Scientific agency links fourth pesticide to bee decline

EU researchers have concluded that a fourth pesticide chemical poses a high risk to the health of honeybees, following plans for a ban on three other substances within Europe.

In a risk assessment published on 27 May, the European Food Safety Authority says the insecticide chemical fipronil, manufactured by German chemical company BASF, is likely to harm bees when used as a seed treatment for maize.

In light of the findings, environmental group Greenpeace called on the EU to ban fipronil and to develop a “comprehensive plan to tackle the collapse in bee populations in Europe”.