Ever since Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring” first appeared, warning us against the dangers of chemicals in our natural world—we seem to be entering a new, more dangerous period, where the accumulated human effects upon the environment are producing an obvious toll. In this story, another human soul speaks out, this time, about the plight of the honeybees.
The impetus for this story originated over the past several months. A number of alarming stories were coming from news outlets that honeybees were facing a mysterious syndrome— Colony Collapse Disorder— that was leading to substantial population declines of honeybee colonies throughout areas of the world. I asked a friend of mine, who happens to be an entomologist, if he could refer me to a honeybee expert. He said, funny I should ask, he had just gotten out of a conference, and it’s being considered a big deal. He referred me to a couple of experts that included Dr. Lynn Royce.
After talking to Lynn, it was clear that our story would not be just about this disorder.
It would also be about Lynn and her passion for these bees, and an impassioned voice speaking on their behalf, and that of the environment. As Lynn warns in the piece, Colony Collapse Disorder, is a serious problem we must face with scientific honesty, or risk tremendous consequences not only for the honeybees, but for our species, as well. Honeybees are vital to human agriculture.
Through care and management of her own hives, she is attempting to breed bee colonies that are resistant to a devastating parasite, the varrora mite. If her breeding efforts succeed, it may point the way toward developing commercial strains of honeybees that will be resistant to this mite, reducing the impact of at least one important stressor likely contributing to the Colony Collapse Disorder.
Of course, we also were able to sample some of the honeybee’s honey. That was the sweetest part of this story.
Check out the recipe from this show: Honey Sweetened Apple Pie with Lemon Juice
—Fred
6 Comments
@ Eric:
This story originally ran about a year ago, and I don’t believe much has changed since then, that points to a definitive cause, or causes, for CCD. The consensus remains, as I understand it, there are multiple factors that are likely involved with this syndrome; pesticide levels inside the hives, being one possible factor. Lynn was not advocating that cell phone towers were the cause, at most, possibly, one additional factor adding stress to the bees. As the stresses pile up: pesticide exposure; how they are transported great distances for use in the fields; exposure to known viruses, and possibly a new one; the full weight of all these stresses may tip the balance toward CCD. The problem continues, and there are no clear answers in sight.
I’m curious about the claim that cell phone towers, could you point us to a scientific study? And how does this explain Colony Collapse that occurs in areas where there are no cell towers? Bees travel, at most, 5 miles from their hive.
Its my understanding that Honeybees emit different pheromones rather than vibrations, especially to mate the queen and keep the hive cohesive.
What I found interesting today was Kim Flottum, editor of Bee Culture magazine, wrote in the March 09 issue:
“Pretty much everybody knows that CCD ( colony collapse disorder ) isn’t caused by pesticides…”
They have a an article on their site and Feb issue on this:
http://www.beeculture.com/storycms/index.cfm?cat=Story&recordID=629
Beth, you are damn right about the cell phones!
Over here in the UK the honeybees are disappearing too. Cell phone masts play a huge part with the low numbers of bees and butterflies. The radiation emitted by the masts is on a similar wave length to the mating vibrations of the insects, confusing them and they can’t find mates. The colony collapse may be due to a number of sources as said in the video. I think indigenous wisdom would say that they are not happy living with us anymore, and who could blame them.
Hi There! I recently subscribed to your show and really love it. I\’m going into Environmental Studies at university and would like to focus on food. I am inspired by your stories.
Very interesting episode. Great site, I’ll be subscribed!
- Dave
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