Impact on survivality and mortality of Apis mellifera L. brood and workers exposed to thiamethoxam treated mustard

The present study was aimed to find out the possible effect of thiamethoxam on growth, development and behaviour of Apis mellifera. The risk of thiamethoxam to broods and adult worker bees was assessed by exposing the honey bee colonies to thiamethoxam treated mustard crop under semi field (within cage) conditions. Observations regarding broods and adult worker bees mortality, brood emergence were taken at a regular interval. Detailed examination of brood development throughout the study demonstrated that thiamethoxam had a negative impact on brood development and survivability. Delayed developmental period of two to four days was observed in colonies placed on the thiamethoxam treated mustard field.