BUZZKILL 1

Saving the Honeybees from the Buzzkill

Ashley Sanico

Global Connections

Mr. Falls

2016-2017
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Abstract

Every day millions of people all over the world are affected by the honey bee in ways

they dont even realize. The honey bee is the worlds most effective pollinator; germinating

almost over eighty percent of all crop pollination. This paper will discuss and thoroughly detail

the decline of the honey bee population and its effects on society. Through extensive biological

and horticultural research, scientists from all walks of life have attempted to resolve this global

conflict. Is the decline in the bee population reversible and if not, what are the geological,

ecological, and economic consequences? In societies globally, it is reputed that agriculture is the

backbone of the economy. The main focus will be defining pollination and briefly explaining the

impact of the honeybee on the ecosystem, exploring consequences if the honeybee population

were to decline, and suggesting and applying solutions to help resolve the conflict.

Table of Contents
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Abstract 2

Table of Contents 3

Introduction 4

Literature Review 5

Limitations 8

Discussion 9

Conclusion 15

Bibliography 16

Introduction
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The honeybee is the worlds greatest pollinator, pollinating over half of all globally

produced crops (Phys.Org, 2015). Is the decline in the bee population reversible and if not, what

are the geological, ecological, and economic consequences? In societies globally, and

horticulturally it is reputed that agriculture is the backbone of the economy. Some may also go as

far as to say that the honeybee is the backbone of agriculture. While it is difficult to pinpoint the

putative cause for the declining populations, several explanations have been identified and

explored. The most obvious cause being pesticide pollution. It should also be noted that

pathogens, invasive species, climate change, and habitat loss all affect the populations of

pollinators. In recent years several interest groups and NGOs have taken a high interest in

saving the bees and exploring the positive and negative effects on the economy. Efforts to

preserve the honeybee population are being made by interest groups such as Greenpeace, the

Center for Honeybee Research, and Avaaz, usually through extensive research on invasive

species, and the effects of pesticides.

In this research paper, the main foci will be defining pollination and briefly explaining

the impact of the honeybee on the ecosystem, exploring consequences if the honeybee population

were to decline, and suggesting and applying solutions to help resolve the conflict. The author of

this paper has studied the effects of the honeybee on all aspects of society and had first hand bee-

keeping experience through her community. With the continued decline in the honeybee

population, the citizens of the world will have to deal with the repercussions this conflict brings,

whether they want to or not.

Literature Review
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When people hear about the extinction of species, not much action is taken in the

community except by organizations centered around the conflict. The cause of the extinction of

the honeybees has come to a conclusion that pests and pathogens are the single most important

cause of otherwise inexplicable colony losses. (Elke, 2010) Also, the honeybee population is

affected by invasive species, and lack of pollination. The main themes of this paper will focus on

pesticides, and invasive species.

In the United States there is a big debate on the effects of pesticides and whether or not

theyre actually harmful. Many scientists have performed extensive research and compared the

effects with the pros and the cons. Is there such thing as an environmentally-friendly pesticide?

Are they really necessary? These are just a couple of the questions that botanists, and scientists

who major in horticulture ask themselves.

Pesticides cut the cost of the food we buy. (U, 2015) They essentially help to make food

production cheaper and in turn increase production making food more readily available at a

lower price. This is especially helpful to parts of the country where people cannot afford to eat.

Many horticultural scientists have begun to notice theres no clear answer to whether or not

pesticides are truly safe or necessary.

An important term to note is neonicotinoids, which are a relatively new type of

insecticide, used in the last 20 years to control a variety of pests, especially sap-feeding insects,

such as aphids on cereals, and root-feeding grubs. (BeesPanUK, 2016) This new pesticide,

unlike more topical pesticides of the past, stays on the roots of the plants for a number of weeks,

maintaining plant health throughout the crop season. The long term declivity in the bee

population in the United States can be attributed half of the total decline in wild bees to the use

of these chemicals. (McGrath, 2016) Several studies have shown the overall negative effect of
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these incredibly powerful pesticides on honeybee population. The seeds are fully covered in the

neonicotinoid causing them to almost instantly infect any potential pollinator or predator.

The effects of pesticide usage cause an overall decrease in pollination. When the

honeybee goes to land on a plant covered in pesticides they become very sick and most

oftentimes die. According to Dr. Nick Isaac the negative effects that have been reported cause

long term, large scale impacts on a multitude of species. (McGrath, 2016) From 1994 to 2011

extensive research was taken in England, on just how harmful the effects really are. In the end, it

was reported once again, in a completely different country, that over half of the decline could be

linked to the use of chemicals.

