RE: Bees and pesticides

Thanks Steve! We already practice some of the strategies you mentioned.
Funny you mentioned imidacloprid. I am constantly arguing the case that it
does NOT NOT NOT transfer via pollen. As I replied to Jordan, it is
difficult to spray at optimum times. I never spray in the heat of the day,
usually at dusk or just prior to sunrise. I assume I am doing OK as there is
a tremendous wild bee population here. We did make a relatively significant
investment in our bee project. Just trying to be proactive! I will research
soil applied systemics
As the kids grow and become more involved in activities, as well as
shrinking profit margins, we are going to scale back next year. That should
allow me to keep more of a handle on things.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pumpkins@hort.net [o*@hort.net] On Behalf Of
Stephen Jepsen
Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 3:32 PM
To: pumpkins@hort.net
Subject: RE: Bees and pesticides

Hey Steve,

Always spray after sundown when the bees have stopped foraging for the day.
NEVER spray with the sun shining. Plant injury is greatest with the sun
shining & bees will be out & about.

Another trick is to employ soil applied systemics rather than contact sprays
(when appropriate). The plants will appreciate this too.

Admire (imidacloprid) is sometimes applied to foliage in which case it still
poses a serious threat to bees.

Once pollinations are set it's a good practice to remove all male flowers.
This will reduce cucumber beetles as well as foraging bees. The plants don't
need to waste that growing energy either.

"Soft" pesticides like Neem, soaps & oils all have less impact on bees
though require more diligence on behalf of the grower. Bees that do contact
soaps or oils will still die until the spray residue dries therefore even
these must only be used after sundown.

Keep in mind that "safer" for bees & us doesn't always mean safer for the
plants. Neem Oil is tough on plants especially when it's hot out.

Don't believe the rumors that imidacloprid kills bees via pollen.
Imidacloprid does NOT translocate to flowers or fruit hence our table
produce is routinely sprayed to get it to market. 

Hope this helps,

Steve 

Stephen Jepsen
CT GS&PGA Director Emeritus
GPC Executive Committee
Certified pesticide supervisor 62451 CT
Tel (914) 260-7176


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pumpkins@hort.net [o*@hort.net] On Behalf Of
Steve Haberman
Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 1:14 PM
To: pumpkins@hort.net
Subject: Bees and pesticides

This is directed at Steve Jepsen mostly. However, some of the others out
there are sure to be able to help.

We have started to incorporate bee hives as part of our property. We try our
best to protect the wild bee population to begin with. Obviously we want
minimal damage done to our bees.

I have used Esfenvalerate (Asana XL) in the past but know it is highly toxic
to bees. I believe Endosulfan (Thionex 50wp) is less toxic to bees? Will it
be effective on squash vine borer? What about Capture? I can do my own cost
analysis but appreciate the advice.

Thank You!

Steve Haberman

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Pumpkin-growing archives: http://www.hort.net/lists/pumpkins/
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@hort.net with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PUMPKINS


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
Version: 8.5.409 / Virus Database: 270.13.88/2357 - Release Date: 09/10/09
05:50:00

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Pumpkin-growing archives: http://www.hort.net/lists/pumpkins/
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@hort.net with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PUMPKINS



__________ NOD32 4415 (20090910) Information __________

This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.
http://www.eset.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Pumpkin-growing archives: http://www.hort.net/lists/pumpkins/
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@hort.net with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PUMPKINS
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index