Imidacloprid Effects On Bees

Imidacloprid Effects On Bees

Imidacloprid is a nicotine-derived systemic insecticide, belonging to a group of pesticides called neonicotinoids. Although it is off patent, the primary producer of imidacloprid is the German chemical firm Bayer CropScience. The trade names for imidacloprid include Gaucho, Admire, Merit, Advantage, Confidor, Provado, and Winner.

The pesticide works as a neurotoxin by interfering with the transmission of stimuli in the insect nervous system. Specifically, it causes an initial stimulation, followed by a blockage in a type of neuronal pathway by interacting with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the nervous system of insects. This interactions results in convulsions, paralysis, and eventually death of the poisoned insect. It is effective on contact and via stomach action. Because imidacloprid binds much more strongly to insect neuron receptors than to mammal neuron receptors, this insecticide is selectively more toxic to insects than mammals.

As a systemic pesticide, imidacloprid translocates or moves readily in the xylem of plants from the soil into the leaves, fruit, flowers, pollen, nectar, and guttation fluid of plants. Bees may be exposed to imidacloprid when they feed on the nectar, pollen, and guttation fluid of imidacloprid-treated plants.

Experts believe there are many possible causes of bee decline, including imidacloprid, and a recent bee malady termed colony collapse disorder (CCD). In 2011, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, it seems clear that no single factor alone is responsible for the malady, however honey bees are thought to possibly be affected by such chemicals which are known to work their way through the plant up into the flowers and leave residues in the nectar and pollen which bees forage on. The scientists studying CCD have tested samples of pollen and have indicated findings of a broad range of substances, including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. They note that while the doses taken up by bees are not lethal, they are concerned about possible chronic problems caused by long-term exposure.