Effect on honey bees of rogor and endothion applied from the air as sprays to brassicas; trial of M.G.K. Repellent 874

摘要

Summary Sixteen fluid ounces of Rogor 40 (40% w/v of active ingredient) was applied from the air in 7 gallons of water per acre to 2 acres of a 32-acre flowering crop of turnips. An aqueous solution of Endothion containing 0.33% of active material was applied from the air in 30 gallons of water per acre to 2 acres of a 24-acre flowering crop of rape. Eight ounces of a 50% emulsifiable concentration of M.G.K. repellent 874 was mixed into the Rogor solution and applied with it to the 2 acres of crop. Both crops were sprayed before bees from nearby apiaries commenced to visit them. Bees collected nectar and pollen extensively from the crops which were of maximum attractiveness. No repellency was exhibited by the Rogor-M.G.K. repellent 874 mixture or by the Endothion. Rogor proved highly toxic to field bees, although brood was not affected. It should on no account be applied to flowering crops. Endothion caused no bee mortality and is safe to apply to flowering brassica crops.