In addition to harming bees, the use of pesticides also has harmful effects on the brains of the larvae and babies of these insects. When an adult individual has been exposed to certain phytosanitary products, the brain development of the youngest can be disturbed, shows a study published this Wednesday in the scientific journal Proceedings of the Royal Society .
The work was carried out by seven British researchers using X-ray microtomography. It is an imaging technique allowing a 3D reconstruction. These tools have for the first time revealed delays in the growth of certain parts of the brain of the larvae of a colony of laboratory bees.
Alert on the use of pesticides
The nectar made available to adult bees contained neonicotinoids, a substance found in many pesticides. Once the larvae hatched, the scientists observed their behavior and used their imaging technique to study the insects' brains. The elements thus collected were compared with data from a colony not exposed to neonicotinoids.
In addition to defects in brain structure, babies were unable to perform tasks that were essential for their community. Experts believe that it is by bringing the polluting components into the hive that adults expose the youngest. "Our work highlights the need to create rules on the use of pesticides by taking into account this risk of exposure", analyzes Richard J. Gill, co-author of the study.
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