Impact of neonicotinoids on honey bees (apis mellifera scutellata) and their ecological services in selected apiaries in Kiambu county, Kenya
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Date
2014-10-31
Authors
Mulati, Protus Wanjala
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
One third of global agricultural production relies on pollination especially that of
honey bees (Apis melifera sculetta). Despite their importance honey bees die at a
high rate, threatening global food security. In Kenya due to environmental
pollution and pesticide applications, there has been an unprecedented decline in
the population of honey bees. The intentional and unintentional exposure of honey
bees to pesticides has resulted in residues in hive products especially bees wax.
Hive products such as honey are widely consumed as food and used for medicinal
purposes and their contamination may cause serious health hazards. Bee keepers
themselves sometimes cause poisoning of honey bees by using inappropriate
products to protect the honey bees. Pollination management is not included in their
crop management practices. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of
neonicotinoid pesticides on honey bees and their ecological services in selected
apiaries in Kiambu County. The specific objectives are to; investigate the different
types of pesticide attributed to beekeeping and agricultural practices in areas of
study, determine the levels of pesticides in bee products in areas of study, to assess
the toxicity levels of pesticide residues in areas of study and suggest effective and
efficient conservation measures that can be put in place to protect the honey bees
poisoning with pesticides. This study will mainly focus on bee samples, honey,
beeswax, and pollen since they are depository sites for pesticides. Samples of bees,
honey, wax and pollen will be collected from selected apiaries located in relatively
pesticide free and intensive pesticide use areas and analyzed for pesticide residues
they contain. Half of the samples, collected will be analyzed by Liquid
Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry and the other half for Gas
Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry: The expectations of the study are;
establishment of different types of pesticides! and amounts utilized and toxicity
levels of pesticides residues and determination of appropriate, effective and
efficient conservation measures that can prevent bee poisoning and the levei of
pesticide residues in bee' products. The research findings will be used to help
develop policies to minimize the honey bees decline trend and increase their use
for pollination provision.