Effect of herbicide application on lifespan duration of European honeybees (Apis mellifera)
Abstract
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are extremely important contributors to agriculture worldwide. In North America and parts of Europe the population decline of these insects as a result of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is attributed to several potential causes, including foraging stress however there are still many questions to be answered as to the cause of CCD. The present study uses captive bees to determine if a potential factor of honeybee decline is herbicide application to their food resources. Days alive since capture were averaged per treatment group as a measure of lifespan or cumulative effects of three common herbicide chemicals, concentrations mirrored those used in a typical household. Control honeybees lived up to 12 days. Herbicide treatment did not significantly change the number of bees alive per day except at high concentrations of EcoSMART Organic Weed and Grass Killer (active ingredient: rosemary oil, 1%). Although the two other herbicides did not affect lifespan length there were observed effects such as leg spasms that may affect their ability to survive. Further study is needed to determine how herbicides may affect honeybee populations.