Effect of thiamethoxam on average frame weight and strength of Apis mellifera L. exposed to thiamethoxam treated mustard crop

Abstract

Genus Apis is the most studied because of their fascinating and complex lifestyle, communication systems, role as keystone and the valuable hive products that they produce. Recently a sharp decline in population of Apis mellifera has been observed throughout the World. Among the various factors, the major one is the use of different classes of pesticides, neonicotinoids in particular. Thiamethoxam, a neonicotinoids, is widely used against sucking pest in svarious crops inluding mustard to which honey bees are attract largely. The present study tried to find out the possible effect of thiamethoxam on average frame weight and strength of Apis mellifera colony exposed to thiamethoxam treated mustard field. Detailed examination demonstrated that colonies exposed to the treated crop were unable maintain strength as well as average frame weight throughout the experimental period.