Cornell University researchers are investigating what could be the largest recorded loss of managed honeybee colonies in U.S. history. Scientists at the Dyce Lab for Honey Bee Studies have been tasked with analyzing samples of bees, wax, pollen, and honey to determine whether pesticides played a role in the die-off, which has already exceeded 60% of colonies nationwide.
The crisis became apparent as commercial beekeepers prepared to transport hives to California, where nearly 70% of the country’s managed honeybees pollinate almond crops. A survey of 234 beekeepers, conducted by Project Apis m. and major beekeeping organizations, estimates that financial losses have surpassed $139 million.
Scott McArt, associate professor of entomology and program director at the Dyce Lab, said early data suggests this could be the worst honeybee die-off on record. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Bee Research Laboratory in Maryland is testing samples for parasites and viruses, but due to staffing cuts and the high cost of pesticide analysis, the agency sought help from Cornell.
“The USDA lab has had cuts, so they simply can’t do a quick turnaround for these pesticide results. And at the same time, it’s very expensive for them,” McArt said.
Cornell researchers are using mass spectrometry to analyze 500 samples, processing up to 50 per week at a cost of $120 per sample. A private donor has funded the project. Findings from the USDA samples are expected in about a month.
Similar honeybee losses occurred two years ago in Florida, where some large-scale beekeeping operations lost up to 90% of their colonies, resulting in $4.28 million in damages. USDA research linked those deaths to neonicotinoid pesticides, possibly used to control citrus pests.
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