 berries, strawberries, pecans, stone ticides checked on a regular basis. ppb in sunflower pollen (Laurent fruits, , corn, melons, vegeta- If the colony starts to collapse, and and Rathahao 2003). Other experi- bles, forests, ornamentals, and turf. significant pesticide residues are ments show 3.9 ppb in sunflower Some of these are crops commer- found in bee bread and honey, then pollen, 8 ppb in flowers, and 1.9 cially pollinated by bees. According the hypothesis is confirmed. As ppb in nectar. Rape has 4.4 to 7.6 to David Hackenberg, the beekeeper mentioned above, these kinds of ppb in pollen. Corn can have aver- who discovered CCD, “beekeepers experiments are now underway age concentrations of 2.1 ppb in that have been most affected so far (USDA 2008; USHR 2008). pollen and 6.6 ppb in flowers. Some have been close to corn, cotton, We already know that pesticide corn plants show concentrations of soybeans, canola, sunflowers, contamination of bee food can 18 ppb in pollen. Leaves of sugar apples, vine crops, and pumpkins. occur. Bayer researchers fed honey beets can have 15.2 ppm (Fossen So what is it about these crops that bees sugar syrup containing 10 ppb 2006; Bonmatin et al. 2005). Bees are killing the bees?”(USHR 2007). IMD, and the resulting honey con- could ingest IMD in pollen, nectar, Hackenberg’s idea is that foragers tained 5-8 ppb (Schmuck et al. and water. They could be exposed “may bring pollen and nectar back 2001). Wallner et al. (1999) and by contact on flowers and leaves of treated plants. to the hive and store it in their Wallner (2001) exposed honey bees Treated plants metabolize IMD to comb to use later. It is usually sev- to Phacelia tanacetifolia that had eral months later when natural toxic metabolites, and one of them been treated with IMD. Concen- sources of pollen and nectar slow is twice as toxic to bees as IMD. tration in collected nectar ranged down in the field that the bees Chauzat et al. (2006) found IMD from 3-10 ppb, and similar concen- would use this store of pollen and metabolites in 44% of pollen sam- trations were found in bee bread. nectar to raise brood that the symp- ples collected in France. Bayer researchers found that about 15% toms appear....What may finally kill Field Levels of the hive are two things: first, the of IMD in sunflower pollen had loss of most of the adult bees Imidacloprid metabolized (Sur and Stork 2003). because when sick bees leave the Imidacloprid can be applied as a Imidacloprid is used extensively hive to collect food they do not seed treatment, a soil drench, or as in California, and was the 6th most return (disappearing disease) and a foliar spray. According to the commonly used second the remaining young bees in California EPA, where IMD is being (162,254 lbs) according to acreage the hive may have such a weakened used, models suggest expected con- (788,402 acres) in 2005. It is used immune system that normal centrations in surface water of 17 on citrus, almonds, and other crops pathogens found in the hive such ppb, and 2 ppb is expected in pollinated by bees. Large numbers as fungus easily overwhelm them” groundwater. When IMD treated of CCD colonies have been found in (USHR 2007). seeds are planted, seed residue can CA (DPR 2006; Bee 2007; The best way to test this hypothe- be blown offsite by planting equip- Henderson et al. 2007). sis is with nationwide monitoring of ment. Residues on plants near a According to Schacker (2008), bee colonies. A number of migratory crop site can be 14-54 ppb (Fossen colony collapse disorder is not seen colonies should be monitored 2006). Sunflower seed treatments in states such as Nevada where imi-

IPM Practitioner, XXX(9/10) September/October 2008 7 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 8 Update

Box B. Toxicity of Imidacloprid

Exposure to a lethal dose of imida- researchers found no effect on bee to affect bumble bee foraging. After 9 cloprid causes immediate excitation, mortality at feeding concentrations of days of foraging in sunflowers treated including trembling and tumbling. 