Minimizing Honey Bee Exposure to Pesticides

Figure 1. The western honey bee, Apis mellifera, collecting nectar from a flower.Protecting honey bees and other pollinators from pesticide impacts is important to the sustainability of agriculture. Consequently, pesticide applicators must determine if there is a clear hazard to managed or wild populations of bees. Potential exposure of bees to pesticides can vary greatly depending on the type of pesticide, formulation, application method, label restrictions, and other factors. The goal in using a pesticide is to achieve maximum benefit (success) with minimum negative impact, and these factors should always be considered in pesticide selection. This publication is written (1) to help assure the sustainability of both bees and agriculture by informing beekeepers, pesticide users, and the general public about the often complex relationship between pollinators (specifically bees) and pesticides, (2) to offer guidance for improved communication between beekeepers and pesticide users, (3) to offer pollinator risk-reducing strategies for growers and other applicators when using pesticides, and (4) to provide clarity in laws, labeling, and associated definitions. This 14-page fact sheet was written by J. D. Ellis, J. Klopchin, E. Buss, F. M. Fishel, W. H. Kern, C. Mannion, E. McAvoy, L. S. Osborne, M. Rogers, M. Sanford, H. Smith, P. Stansly, L. Stelinski, and S. Webb, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, March 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1027

Citrus peelminer Marmara gulosa Guillèn and Davis (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) (EENY415/IN985)

Figure 1. Adult citrus peelminer, Marmara gulosa Guillèn and Davis.The citrus peelminer is a dark-gray moth with mottled white and brown markings and about 4 mm in length. This moth is considered native in the United States, attacking willow. It is believed that a host-shift occurred to multiple non-native plants including all varieties of citrus and cerain ornamentals, such as oleander. Citrus peelminer has been reported to occur in low numbers in Florida and at least three Marmara species have been identified in the state. Recent evaluations of an experimental pheromone lure that is still under development by researchers at the University of California, Riverside have confirmed captures of citrus peelminer (Marmara sp.) in Polk County, Florida. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Lukasz L. Stelinski, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, April 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in985

Quick Sheet: Insecticides and Miticides Recommended for Use in the Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide (ENY854/IN807)

Quick Sheet: Insecticides and Miticides Recommended for Use in the Florida Citrus Pest Management GuideThis document is a two-page quick reference guide to citrus insecticides and miticides recommended in the Florida Citrus Pest Management Guide, their effects on important citrus pests, and their natural enemies. Written by M.E. Rogers, P.A. Stansly, L.L. Stelinski, and J.D. Yates, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, January 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in807

Assessing the Survival of the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and Laurel Wilt Pathogen in Wood Chips (FOR289/FR351)

Figure 2. 1 m3 mulch bin with mesh bags on the surface containing woodchips from the infested redbay trees.What is the best way for homeowners to dispose of dead redbay trees to avoid spreading laurel wilt? This 4-page fact sheet summarizes a UF/IFAS study providing evidence that a simple technique — chipping the dead trees — can help contain the disease within a small area and that there is a low probability of long-distance movement of LW via wood chips. Written by Don Spence, Jason Smith, Albert Mayfield III, Jiri Huler, Randy Ploetz and Lukasz Stelinski, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, November 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr351

Spotted Wing Drosophila Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Insecta: Diptera: Drosophilidae) (EENY492/IN887)

Most Drosophila flies are associated with rotten or over-ripened fruits and are nuisance pests. However, a few species such as the spotted wing drosophila, D. suzukii (Matsumura), can infest un-ripened fruits and are of economic significance. First detected within the continental United States in August 2008, D. suzukii has become a serious threat to fruit crops. This 6-page fact sheet was written by Rajinder S. Mann and Lukasz L. Stelinski, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, May 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in887

Redbay Ambrosia Beetle Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) (EENY491/IN886)

Ambrosia beetles are wood-degrading insects that live in nutritional symbiosis with ambrosia fungi. Usually we consider ambrosia beetles beneficial because they accelerate the decay of dead trees, which is important for nutrient cycling in healthy forests. However, the redbay ambrosia beetle and its fungal symbiont transmit the causal pathogen of laurel wilt disease among plants in the Laurel family (Lauraceae). They are considered a “very high risk” invasive disease pest complex having potential equal to that of Dutch elm disease or chestnut blight. Laurel wilt is a relatively new disease and much is still unknown about how it will impact the flora of North America. This 7-page fact sheet highlights what we do know about this important new pest. Written by Rajinder Mann, Jiri Hulcr, Jorge Peña, and Lukasz Stelinski, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, May 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in886

EENY475/IN858 An Asian citrus psyllid parasitoid Tamarixia radiata (Waterson) (Insecta:Hymenoptera:Eulophidae)

EENY475, a 5-page illustrated fact sheet by Rajinder S. Mann and Lukasz L. Stelinski, is part of the Featured Creatures collection. It describes this effective parasitoid of the Asian citrus psyllid, a vector for Huanglongbing disease in citrus — distribution, description, life cycle, hosts, and biological control. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, June 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in858