Most are aware of the die off of bees in the Lower 48, called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Research scientist are at a loss of why this is happening. Several theories exist.
We have been blessed in this nation. We purchase food at a lower percentage of our income than most places on the planet. Science has helped maintain this less expensive cost for our food. Certainly GMOs and insecticides are examples of science keeping food costs down.
In the mid-1980s along came a new insecticide called Neonicotinoids. It was a synthetic nicotine, neurotoxin to insects. By the time CCD was spreading throughout the Lower 48, this neurotoxin was used throughout the nation.
On the surface, it appears to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. This insecticide surrounds a seed. Once planted, this powder dissolves into the soil and is picked up by the roots as the plant grows, absorbing this nicotine-based substance into the circulation of the growing crop. Unlike other insecticides, it appears safer. Farmers can be more productive in their crop yield per acre, thereby reducing their production costs and delivering less expensive food to stores.
When harmful insects penetrate the maturing crop, they die from the nicotine they ingest. This nicotine is not in the environment but enclosed inside the plant. All appears safe and logical. Virtually all of our commercial corn crop in the Lower 48 is now coated with this modern insecticide and one-third of our soybean crop.
As we entered the 21st century, the CCD continued to grow. Beekeepers noticed that their colonies of bees died during planting season, if they were close to the fields being planted.
Research documented that during windy days some of this powder, surrounding the seeds, blew off and contacted bee colonies in close proximity to the planted field. This neurotoxin is also toxic to honeybees at such a high level.
Farmers were directed not to plant on windy days and beekeepers moved further away from planted fields. Problem solved. Maybe not.
CCD continued. Further research determined a very small amount of the nicotine ends up in the pollen of the corn. At such small levels it should not effect those benefiting from the pollen produced.
Honeybees (Apis Mellifera) are the greatest pollinator on the planet. Originally from Europe, they have been transported around the world. In February, 85 percent of all commercial honeybee colonies (in the USA) are transported to California for the almond crop pollination. Almond farmers fully understand they can increase their production by having two colonies of bees per acre. Commercial beekeepers deliver 1.7 million colonies to supply the world with almonds.
Honeybees love corn pollen. While the corn does not need the bees for pollination (wind pollinates the corn) the bees bring in pounds of corn pollen for the growing colony.
Research has shown a very small amount of the Neonicotinoids ends up in the pollen of the corn, but not enough to kill a honeybee.
With CCD, the bees disappear. Leaving the hive, never to return. honeybees navigate by the sun, leaving a colony, often flying miles away for nectar and pollen. They have a complex neurological system of navigation giving them the ability to return to the exact location of the colony.
So, one theory for the CCD is this small amount of neurotoxin interferes with the navigation of the honeybee. The exposure of such small amounts does not kill the bee but they lose their ability to return to the colony.
Alaska is at the threshold of expanding our honeybee populations and ability to produce more food for all of us.
I am not defined as an “environmentalist,” but logic should dictate what Alaska should do. More research must be done to determine the safety of this product to the honeybees prior to expanding its use.
Call your Alaska state representatives and have them support this bill. Help honeybees in Alaska.
• Ray Southwell lives in Nikiski.
