Mystery of Declining Honeybees Points to Pesticides

Pesticides may be to blame in a 4-year mystery of disappearing honeybees, according to a new study published in the Public Library of Science journal. Bees have been declining in the past decade, but in 2006, colony collapse disorder was blamed for large die-offs. The disorder causes bees to abandon their hives and fly off to die. Scientists are concerned because bees play a vital role in the food supply. Nearly one-third of the foods consumed are from plants that require pollination from honeybees. Federal officials and state regulators are ordering new research be conducted on pesticides used in fields and orchards. (AG Week) Read more.