20 ppb (Schmuck et al. 2001). with IMD, about 10% more bumble After several hours, workers slow Suchail et al. (2001ab) found very bees were lost in the field compared down and become inactive. Death high chronic toxicity for imidacloprid. to bumble bee foragers in untreated occurs 4 to 96 hours after poisoning Half of bees fed sugar solutions of 0.1 fields (Taséi et al. 2001). (Suchail et al. 2001ab; 2003). There to 10 ppb imidacloprid over a 10 day Curé et al. (2001) found that the no is a 100 fold variation in acute toxici- period died. Concentration levels of effect level of imidacloprid in sugar ty according to the kind of bee and imidacloprid similar to this are found syrup was 20 ppb. Kirchner (1999) the season. The LD50 has been meas- in nectar and pollen of plants receiv- found that a dose above 20 ppb, ured at 3.7 ng/bee in bees from the ing IMD seed treatment. The discrep- “causes not only a reduction in the UK, and 40.9 ng/bee for German ancy between the work of Suchail and foraging activity of treated bees, but bees. The acute oral LD50 is some- others may be due to the “large vari- also induces trembling dances that where between 3.7 and >80 ng/bee. ability in effects induced by imidaclo- discourage other worker bees from The LD50 by contact is 81 ng/bee. prid.” Suchail also used a feeding foraging. The waggle dance that com- This large variation in sensitivity solution that contained dimethylsul- municates foraging direction becomes could explain why some colonies die foxide (DMSO) that might have acted less precise.” from CCD and others do not as a synergist. There is known syner- Decourtye et al. (2004) found that (Decourtye et al. 2003; Suchail et al. gism between imidacloprid and fungi- 24 ppb IMD reduced honey bee num- 2001ab; Schmuck et al. 2001). cides, and maybe DMSO is also a bers foraging at a feeder, and reduced Imidacloprid is metabolized by bees synergist. syrup intake by a factor of three. This into toxic metabolites. Bees metabo- concentration also reduced olfactory lize 50 µg/kg (5 ng/bee) acute doses Sublethal Effects learning, which correlates with find- of IMD quickly, the half life is about ing food supplies. Concerns have also been raised 4.5 hrs, and it is completely gone Sublethal doses of 6 ppb may cause about sublethal effects. Various after 24 hours. The toxic metabolites bees to eat less. Colin et al. (2004) experiments have shown that learn- peak about 4 hours after oral inges- found that 6 ppb concentrations of ing in bees can be confounded by tion of IMD. One of these metabolites, IMD did not reduce the number of pesticides. Homing flight durations, an olefin derivative, is twice as toxic foragers at a sugar feeder, but fewer food intake, odor learning, and bee to to bees as IMD. Since death occurs 4- foragers ingested the contaminated bee communication can be affected 96 hours after exposure, mortality syrup. If honey bees have an aversion (Pham-Delegue et al. 2002; Colin et may be due mostly to metabolites to eating their food stores, resulting al. 2001; Bortolotti et al. 2003; (Suchail et al. 2003; 2004). starvation and forced foraging in win- Medrzycki et al. 2003; Colin et al. tertime could manifest as CCD. 2004; Desneux et al. 2007). Con- Chronic Toxicity centrations as low as 6 ppb of IMD Toxicity accumulates, so repeated and 2 ppb of fipronil have caused Synergism feeding of doses lower than the LD50 observed sublethal effects (Colin et al. Toxic, chronic and sublethal is also lethal. Large variations have 2004). thresholds can be lowered by syner- been seen in chronic toxicity (Suchail For instance, doses of deltamethrin gism. Toxic effects of pyrethroids, et al. 2001ab). Decourtye et al. (2004) 27x lower than the LD50 caused 80% such as IMD, and found mortality occurred at imidaclo- of foragers to lose their way back to fungicides are synergistic (Brobyn prid feeding concentrations in the the hive (Colin et al. 2001a). Sub- 2001; Schmuck et al. 2003; USHR range 24-48 ppb after 11 days. Bayer lethal doses of IMD have been shown 2007; Iwasa et al. 2004). dacloprid is not used. This observa- 2001ab) (see Box B). This fact could Other experiments have shown tion, however, does not prove that explain why some colonies get CCD, that mortality starts at feeding lev- imidacloprid causes CCD, because while others in the same area do els between 24-48 ppb (Decourtye those states also have few crops to not (Hayes 2007). Reasonable esti- et al. 2004). Bees probably do not pollinate, and few migratory bees. mates of bee IMD exposure through receive this level of exposure in pollen and nectar in treated fields treated fields. However, other pesti- Can Field Levels of IMD are 3 to 10 ppb (Bonmatin et al. cides and especially fungicides have Harm Bees? 2005; Wallner et al. 1999). Toxicity been shown to lower toxic thresh- Some bees are extremely sensitive is cumulative, and one experiment olds through synergism (Johansen to IMD, and acute toxicity levels showed 50% mortality when bees 1977; Pilling and Jepson 1993; can vary by a factor of 100 were fed 0.1 to 10 ppb IMD for 10 USHR 2007; Schmuck et al. 2003). (Schmuck et al. 2001; Suchail et al. days (Suchail et al. 2001ab). (See Sublethal effects such as reduced Box B.) feeding have been found at levels of

