October 3, 2013

expert reaction to paper on bees and pollution

Research published in the journal Scientific Reports found exposure to common air pollutants found in diesel exhaust can affect the ability of honeybees to recognise floral odours. This roundup accompanied an SMC briefing.

Dr. Giles Budge, The Food and Environment Research Agency, said:

“Dr Girling and colleagues highlight a fresh issue to add to the many problems facing our insect pollinators, the potential for the fumes from a generator to degrade flower scent. This work highlights a possible problem in a laboratory setting and the challenge will be to see whether this problem exists in the wider environment.”

‘Diesel exhaust stops honeybees from finding the flowers they want to forage’ by Newman et al. published in Scientific Reports on Thursday 3^rd October.