Effect on honey bees of azinphos-methyl applied as a pre-blossom spray to Chinese gooseberries

Abstract

The pre-blossom application of azinphos-methyl to Chinese gooseberries (Actinidia chinensis) should be carried out before the first flowers open. Citrus growers should not spray their flowering trees with insecticides dangerous to bees. Apart from causing general bee mortality, this could seriously affect hives brought to nearby Chinese gooseberry orchards for pollination.