IPM Practitioner, XXX(9/10) September/October 2008 8 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 9 Update

6 ppb. Reduced feeding could lead methods to control mites. These 2006. A survey of pesticide residues in to poor nutrition, which could con- methods are more labor intensive, pollen loads collected by honey bees in France. J. Econ. Entomol. 99(2):253-262. tribute to CCD. Longterm feeding of but pesticide resistance can be Colin, M.E., Y. LeConte and J.P. Vermandere. 4-40 ppb impairs olfactory learning, minimized. 2001. Managing nuclei in -proof tun- which is associated with finding If we do not take better care of nels as an observation tool for foraging food (Decourtye et al. 2001; 2004). our bees, there could be a signifi- bees: sublethal effects of deltamethrin and imidacloprid. In: Belzunces et al., 2001a, Other sublethal effects on foraging cant impact on crop production. pp. 259-268. start at 24 ppb (Kirchner 1999). Some foods could become scarce Colin, M.E., J.M. Bonmatin, I. Moineau, C. Again, pesticide synergism could and expensive. We should also treat Gaimon, S. Brun and J.P. Venmandere. lower the toxic thresholds. our bees better because they are 2004. A method to quantify and analyze Because bees can mix pollen from our friends, they enrich our planet, the foraging activity of honey bees: rele- vance to the sublethal effects induced by treated plants with that from and it is the right thing to do. systemic pesticides. Arch. Environ. untreated plants, exposure depends Contam. Toxicol. 47:387-395. on percent of food obtained from Covina, G. 2007. Nobody home. Terrain treated crops. But bee recruitment 39(2):22-25. William Quarles, Ph.D., is an IPM Curé, G., H.W. Schmidt and R. Schmuck. tends to concentrate foragers from Specialist, Executive Director of the 2001. Results of a comprehensive field the same hive on the same plants Bio-Integral Resource Center research programme with the systemic (see Box A). If migratory bees are (BIRC), and Managing Editor of the insecticide imidacloprid (Gaucho®). In: pollinating a treated crop, much of Belzunces et al., 2001a, pp. 49-59. IPM Practitioner. He can be reached Decourtye, A., M. LeMetayer, H. Pottiau, M. the collected pollen should be con- by email, [email protected]. Tisseur, J.F. Odoux and J.H. Pham- taminated (Bonmatin et al. 2005). Delegue. 2001. Impairment of olfactory The situation is complicated References learning performances in the honey bee because bee exposure varies after long term ingestion of imidacloprid. Atkins, E.L. 1992. Injury to honey bees by poi- In: Belzunces et al., 2001a, pp. 113-117. according to life stage and job soning. In: The Hive and the Honey Bee, Decourtye, A., E. Lacassie and M.-H. Pham- tasks. Despite the complications, rev. ed., J.M. Graham, ed. Dadant and Delegue. 2003. Learning performances of French researchers believe that Sons, Hamilton, IL. 1324 pp. honeybees (Apis mellifera) are differentially concentrations of IMD found in the Baxter, J., F. Eischen, J. Pettis, W.T. Wilson affected by imidacloprid according to the field are large enough to put bees at and H. Shimanuki. 1998. Detection of flu- season. Pest Manag. Sci. 59:269-278. valinate resistant varroa mites in U.S. Decourtye, A., J. Devillers, S. Cluzeau, M. risk (Halm et al. 2006; Rortais et al. honey bees. Am. Bee J. 138:291. Charreton and M.H. Pham-Delegue. 2004. 2005; Bonmatin et al. 2005). Bee. 2007. Online survey by Bee Alert Effects of imidacloprid and deltamethrin Technology. www.oardc.ohio- on associative learning in honey bees state.edu/agnic/bee/ccd.htm under semi-field and laboratory condi- Conclusion Benjamin, A. and B. McCallum. 2008. A World tions. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf. 57:410- Colony collapse disorder is proba- without Bees. Guardian Books, London. 419. bly caused by stress, and pesticides 298 pp. Delaplane, K.S. and D.F. Mayer. 2000. Crop Belzunces, L.P., C. Pélissier and G.B. Lewis, Pollination by Bees. CABI Publishing, are definitely one of those stresses. eds. 2001a. Hazards of Pesticides to Bees. Wallingford, Oxon, UK. 344 pp. Preliminary data suggest that CCD INRA, Paris. 