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Location

Message

Date Posted

Pataskala,OH

Do we as a group think we should stop using merit and other neonicotinoid insecticides on our giant vegetables? It seems it is becoming clearer that they are part of what is causing Colony Collapse Disorder in bees. If we stop using merit what alternatives are there to use? Even if merit is not damaging to bees if there are other insecticides to switch to then we should just in case.

3/31/2012 6:53:01 PM

Belgium

every insecticide, fungicide, herbicide has effects on bees

4/1/2012 6:15:18 AM

Pataskala,OH

Some are worse then others. Different insecticides kill different bugs. Saying they are all just as bad just does not make sense, if that was true we would just have to spray one thing to control all pests because it would kill everything, and we would not have to rotate pesticides. Just as certain pesticides will not kill SVB, and certain ones will. Certain pesticides will harm bees more then others.

4/1/2012 9:41:15 AM

Upa Creek, MO

I think if you are concerned about bees, then you should look at the big picture including amphibians and aquatic organisms. That reason alone is why I went the organic route this year.

4/1/2012 1:38:49 PM

Gays Mills, Wisconsin

Nic, for the soil insects I think there are ways to control them w/o merit. The timing of tilling, removal of debris, using "clean" amendments, having an excellent "soil food web" works for me (how 'bout them chickens? :) Timing applications of friendlier foliar insecticides and Paul's suggestion of flower removal should work well to protect the honeybee. Hope this helps a bit. John

4/1/2012 4:22:21 PM