Over an extended period of time, with chronic exposure to the neonicotinoids the

interaction between bees and wild plants were incredibly altered. (Stanley & Raine, 2016) With

all of this profound evidence, one could question what action the government and NGOs have

taken towards saving the honeybees. Seeing as this is a global issue, many NGOs have called for

protective bans against pesticides in better efforts to repair the population. Back in 2013,

Greenpeace called on European countries to take urgent action and ban pesticides that cause

harm to bees. (Casswell, 2013) Unfortunately, these efforts have not been continued with as

much effort as they were started with, causing the problems to be less discussed on a wide scale.

On another note several scientists have noted that while it is easy to throw blame onto

pesticides for the unhealthy bees, the release of the National Strategy to Promote the Health of

Honeybees and Other Pollinators points to a variety of plausible issues that go beyond the idea of

chemicals. (Bennett, 2015)

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The additional primary cause in the decline of the honeybee population references back

to invasive species. More specifically, mites. An interesting phenomenon, while the honeybees

appear to be fine theyre actually dying right before the eyes of beekeepers. This phenomenon is

called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Evidence of the beginning of CCD can be traced all the

way back to 1869. (Fruitless, 2010) What exactly is CCD? It is the phenomenon that occurs

when the majority of worker bees in a colony disappear and leave the queen. Once thought to

pose a major long term threat to bees, reported cases of CCD have declined substantially over

the last five years. (EPA, 2016) However, this issue is not to be overlooked. The cause of CCD

has yet to be pinpointed but the lead suspect can be traced back to the parasitic Varroa mite.

(Pearce Stevens, 2014)

Interestingly enough, while these conflicts may seem minor when all applied at once they

can be quite detrimental to overall population percentages. Without necessary action taken it is

unlikely there will ever be any significant change for the better.

Limitations
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There are countless limitations on what can be done to help save the world. Even more

limitations on what can be done for such a selective subject such as saving a species. Helping to

save the honeybees requires a large majority of the population to assist in community acts. While

the issue of the decline in the bee populations has been known for centuries research is limited in

that it is not a big priority. In recent years, however, evidence of the necessity for bees has

become increasingly prevalent.

The author of this paper is limited in that her community doesnt have a large interest

group involved with saving the honeybees or even research on environmental sciences. While

this question has a lot of quantitative data, as previously stated it is only recently become a

concern, so the information available is frequently repetitive. Interestingly enough Europe has

taken progressive strides in the saving of the honeybee. However the author lives in the United

States where the topic is not prioritized. Time is also incredibly limited in relation to the final due

date. A topic of such depth and scientific information would require much more time to research.

The dilemma of saving the honeybee takes a backseat in the eye of the public. While travel to

research in Europe would be beneficial due to constraints with money and overall inablilty this is

another limitation. If more interest was to be taken it is quite plausible this issue could be

reversed with time.

Discussion
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Due to their immense role in pollination if bees die, we die. This research paper will

disclose the causes of the decline of the honeybee population and the geological, economical,

and ecological consequences. The root of the decline can be narrowed down to three main

explanations: pollination, pesticides, and invasive species. The effects of the endangered

honeybee population are global and widespread among nations affecting even the least

developed areas of a country. This recent loss of population is thought to be caused by natural

stressors, including loss of natural forage and inadequate diets, mite infestations and diseases,

loss of genetic diversity, and exposure to certain pesticides. (Fact Sheet, 2014) This further

provides evidence that the issue of saving the bees is multi-factorial.

What if en route from plant to plant, honey bees cleaned themselves of all the pollen they

accumulated from the previous plant? The answer is quite simple. If honey bees were freshly

cleaned every time they were exposed to a new plant , there would be a lack of cross pollination.

Cross pollination simply being defined as the transfer of pollen from the flower of one plant to

the flower of a plant having a different genetic constitution. (D., 2016) Anatomically speaking,

the honey bee is the best pollinator due to the hairs all over their bodies. The hairs help to gather

and sweep the pollen into specialized pockets, and then the bees can fly it back to their hives.

Many plants require cross-pollination to help produce the most viable seeds. (Beepocalypse,

2016) Bees are able to survive and prosper in a landscape with overlapping bloom periods.