308 pp. Delaplane, K.S., J.D.Ellis and J.A. Berry. hives are contaminated with a Belzunces, L.P., R. Vandame and X. Gu. 2006. Profitability of a varroa IPM system. number of pesticides, including imi- 2001b. Joint effects of pyrethroid insecti- Am. Bee J.146:438 cides and azole fungicides on honey bee Desneux, N., A. Decourtye and J.M. Delpuech. dacloprid. Imidacloprid has pro- thermoregulation. In: Belzunces et al., 2007. The sublethal effects of pesticides on found effects on honey bee mortali- 2001a, pp. 297-298. beneficial arthropods. Annu. Rev. Entomol. ty and behavior. Toxic thresholds Bonmatin, J.M., P.A. Marchand, R. Charvet, I. 52:81-106. are low, and can be lowered further Moineau, E.R. Bengsch and M.E. Colin. DPR (California Department of Pesticide 2005. Quantification of imidacloprid Regulation). 2006. Top 100 pesticides by through synergism with other pesti- uptake in crops. J. Agric. Food acres treated in 2005. CADPR, cides. Bees show a wide range of Chem. 53:5336-5341. Sacramento, CA. www.cdpr.gov sensitivity, and this fact could Bortolotti, L., R. Montanari, J. Marcilino, P. Elzen, P.J. and D. Westervelt. 2002. Detection explain why some colonies collapse, Medrzycki, S. Maini and C. Porrini. 2003. of coumaphos resistance in Varroa Effects of sub-lethal imidacloprid doses on destructor in Florida. Am. Bee J. others do not. Though the evidence the homing rate and foraging activity of 142:291292. is suggestive, it will take a nation- honey bees. Bull. Insectology 56(1):63-67. ENS (Environment News Service). 2008. wide monitoring program to confirm Brobyn, P.J. 2001. Possible synergistic effects German coalition sues Bayer over pesticide or deny the role of pesticides in on honeybees of pyrethroids and fungi- honey bee deaths. www.ens-newswire.com colony collapse disorder. cides: the UK regulatory consideration. In: EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 2008. Belzunces et al., 2001a, pp. 97-111. EPA acts to protect bees. If colony collapse disorder has Buchmann, S.L. and G.P. Nabhan. 1996. The www.epa.gov/pesticides taught us anything, it is to take Forgotten . Island Farrar, C.L. 1952. Ecological studies on over- better care of our bees. The EPA Press/Shearwater Books, Washington, wintered honey bee colonies. J. Econ. should require sublethal toxicity D.C. and Covelo, CA. 243 pp. Entomol. 45(3):445-449. Cannell, E. 2008. A world without bees. Fossen, M. 2006. Environmental fate of imida- tests. Bee colonies should be sys- Pesticides News 81:21-23. cloprid. CA Dept. of Pesticide Regulation, tematically monitored on a regular Carson, R. 1962. Silent Spring. Fawcett, Sacramento, CA. 16 pp. basis for diseases and pesticide Greenwich, CT. 304 pp. Hayes, J. 2007. Florida workshop discusses exposures. Beekeepers should avoid Chauzat, M.P., J.P. Faucon, A.C. Martel, J. colony collapse disorder. Am. Bee J. Lachaize, N. Cougoule and M. Aubert. 147:295-297. toxic miticides and switch to IPM

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Halm, M.P., A. Rortais, G. Arnold, J.N. Tasei ed amounts of contaminated pollen and and S. Rault. 2006. New risk assessment nectar consumed by different categories of approach for systemic insecticides: the bees. Apidologie 36:71-83. case of honey bees and imidacloprid Sammataro, D., U. Gerson and G. Needham. (Gaucho). Environ. Sci. Technol. 40:2448- 2000. Parasitic mites of honey bees: life 2454. history, implications, and impact. Annu. Henderson, C., L. Tarver, D. Plummer, R. Rev. Entomol. 45:519-548. Seccomb, S. Debnam, S. and J. Schmuck, R., R. Schoning, A. Stork and O. Bromenshenk. 2007. U.S. National Bee Schramel. 2001. Risk posed to honeybees Loss Survey: Preliminary Findings with (Apis mellifera: Hymenoptera) by an imida- Respect to Colony Collapse Disorder. Am. cloprid seed dressing of sunflowers. Pest Bee J. 147(5):381-384. Manag. Sci. 57:225-238. Iwasa, T. et al. 2004. Crop Prot. 23(5):371-378. Schmuck, R., T. Stadler and H.W. Schmidt. Johansen, C.A. 1977. Pesticides and pollina- 2003. Field relevance of a synergistic effect tors. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 22:177-192. observed in the laboratory between an EBI Kievits, J. 2007. Bee gone: colony collapse dis- fungicide and a chloronicotinyl insecticide order. Pesticides News 76:3-5. in the honeybee, Apis mellifera. Pest Kirchner, W.H. 1999. Mad bee disease? Manag. Sci. 59:279-286. Sublethal effects of imidacloprid (Gaucho) Schacker, M. 2008. A Spring without Bees: on the behavior of honey bees. Apidologie How Colony Collapse Disorder Has 30:422. Endangered our Food Supply. The Lyons Kraus, B. and R.E. Page 1995. Effect of Varroa Press, Guilford, CT. 292 pp. jacobsoni on feral Apis mellifera Suchail, S., D. Guez and L.P. Belzunces. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in California. 2001a. Toxicity of imidacloprid and its Environ. Entomol. 24:1473-1480. metabolites in Apis mellifera. In: Belzunces Laurent, F.M. and E. Rathahao. 