Rape fields are buzzing (From Gazette & Herald)

Rape fields are buzzing

OILSEED rape growers have earned praise from Britain's beekeepers for bringing the number of spray incidents down to negligible levels over the last few years.

Speaking with the winter oilseed rape crop in bloom, Glyn Davies, chairman of the British Beekeepers' Association said: "We thank the growers and the agrochemical companies for their concern and care for bees and their environment. Our partnership is respected and mutually beneficial."

Pointing out that for many parts of the UK, oilseed rape is the single most important flowering crop for bees, he says the relationship between farmers and beekeepers has come a long way since the 1980s when there were dozens of serious spray incidents each season.

"Now it is down to one or two but there is no room for complacency."

To keep bee deaths to a minimum, he urges oilseed rape growers to limit their use of insecticides to those that are more bee-friendly and endorsed by the BBKA.

His advice is supported by Dave Marris, insecticide product manager for BASF, who urges growers to exercise caution when spraying against pollen beetle or seed weevil when the crop is in flower this season.

Updated: 13:27 Wednesday, May 07, 2003