Honey bees are endangered but other native pollinators cant refill the gap the honey bees may

leave. (Deweerdt, 2008) Pollination is so important farmers quite frequently rent bees. Vanishing

colonies pose a serious threat to the food supply and crop production. (Pearce Stevens, 2014)

It is easy to get caught up in the technology of todays society, and disregard the

importance of the old-fashioned pollinator. However, it is important to preserve the honey bee
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population as to keep the most effective and natural source of pollination. While genetically

modified produce is on the rise, the increased usage of biotechnology used to modify foods only

increases global waste, in turn increasing the ecological footprint. Honey bees are especially

important seeing as they promote biodiversity within the ecosystem. The use of genetics to

modify food is highly controversial in the agricultural world. The safest way to increase crop

production naturally is through steady cross-pollination by the honey bee.

When looking for a quick, and easy victim to blame for the loss of honeybees, many

scientists are quick to point to chemicals. The release of the National Strategy to Promote the

Health of Honeybees and Other Pollinators redirects research to a much more vast list of

possibilities beyond pesticides. (Bennett, 2015) Often overlooked, is the idea of poor pollinator

health. Don Parker, integrated pest management program manager, said there are multiple factors

combined to affect honeybee health including the varroa mite, management issues, habitat issues

related to forage loss. (Bennett, 2015) Just last year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

had plans to release a constitution regulating pollinator health. Ultimately, the EPA concluded the

way local farmers should react to the issue of honey bee health is to do whats beneficial for the

farm. Maintaining pollinator health varies from one farmer to another.

A parasite called the Varroa mite has wreaked havoc unlike any other on the honey bee

population. The way the parasite infects the bees is quite interesting. A beekeeper can maintain

their bees at the highest standards of health for the entirety of the season. The bees appear

healthy and are producing nutritious honey in admirable quantities, then one day all the bees are

dead. This phenomenon is caused by the Varroa mite and is called Colony Collapse Disorder

(CCD).
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The Varroa mite is a reddish-brown dot to the naked eye, however, under a microscope

the parasite is a hairy armored monster. The mite, native to Asia, was brought to the United

States in 1987. (Nordhaus, 2016) The introduction of this invasive species has made the

preservation and maintenance of bees incredibly harder. A USDA-Agricultural Research Service

molecular biologist, Lanie Bourgeouis, has said the Varroa mite is the biggest natural threat to

honeybees. (Bennett, 2015)

Colony collapse disorder is believed to be multi-factorial. While the Varroa mite is the

primary cause of CCD, it is also caused by exposure to pesticides, malnutrition, disease, and vast

spans of time spent transporting the honey bees across the United States. (Purcell, 2016)

Pollinators cannot escape from the destructive forces of the agriculture industry. These Varroa

mites infiltrate the hive and attach to the bee and weaken the bee by sucking hemolymph.

(Pearce Stevens, 2014)

In recent years, countless efforts have been made to fight back against the seemingly

uncontrollable effects of the Varroa mite. Scientists all over the world have attempted several

techniques to tackle the ectoparasitic mite. Jeff Harris, a apiculturist, spent 15 years as a bee

breeder, working with other scientists to develop honey bees that express high levels of Varroa

Sensitive Hygienic (VSH) behavior - resistance to the varroa mite. (Cannibalizing, 2016) As the

mite travels through bee colonies, it spreads deformed wing virus, which can weaken and kill

bees. (Schwartz, 2016) These apiculturists are focusing on breeding VSH bees that have specific

traits without inbreeding them too rapidly. (Federal, 2016) Its vital to avoid inbreeding as to

keep genetic variation. If a bee were to be infected with the virus from the Varroa mite, and only

inbred the disease would continue to spread to future generations. In other parts of the country,

scientists have researched the use of RNA based techniques on the ability of the honey bee to
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resist the parasite. (Nordhaus, 2016) The varroa mites ability to spread viruses presents a more

serious situation.

When discussing the issue of the honey bee decline the most obvious culprit is chemicals.

Pesticide build up is one of many factors which lead to the latest buzz, Colony Collapse Disorder

(CCD). As previously mentioned, CCD is more frequently caused by parasites, but is affected by

multiple outside factors. Publishers Weekly described the honey bees as having somewhat of a

mental breakdown preventing them from functioning correctly. (Fruitless, 2010) The use of

pesticides is undeniably disputatious in the agricultural world.. Perhaps the most innovative, and

recent creation in the pesticidal world is called neonicotinoids. If the solution to this pressing

issue was as simple as it seems no immediate action would need to be taken. Unfortunately, this

conflict has many pros and cons stringing off into other parts of society.