2003. et al., 2001a, pp. 121-126. Distribution of 14C imidacloprid in sun- Suchail, S., D. Guez and L.P. Belzunces. flowers, Helianthus annus, following seed 2001b. Discrepancy between acute and treatment. J. Agric. Food Chem. 51:8005- chronic toxicity induced by imidacloprid 8010. and its metabolites in Apis mellifera. Langstroth, L.L. 1923. On the Hive and the Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 20(11):2482-2486. Honey Bee, 22nd ed., rev. C.P. Dadant, Suchail, S., L. Debrauwer and L.P. Belzunces. The American Bee Journal, Hamilton, IL. 2003. Metabolism of imidacloprid in Apis 438 pp. mellifera. Pest Manag. Sci. 60:291-296. Losey, J.E. and M. Vaughn. 2006. The eco- Suchail, S., G. DeSouza, R. Rahmani and L.P. nomic value of services provided by Belzunces. 2004. In vivo distribution and . BioScience 56:311-323. metabolism of 14C-imidacloprid in differ- Medrzycki, R., R. Montanari, L. Bortolotti, A.G. ent compartments of Apis mellifera. Pest Sabatini, S. Maini, and C. Porrini. 2003. Manag. Sci. 60:1056-1062. Effects of imidacloprid administered in Sur, R. and A. Stork. 2003. Uptake, transloca- sub-lethal doses on honey bee behaviour. tion and metabolism of imidacloprid in Laboratory tests. Bull. Insectology plants. Bull. Insectology 56(1);35-40. 56(1):59-62. Taséi, J.N., G. Ripault and E. Rivault. 2001. Morse, R.A. 1975. Bees and Beekeeping. Effects of Gaucho® seed coating on bum- Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY. 295 blebees visiting sunflower. In: Belzunces et pp. al. 2001a, pp. 207-212. Morse, R.A. and N.W. Calderone. 2000. The USDA (United States Department of value of honey bees as pollinators of U.S. Agriculture). 2008. Colony Collapse crops in 2000. Bee Culture 128(3):1-15. Disorder Action Plan. NAS (National Academy of Sciences). 2007. www.ars.usda.gov/is/br/ccd Status of Pollinators in North America. USHR (United States House of National Academy Press, Washington, DC. Representatives). 2007. Colony Collapse 300 pp. Disorder and Decline. Oliver, R., 2007. Fighting varroa: silver bullet Subcommittee on Horticulture and or brass knuckles. Am Bee J. 147:526- Organic Agriculture. March 29, 2007. 530. http://agriculture.house.gov PA (Penn State Press Release). 2008. Pesticide USHR (United States House of buildup could lead to poor honey bee Representatives). 2008. Pollinator Health health. Penn State Press Release, August and Colony Collapse Disorder. 18, 2008. Subcommittee on Horticulture and http://live.psu.edu/story/3389/rss30 Organic Agriculture. June 26, 2008. Pham-Delégue, M.H., A. Decourtye, L. Kaisr http://agriculture.house.gov and J. Devillers. 2002. Behavioural meth- Wallner, K., A. Schur and B. Stürz. 1999. ods to assess the effects of pesticides on [Tests regarding the danger of the seed honey bees. Apidologie 33:425-432. disinfectant, Gaucho, for honey bees]. Pilling, E.D. and P.C. Jepson. 1993. Synergism Apidologie 30:423. between EBI fungicides and a pyrethroid Wallner, K. 2001. 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IPM Practitioner, XXX(9/10) September/October 2008 10 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 11 Conference Notes ESA 2007 Annual Meeting Highlights—Part 5 By Joel Grossman Pastoral Beneficials ing for 26% of the collected, included brown dung beetle, “Pastured dairy and beef cattle provide hese Conference Highlights are Onthophagus gazella ;bull-headed dung a critical link in the food supply system from the Dec. 9-12, 2007, beetle, O. taurus; and Euoniticellus by utilizing marginal land,” said Phillip T Entomological Society of America intermedius. Kaufman (Univ of Florida, PO Box (ESA) annual meeting in San Diego, 110620, Gainesville, FL 32611; pkauf- California. ESA’s next annual meeting is [email protected]). Pastured systems can Camp IPM November 16-19, 2008, in Reno, Nevada. provide positive environmental impacts For more information contact the ESA In South Carolina state parks, where to watersheds and nutrient recycling. (10001 Derekwood Lane, Suite 100, the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, Dung burying beetles play a valuable Lanham, MD 20706; 301/731-4535; is invading campsites, tents, public facil- role in pasture ecosystem sustainability http://www.entsoc.org). ities and recreational vehicles, “approxi- by reducing pasture fouling, nitrogen mately 70% of the campers used their volatilization, parasitism and pest , own pesticides to treat for L. humile,” with averted losses estimated at $0.38 said Brittany Russ (Clemson Univ, 114 Poinsettia IPM Ecology billion. Long