Synthetic pesticides are among the main threatening factors for wild and managed bees. In recent decades, botanical biopesticides have been gained increasing interest and use in agriculture due to their high selectivity and short persistence in the environment. To date, however, little has been discovered or researched about the adverse effects of these substances on bees. This paper reviews studies in the literature reporting the lethal and sublethal effects of botanical biopesticides on social and solitary bees. Although botanical products are considered safer than chemical pesticides, some of them can cause lethal and several sublethal effects on bees. We suggest that more research is needed on this topic, especially increasing knowledge about certain groups of bees such as solitary bees.

Are Botanical Biopesticides safe to bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea)?

Roberto Catania
;
Lucia Zappala
Penultimo
;
Gaetana Mazzeo
Ultimo
2023-01-01

Abstract

Synthetic pesticides are among the main threatening factors for wild and managed bees. In recent decades, botanical biopesticides have been gained increasing interest and use in agriculture due to their high selectivity and short persistence in the environment. To date, however, little has been discovered or researched about the adverse effects of these substances on bees. This paper reviews studies in the literature reporting the lethal and sublethal effects of botanical biopesticides on social and solitary bees. Although botanical products are considered safer than chemical pesticides, some of them can cause lethal and several sublethal effects on bees. We suggest that more research is needed on this topic, especially increasing knowledge about certain groups of bees such as solitary bees.
2023
ecotoxicology; pollinator; risk assessment; social bees; solitary bees; toxicity
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
2023_Catania et al_Are Botanical Biopesticides Safe for Bees.pdf

accesso aperto

Descrizione: Articolo
Tipologia: Versione Editoriale (PDF)
Licenza: Creative commons
Dimensione 1.18 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.18 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11769/613009
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 13
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 11
social impact