Analysis of the Apiclutural Industry in Relation to Geothermal Development and Agriculture in the Imperial Valley, Imperial County, California

摘要

PART I: Continuous exposure to 30 ppB H sub 2 S increased lifespan of caged worker honey bees, Apis mellifera L., 33%; whereas, bees exposed > 13 days to 100 ppB and 300 ppB H sub 2 S the lifespan was shortened 32% and 51%, respectively, over unexposed bees; bees exposed > 15 days to a combination of 300 ppB H sub 2 S + 50 ppM CO sub 2 the lifespan was shortened 4.4% more that 300 ppB H sub 2 S alone. The mean temperature and/or relative humidity did not exert a direct effect on the hazard to bees. A continuous exposure to 300 ppB SO sub 2 was detrimental to caged worker honey bees; and, a mean temperature of 27.2 exp 0 C was 75.7% more toxic than the same dosage at 16.7 exp 0 C. Worker bee lifespans exposed to 300 ppB SO sub 2 at 16.7 exp 0 C were shortened 13.5% and 79%, respectively, compared to unexposed bees. Therefore, both dosage and temperature exert direct effects on the hazards to bees. PART II: The status of the apicultural industry in Imperial County, California, was outlined giving a short characterization of the area in relation to the apicultural industry. Agriculture utilizes 500,000 intensely farmed acres which generated a 11-year average income of $370 million. Over 40 agricultural commodities are produced. The apicultural industry is intimately involved in 25% of the total gross agricultural income. In addition, most of the flora growing in the desert community which comprises the remainder of the county are very important to honey bees by providing sustaining nectar and/or pollen for brood rearing. The bee foraged flora provides substantial bee forage when colonies are located outside of the agriculutral area. It is concluded that geothermal resource development in the Imperial Valley is contemplated to have minimal effects on the apicultural industry. (ERA citation 04:048491)