Cotton Pesticides Impacting Bee Population
Like many other plants, the cotton plant too has been benefitting from bees. While bees feed on the cotton plant, they play a leading role in pollination. This mutually beneficial relationship is proving to be fatal to the bees ever since insecticide sprays have been resorted to. Cotton spraying is the major cause of bee deaths – more than from spraying of other crops.
Why are bees being killed without any concern for their role in pollination? The main reason is non-adherence to specific label directions concerning bees. Insecticides that are toxic to bees have label directions for use to minimize harm to them. The continuous decline in the population of one of the finest natural pollinators is a cause of concern for the environmentalists. And, all this can be avoided if cotton farmers adhere to the label directions in letter and spirit. It will help to educate the cotton growers that in the long-term, they will be the ones who will suffer from the dwindling bee population. What most people have come to recognize is the huge impact that bees have on our food supply. Beekeepers are doing a great service by domesticating bees and contributing to pollination in a great way.
Bee Foraging Facts
- Bees do not usually forage cotton before bloom. So pest control measures prior to bloom is beneficial.
- Bees do not forage blooming cotton at temperatures above 95º F.
- Nighttime is safe, since they are lodged in their beehives then.
- Bees forage blooming cotton before sunrise and until late morning in temperatures exceeding 90º F. Cotton farmers will need to monitor bee movement.
- When the temperature ranges from 70º – 80º F, bees can forage until afternoon.
- Bees prefer clear weather for foraging. They do forage in overcast conditions, but in reduced numbers.
Bees do not usually forage cotton before bloom. So pest control measures prior to bloom is beneficial.Cotton growers and farmers need be aware that since 1972. label directions are the law, and need to be strictly adhered to. Some samples of label directions are as follows.
Non-residual material
“This product is highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment on blooming crops or other vegetation. Avoid use when bees are actively foraging. Protective information may be obtained from your Cooperative Agricultural Extension Service.”
Residual material
“This product is highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment or residues on blooming crops or weeds. Do not apply this product or allow it to drift to blooming crops if bees are visiting the treatment area.”
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