Botanical Bulletin

CHEMICAL FUNGICIDE ATTRACTS HONEYBEES

Bees, like humans, might be all too attracted to what’s toxic for them. Research recently published in Scientific Reports reveals that honeybees show a preference for collecting fungicide-laced sugar syrup, even though the substance often leads to significant problems within their hives.

The groundbreaking study specifically highlights the dangers of chlorothalonil, a fungicide that’s been linked to declining populations of numerous bee species. Previous research shows that the toxin increases the risk of fungal parasites for bees, and it might limit their ability to fend off low doses of other pesticides that wouldn’t otherwise be harmful.

Over the course of the study, researchers offered