Tasteless pesticides affect bees in the field

Two studies provide evidence that bees cannot taste or avoid neonicotinoid pesticides, and that exposure to treated crops affects reproduction in solitary bees as well as bumblebee colony growth and reproduction. See Letters p.74 & p.77 Reports that neonicotinoid insecticides have adverse effects on bee populations remain controversial. Some studies have been criticized as using unrealistically high insecticide dosages or conditions far removed...