Mon
May 14 2007
10:29 am

You've probably heard about the growing concerns regarding Colony Collapse Disorder, which is wiping out honeybee populations around the world. The cause is a mystery, and there is concern that the disappearance of bees could lead the disappearance of the food crops they pollinate.

Today's Knoxville News Sentinel has an article about the findings of two U.T. associate professors of entomology and plant biology suggesting that infection by tiny tracheal mites could be the cause of the problem.

Other theories include:

Genetically altered crops

Fungus

Pesticides

Cell phones

Fulfillment of Bible prophecy

Whatever the cause, the consensus is clear: It's not nice to mess with Mother Nature!

WhitesCreek's picture

I'm mixed on honeybees. I

I'm mixed on honeybees. I stomp those asian ladybugs and do what I can to get rid of starlings because they are exotics.

So are honeybees.

I know the benefits to agriculture and I've made hundreds of hive parts for farmers over the years...and I love honey. I'm more concerned about the "canary in the mine shaft" aspects than anything else. It's a cause for serious concern.

Stick Thrower's picture

Nuts and Wine

A couple more theories about the missing worker bees:

1) They're not dead, they're gathering in a huge bee union hall plotting their strategy for shutting down The Man's food production until working conditions on earth are improved. (Solidarity! my bee brothers and sisters!)

or 2) they know something we don't, and they got the hell out of here on a spaceship.

Either of those theories make as much sense as Biblical prophecy about grapes and olives.

Andy Axel's picture

What we need now is a plan

What we need now is a plan for a bee surge...

____________________________

Georgia's in Florida, dumbass!

Mello's picture

um....

further reports show bee colonies maintained by organic farmers are not having the same problems as those industrial style hives. Interesting, yes? Or just a different lobby effort?

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