Pesticide can be defined as a chemical used to kill animal, or plant pests. Theyre most

frequently used in relation to the honey bee to help maintain sustainable agriculture. The

necessity for pesticides could be dramatically reduced if farmers were to implement the idea of

cover crops. (Sustainable, 2016) Avoiding monoculture would help to drawback pesticide usage.

Exposure to such toxic chemicals, bring about great consequences for the health and survival of

honeybees. (Casswell, 2013)

Neonicotinoids have attracted the most criticism and public attention in recent studies. A

neonicotinoid is a pesticide unlike any other in that it is not topical. When used, neonicotinoids

stay on the roots of the plants for a number of weeks, maintaining plant health throughout the

crop season. This poses a serious threat for pollinators seeing as the plant is virtually covered in

pesticide. While some pesticides may not necessarily kill pollinators from the start, they have

long lasting effects that can cause damage to the honey bee. A report from Greenpeace highlights
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physiological effects on bees, including loss of memory, and prolonged brain damage. (Casswell,

2013) Greenpeace has called onto several European countries urging them to take immediate

action in banning harmful pesticides. The goal of the new campaign for the honey bee created by

Greenpeace is to save bees and promote the production of healthy, and chemical-free agriculture,

all the while preserving safe habitats for the wild pollinators.

As if pesticides werent already harmful enough, neonicotinoids, have been proven

countless times to have long term, large scale, detrimental impacts. (McGrath, 2016) Some

scientists defend the neonicotinoids by placing blame on farming techniques over a simple

pesticide. While in theory, the idea seems appealing, the effects of neonicotinoids are far more

disastrous than the presumed benefits. Natural pollinators are far too valuable to both the

agricultural and economic world to lose to a man-made chemical. Chronic exposure to a

neonicotinoid pesticide alters the interactions between bees and wild plants. Even the lowest

levels of exposure to pesticides can have significant effects on honey bees. (Zimmer, 2012)

On a global perspective the honey bee is still the most prevalent and important pollinator.

Researchers and scientists all over the world work tirelessly to trace the causes of the slow

decline of the honeybee population, while simultaneously creating and testing new ideas for

solutions. Researchers in France have said pesticides fog the honey bees brain working as a

narcotic. (Zimmer, 2012) When first introduced, pesticides were incredibly popular, but a recent

momentum of opposition against neonicotinoids has become more validated with research. In

China, studies show a link between decline in pollinator population and decreasing crop yields.

Modern farming and farming techniques threaten to eradicate pollinator populations. In

Southwest China, farmers have resulted to hand-pollination as a result of overuse of pesticides

and loss of natural habitat which caused all the honey bees to disappear. (Goulson, 2012) It is
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now understood that agriculture, agro-ecosystemic diversity, and biodiversity are threatened by

declining populations of honey bees.

Pesticides arent all bad. It is important to remember why scientists created these

chemicals in the first place. Theyre used to rid crops of bugs that may feed on the plants. When

pesticides are used there is less crop loss to bugs. (U, 2015) Pesticides help to increase food

production therein making food cheaper and more accessible to citizens with less money.

Securing the honey bee population through the means of pesticides helps to maintain food

security.

The current head forward approach to saving the honey bee is very promising for a

hopeful future. Scientists still continue to research pollination, invasive species, and pesticides in

hopes that the population decline is reversible.

Conclusion
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When it comes to the issue of the decline of the honeybee, it is not a conflict that can be

solved overnight. Saving the honeybee requires global effort, in tackling pesticides, pollination,

and invasive species. Whether it is banning pesticides in Europe, or reviving the honeybees in

China, scientists and researchers are responsible for attempting to lead the rest of the world in

preserving the honeybee. This conflict is a severe ecological problem whose fate rests in the

hands of the global community. The number one mission is to eradicate the Varroa mite which

causes Colony Collapse Disorder, currently the leading cause of the decline of the honeybee. By

planting bee-friendly plants to increase pollination, ceasing the use of pesticides, and using

genetics to combat the ectoparasitic Varroa mite, there is a variety of ways for people from all

socioeconomic levels to help.

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