Biddinger said some compounds may appear to have no effect on a current generation of bees, but lead to sterility or other problems in the following generation. “So this work will help us to determine realistic field exposure levels. If an entire generation of bees is exposed, even at low levels, we want to know what’s going on.”
The controlled environment of the lab will help researchers to determine best practices for the application of pesticides, which should lead to healthier bees and crops.
Early results
Early results have been intriguing. Sarah Shugrue, a master’s student in entomology whose work has focused on this question, was in the orchard as this year’s round of apple blossoms popped, pollen-collection tools in hand.
“Last year, we sprayed five days earlier than we normally would have. We found that the pesticides were still effective against the pests we were trying to prevent, but levels in pollen and nectar were significantly reduced,” Shugrue said.
“We have found that we control the pests just as well and the residue levels drop below the point of detection if we apply earlier,” Biddinger said. “So, we can use a product that may be toxic to a bee, but won’t impact that bee if we adjust the timing of the application.”
Shugrue, who recently graduated, said she chose Penn State’s entomology program because she wanted to make an impact.
“Penn State has one of the nation’s top entomology programs,” she said. “I knew I wanted to go into some sort of application of entomology, not just research, so I thought going to a school that has a track record for making an impact, and faculty members who have the same record, would be a good idea.”
Biddinger said results have been published in various academic journals and Penn State Extension publications for fruit growers, such as the Penn State Fruit Times and the Tree Fruit Production Guide. Additional publications can be found at the following links: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Biddinger will join researchers and agricultural industry leaders the International Conference on Pollinator Biology, Health and Policy, being held on Penn State’s University Park campus from July 18-20.