Effect of Methyl Parathion Vapors from Contaminated Pollen on Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Within a Hive 1

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Pollen contaminated with the emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and the microencapsulated (ME) formulations of methyl parathion was introduced into standard-size hives of honey bees in the field. The pollen was contained within screen cages where it was inaccessible to direct contact by the bees. Two levels of each formulation were tested. Over the 32-day posttreatment period, the high EC treatment had a significantly greater effect on adult bee mortality than the high ME treatment, and both had a significantly greater effect than the control treatment. At the low treatment level, neither formulation had a significant effect. Methyl parathion was detected in air samples, dead adult bees, and wax comb taken from hives from all the treatments except the control.