At the 2023 Entomological Society of America meeting, research on the controversial pesticide neonicotinoids was conspicuously sparse despite their significant impact on bee populations.
Rebecca Raney reports for U.S. Right to Know.
In short:
- Only four out of nearly 100 presentations on bee science addressed neonicotinoids, all by students.
- Corporate sponsors, including Bayer and Corteva, had a strong presence, with their employees holding key positions within ESA.
- Some scientists expressed concerns that corporate influence might be affecting the presentation and discussion of pesticide-related research.
Key quote:
“I’m not going to deny that there is an uninterest, or a bias, to not talk about pesticides and bees.”
— Vera Krischik, tenure-track associate professor at the University of Minnesota
Why this matters:
Neonicotinoids, commonly referred to as neonics, have been linked to declines in bee populations worldwide. Bees, essential pollinators for a variety of crops, are crucial to maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security. The decline in bee numbers has not only alarmed environmentalists but has also sparked concern among farmers and scientists who recognize the broader implications for ecosystems and agriculture.The omission of neonicotinoid research at major conferences could hinder efforts to address their role in bee colony declines.