Hall, Clemson, SC 29634; brit- “Competition among herbivores can “Current active IPM efforts for pas- [email protected]). “Campers were typi- impact pest management practices, thus tured cattle include monitoring animals cally found to be over-treating their it is important to understand these rela- for populations of harmful pests, and camping areas or were proactively treat- tionships for successful integration of preemptive use of cultural and chemical ing areas against potential ant infesta- management tactics,” said Claudia controls,” said Kaufman. “Augmentative tions.” Despite the ad hoc insecticide Kuniyoshi (Ohio State Univ, 1680 biological control of pasture pests is in spray and dust onslaught, the number Madison Ave, Wooster, OH 44691; its infancy.” of ant trails remained constant in state [email protected]). In poinsettias In a baited pitfall trap survey in parks, indicating “a need for better con- there is an interaction between above- Florida, the major dung beetle species trol strategies.” ground pests such as silverleaf whitefly, stabilizing pasture ecosystems, account- “Establishing baiting areas by park Bemisia argentifolii,and belowground pests such as darkwinged fungus gnats, Bradysia impatiens. There are also Everett “Deke” Dietrick interactions from high nitrogen fertilizer levels. Everett “Deke” Dietrick, entomologist to form Rincon-Vitova Insectaries, Inc. now At high nitrogen levels, whitefly sur- and pioneer in the field of biological pest owned and managed by daughter Jan vival is higher than at low nitrogen lev- control, died at his home in Ventura on Dietrick. els. High nitrogen levels also encourage December 23. His scientific training in Deke was a Board Certified Entomo- fungus gnat populations, and whitefly entomology and his boundless interest in logist and an Emeritus Member of the egg laying increases. Eventually, whitefly insect ecology on farms led him to collabo- Entomological Society of America. In 1972 populations suppress belowground fun- rate in founding Rincon-Vitova Insectaries. he served as an expert witness at Through his encouragement and advice Congressional hearings in Washington, DC gus gnat populations. These ecological many hundreds of farmer clients rejected that led to the banning of DDT in the effects may in part be caused by pest conventional chemical control and transi- United States. modification of plant quality. tioned to biological control methods. For over 40 years Deke mentored scores After returning from the war in 1947, he of individuals who wanted to be part of his Pumpkin IPM eagerly took an opening with the UC work. He labored to teach people in letters, Jim Jasinski (Ohio State Univ, 1512 S Statewide Department of Biological articles, talks, and papers (some of which Control, led by one of his most cherished are posted at www.rinconvitova. com/diet- US Hwy 68, Ste B100, Urbana, OH mentors, Professor Harry Smith. Twelve rick_papers.htm). Interviews of Deke 43078; [email protected]) talked about years of university field research observing between 1994 and 1997 can be found at a survey of pumpkin growers in Indiana, insect ecology, pesticide resistance, and www.rinconvitova.com/ dietrick_inter- Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, the phenomenal success of classical bio- views.htm. He was increasingly hopeful in Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada. About control projects led him to believe that the last several years, seeing the rise in 52% called disease control the number chemical pesticides usually cause more environmental awareness and the growth one management problem; 18% said problems than they solve. of the organic industry. weeds; and 14% insects. Among the IPM He left the university to pioneer the new Expressions of remembrance and sup- practices adopted: 73% scout for plant profession of pest control advisor. In part- port for Deke and his work may be direct- diseases; 76% cultivate for weed control nership with Ernest “Stubby” Green, and ed in the form of tax-deductible donations until the vines close the row; 65% moni- then later Jack Blehm, he established to the Dietrick Institute for Applied Insect tor for squash bugs; and 84% of growers insectaries in Ventura and Riverside to Ecology, www.dietrick.org, a non-profit apply pesticide sprays in early morning grow various insect predators and para- organization offering training in ecological- or evening to reduce impacts on honey sites for commercial use against crop ly based pest management, PO Box 2506, bees. pests. The two companies merged in 1971 Ventura, CA 93002.

