EU Action on pesticides

[orchidsarefun]

Once again ( they've done it with privacy laws ), the EU leads the way

http://thehill.com/policy/energy-env...ing-pesticides

[Ray]

Now that I do not have a greenhouse, I have completely discontinued my use of neonics - imidicloprid (Merit) specifically.

[rbarata]

I must buy a stock.
Note: I use it only topically and sporadically.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by rbarata

I must buy a stock.
Note: I use it only topically and sporadically.

I already made a stock (imidacloprid is only thing that works when I get mealy bug infestations) because the Netherlands is far ahead of the EU as a whole in this area. Since 2014 many chemical pesticides are difficult or impossible to find. All neocotinids and a bunch of others were banned for sale or use (professional and consumers) in the country.

[Leafmite]

And the US has expanded the use for fruits, vegetables, etc. even for the common gardener (who may not read the instructions or know/care about the bee issue). Not only are most seeds for commercial use coated with the stuff but for the past year, they have this, available everywhere in the US for anyone to use:

Fruit, Citrus & Vegetable Insect Control | Bayer Advanced

Here is a good article from the National Geographic:

European Union Bans Neonicotinoid Insecticide to Protect Bees--Here's Why

I used systemics years ago just for the roses and in autumn when I had brought in my plants. I stopped using it completely when I read about the possibility it was harming bees. I now use Neem oil for the indoor plants and release lady bugs, mantis, and set out lacewing eggs. We cut down the apple trees this spring so the only pesticide use will be for the peach tree and, two applications for the sweet cherry (contact pesticides, not systemics).

[Dollythehun]

I just brought home my pet plants from a friend's greenhouse. Covered in scale and whiteflies. And I have roses. I quit using Marathon because of pollinators but we treat our trees for Emeral Ash Borers and Elm beetles, which is Merit, I think. In my opinion, this is one we can't win. We have to pick our battles and be extra cautious.

[Subrosa]

Global consensus finds neonicotinoids not driving honeybee health problems—Why is Europe so determined to ban them? | Genetic Literacy Project

[Leafmite]

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

Global consensus finds neonicotinoids not driving honeybee health problems—Why is Europe so determined to ban them? | Genetic Literacy Project

As with just about everything there is always an opposing view and it's up to the individual to figure out the most credible.

Jon Entine: The Chemical Industry's Master Messenger

[Leafmite]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

Global consensus finds neonicotinoids not driving honeybee health problems—Why is Europe so determined to ban them? | Genetic Literacy Project

It makes sense that this pesticide would have an effect on bees. The systemic is designed to affect the nervous system of every insect that comes into contact with it and it is drawn up into the plant for that purpose. Tests have shown the systemic is found in the pollen and nectar as well, just in smaller amounts, considered to be harmless for humans but not necessarily for bees and other pollinators. The systemic is just doing what it is designed to do...kill insects. We sometimes need to understand that sometimes these pesticides have adverse affects because of the very same factors that make them effective.

Chlorpyrifos is still in use in the US though the science behind that is pretty clear and it took time for the US to 'ban' Lindane. I used that for my fruit trees at one time as it was a great pesticide. Someone told me that you can still find Linedane for sale in the US but I did not ask for the details of that.