Class

Article

College

College of Science

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry Department

Faculty Mentor

Kimberly Hageman

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

Background

Pesticides are vital in preventing crop damage from pests but are cited as a key factor in decreasing bee populations.1 The alfalfa leaf cutting bee is essential in alfalfa seed production in the Western US.2 Current research seeks to examine the effects of pesticides on these solitary bees to maintain healthy populations while controlling pests.3

One research tool commonly used to examine pesticide effects on bees is field-cages. Field cages are thought to simulate agroecosystem conditions while restricting bees to plots that have been sprayed with pesticides.1,4

However, environmental conditions can be different inside and outside the cages, and it is unknown if pesticide loss rates are similar to those sprayed in open fields


Location

Logan, UT

Start Date

4-9-2025 3:30 PM

End Date

4-9-2025 4:20 PM

Included in

Chemistry Commons

Share

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Apr 9th, 3:30 PM Apr 9th, 4:20 PM

To Bee or Not To Bee: Investigating Pesticide Behavior Inside and Outside Semi-Field Cages

Logan, UT

Background

Pesticides are vital in preventing crop damage from pests but are cited as a key factor in decreasing bee populations.1 The alfalfa leaf cutting bee is essential in alfalfa seed production in the Western US.2 Current research seeks to examine the effects of pesticides on these solitary bees to maintain healthy populations while controlling pests.3

One research tool commonly used to examine pesticide effects on bees is field-cages. Field cages are thought to simulate agroecosystem conditions while restricting bees to plots that have been sprayed with pesticides.1,4

However, environmental conditions can be different inside and outside the cages, and it is unknown if pesticide loss rates are similar to those sprayed in open fields