IPM Practitioner, XXX(9/10) September/October 2008 11 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 12 Calendar Conference Notes

December 4-6, 2008. Acres USA Eco-Farm personnel for foraging L. humile early in the city of New Orleans from 1966 to Conference. St. Louis, MO. Contact: 800/355- the camping season may be beneficial 1996, and $500 million in damage in the 5313; www.acresusa.com for quelling larger infestations from state of Louisiana. An areawide IPM pro- occurring as the camping season pro- gram using bait stations and non-repel- December 5-6, 2008. Sustainable Agriculture gresses,” said Russ. “We expect the lent termiticides was begun in New improved control measures to decrease Orleans’ French Quarter in 1998. “Trees Pest Management Conference. San Luis the number of complaints by campers and woody plants may be reservoirs for Obispo, CA. Contact: CCOF, 831/423-2263; about L. humile and reduce the misuse Formosan subterranean to www.ccof.org or overuse of cleaning powders, insecti- infest structures,” said Dennis Ring cide powders and broadspectrum insec- (Louisana State Univ, 404 Life Sci Bldg, December 8-11, 2008. Annual Meeting, North ticide sprays used by visitors and park Baton Rouge, LA 70803; dring@agctr. Central Weed Science Soc. Indianapolis, IN. personnel.” lsu.edu). Thus, trees and woody plants Contact: 217/352-4212; www.ncwss.org were inspected visually and using an Ozone Hive Fumigation acoustical probe. January 19-23, 2009. 21st Annual Advanced A total of 1,026 properties on 35 city Landscape IPM Short Course. College Park, “Ozone (O3) is a powerful oxidant that blocks with 1,873 trees and woody MD. Contact: U. Maryland, 301/405-3913 Ex has the ability to disinfect, eliminate plants were inspected. First, “aerial pho- 3911; www.raupplab.umd.edu/conferences/adv- odors, taste, and color, and remove pes- tographs of each block of the French landscape ticides,” said Rosalind James (USDA- Quarter in the test area were obtained,” ARS, 5310 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT said Ring. “Then visual inspections were January 21-24, 2009. Annual Ecological 84322; [email protected]). made to locate trees by walking blocks. Farming Conference: United We Grow. “Ozone can potentially be used to treat Property owners were contacted and Asilomar, CA. Contact: www.eco-farm.org old comb and bee equipment. It is appointments were made to inspect already used as an agricultural fumigant trees. Inspections consisted of visually for stored products. O3 also breaks January 24, 2009. 32nd Annual Bay Area inspecting around the trunks of trees for down quickly to H20 (water) and O2 Environmental Education Resource Fair. San termites, mud tubes or packs of soil. An (molecular oxygen), so it will not persist acoustical probe was used to detect ter- Rafael, CA. Contact: K. Hanley, 510/657-4847; in wax comb, wood, or plastic.” mites in trees. The soil around trees was www.baeerfair.org Ozone fumigation can potentially elim- probed with the distance between probes inate pests of old honeycomb such as no more than 12 in (30 cm) apart January 28, 2009. 11th Annual San Francisco greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, because 12 in is the upper limit to the IPM Conference. Presidio, San Francisco. which creates a large amount of webbing effectiveness of the acoustical probe.” Contact: SF Dept. of Environment, 11 Grove as it feeds on old comb, plus pesticides The infestation rate for trees St., San Francisco, CA 94102; 415/355-3776; such as coumaphos (Checkmite™) and was about 2% (17 properties; 39 trees). [email protected] fluvalinate (Apistan™) that persist in Pest management professionals treated hives after varroa mite treatment. The 13 of the infested properties with bait February 10-12, 2009. Pacific Northwest prototype ozone generator (O3Zone stations and 4 with liquid termiticides. Sustainable Agriculture Conference. Richland, Company, ID) fed 500-1,000 ppm ozone Only one tree was reinfested and retreat- WA. Contact: KCCD, 6-7 E. Mountain View in one side of a gas incubator and out ed. “Trees and woody plants infested by Avenue, Ellensburg, WA 98962; 509/525-3389. the other side, creating 215-430 ppm O3 termites will be re-inspected periodically inside the test chamber. and infested trees will be retreated,” said February 24, 2009. 10th Annual Organic Turf At 77-95°F (25-35°C), ozone fumiga- Ring. “Continued inspection of trees and Trade Show. Farmingdale, NY. Contact: tion degraded coumaphos faster than woody plants in other blocks included in the program are ongoing.” Neighborhood Network, 7180 Republic fluvalinate. Though pesticide degrada- tion products need to be tested, decont- Airport, East Farmingdale, NY 11735; amination of low pesticide levels should 631/963-5454, www.neighborhood-network.org Predatory Mite Sugar take no more than 13 hours. Small wax Supplements moth larvae were killed in 1-2 hours by February 26-28, 2009. 