Pesticides could be behind collapse of honey bee population

Pesticides are making honey bees far more susceptible to disease, according to new research that links a new group of chemicals to the recent collapse in the bee population.

The US study, revealed in a new film about the disappearance of bees, found even tiny doses of 'Neonicotinoids' made the insects more susceptible to disease.

The chemicals, that mimic the insect-killing properties of nicotine, are used widely in the UK on both ornamental garden plants and crops such as wheat and oil seed rape.

Already the bee-keeping community is divided over the use of pesticides and the study has added to calls for a ban in Britain.

Globally the honey bee population has fallen in recent years, prompting fears for food security as the insect is vital for pollinating many major crops.

Tony Gray, a bee expert and member of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), said: "These products are used in the UK and we are naturally concerned that the use of these chemicals is affecting bee colonies."

Mr Gray, from Oswestry in Shropshire, added that beekeepers are calling on the Government to suspend approval of all these products and are supporting an 'early day motion' by Martin Caton MP, who is also a plant biologist.

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