Intersections between neonicotinoid seed treatments and honey bees

A growing understanding of the often subtle unintended impacts of neonicotinoid seed treatments on both non-target organisms and their environment have led to concerns about the suitability of current pest management approaches in large scale agriculture. Several neonicotinoid compounds are used in seed treatments of the most widely grown grain and oilseed crops worldwide. Most applications are made prophylactically and without prior knowledge of pest populations. A growing body of evidence suggests that these compounds become contaminants of soil, water, and plant products, including pollen and nectar. These unforeseen routes of exposure are documented to have negative impacts on honey bee health and also have potential to exert effects on a broader environmental scale.