20th Annual Organic the lowest O3 concentrations. Wax moth “Sugary supplements (M-30; 30% Farming Conference. La Crosse, WI. Contact: adults were killed within 6 hours. Eggs solution of 1:1 fructose & glucose) MOSES, PO Box 339, Spring Valley, WI were most resistant, requiring 48 hours enhance Phytoseiulus persimilis survival 54767; www.mosesorganic.org at 33.7°C (93°F) for complete kill. “One and fecundity even in the presence of method to avoid the long exposure times prey,” said Guadalupe Rojas (USDA- March 1-3, 2009. California Small Farm required to kill all the eggs may be to ARS, 59 Lee Rd, Stoneville, MS 38776; Conference. Sacramento, CA. Contact: treat twice,” said James. “Once to kill [email protected]). www.californiafarmconference.com adults and any larvae or pupae that may “The presence or absence of extra floral be present, and then a second short nectaries may significantly impact the March 24-26, 2009. Sixth International IPM treatment 5-6 days later to kill the newly performance of P. persimilis in the field. Symposium. Portland, OR. Contact: Tom emerged larvae that hatched from any Mass rearing of the predator may be Green, IPM Institute, 608/232-1410; www.ipm- eggs that survived the first treatment.” enhanced by providing sugary supple- centers.org/IPMsymposium09/ ments in addition to prey.” Woody Plant Termite December 13-17, 2009. Entomological Society Reservoirs Globalization of of America Annual Meeting. Indianapolis, IN. Woodboring Beetles Contact: ESA, 9301 Annapolis Road, Lanham, Formosan subterranean termites, MD 20706; Fax 301/731-4538; Coptotermes formosanus, have caused “Wood and wood products used to an estimated $300 million in damages in support, brace or package commodities www.entsoc.org

IPM Practitioner, XXX(9/10) September/October 2008 12 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 13 Conference Notes during shipment provide the major path- ing of the liability issues associated with way for global transport of woodboring bed bugs,” and their cooperation with beetles, a well-known group that causes pest control efforts is above average, significant ecological and economic said Judith Black (Steritech Group, Inc, impacts to forests,” said Charles 5742 W 114th Pl, Broomfield, CO Bellamy (CDFA, 3294 Meadowview Rd, 80020; [email protected]). Sacramento, CA 95832; cbellamy@ “The process we go through is an cdfa.ca.gov). “Annual losses to forest- extremely thorough inspection and treat- derived products attributed to introduc- ment” using basic detection tools like tions of non-native insect species into bright flashlights and putty knives, said the U.S. are about $2.1 billion per year,” Black. “We are ripping the room apart, and “as globalization continues we are taking off outlet covers, taking pictures likely to see an increase in introductions off the walls, taking down curtain rods, of non-native organisms.” all that kind of thing. We are basically “Approximately 93% of all insects dismantling the room. We are having intercepted on wood articles at U.S. them quarantine linens, and then get ports of entry between 1985 and 1998 them laundered separately. We do ask were beetles, making an urgent case for that the mattress and box spring be dis- developing diagnostic tools associated posed of.” Encasement of old mattresses with this large group of insects,” said and box springs could potentially harbor Bellamy. “Because of the potential cata- live bed bugs and present a liability strophic damage that could be caused issue. But encasements are recommend- by the introduction and spread of non- ed when installing new beds, to avoid native invasive wood-boring beetle taxa, future replacement. it is of no surprise that an identification Within hotels, the number of treated resource is the most frequently request- rooms ranged from none to 23%; the ed tool by Plant Pest Quarantine.” average was 2.5%. The total number of Lucid3 (CBIT, Univ of Queensland, rooms treated for bed bugs went from 7 Australia; www.lucidcentral.org), a Java- in 2003 to over 700 rooms in 293 hotels based program running on varied oper- in 2007. Over the five year period, over ating systems (e.g. Windows, Macintosh, 60% of the 700 mid-range hotels were LINUX), is being used to build a series of treated for bed bugs, though over 99% of woodboring beetle identification keys for the 75,000 rooms did not have bed bug scientists, the general public and quar- problems in any given year. About half antine and plant protection personnel. the time, a hotel with a problem called back only once or twice, indicating bed Biocontrol Aromas bugs were not being reintroduced. However, 8% called more than 10 times. “Herbivore-induced plant volatiles About 20% of the time, the “secondary have been shown to attract natural ene- rooms” which are above, below and mies,” said Christina Harris (Penn State beside the infested “primary” room also Univ, 121 Chem Ecol Lab, Orchard Rd, were infested; the former secondary University Park, PA 16802; cmh347@ room becomes a primary room if an psu.edu). On DPL90 cotton, feeding of infestation is found, and then a new set cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni, but not of secondary rooms are inspected. About beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, 70% of the time the infested secondary induces cotton plants to release beta- room is next door to the primary room; farnesene. 10% of the time it is above, and 18% of Beet armyworm (BAW) feeding, but the time it is below. not cabbage looper (CL) feeding, induces “Bed bugs have legs” and they use the release of the sesquiterpene volatiles wall voids to move within a facility. alpha-humulene and gamma-bisabolene. When moving from the primary room, “Terpene emission was quantitatively bed bugs typically move into the adja- higher for BAW-infested relative to CL- cent secondary room sharing the wall damaged and intact plants,” said Harris. with the bed headboard. In 2006 retreat- “These findings may explain field obser- ments went up dramatically, and there vations that CL is more heavily para- were many field reports of pyrethroid sitized by the generalist parasitoid wasp resistance. So, in 2007 a switch was Cotesia marginiventris in the presence of made from synthetic pyrethroid-based BAW.” liquid residuals and dusts to non-syn- thetic pyrethroid products and encase- Hotel Bed Bugs ments were introduced; and the number of retreatments decreased. “Generally commercial clients, hotels in particular, have a great understand-

IPM Practitioner, XXX(9/10) September/October 2008 13 Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707 14

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