Neonicotinoid pesticides applied as foliar sprays pose a risk to bees, EFSA has confirmed. The Authority has published assessments on the risks to bees from clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam for all uses other than seed treatments and granules. In cases where the assessment could be completed, high risks were either identified or could not be excluded. In other cases the risk assessment could not be finalised due to data gaps.
The
conclusions are in line with those reached by EFSA two years ago, when
it assessed the risks to bees from the three substances when used as
seed treatments or granules.
The European Commission requested the assessments concerning all
other uses after imposing tighter restrictions on the use of
neonicotinoids in 2013.
The use of the three substances in seed or soil treatments is
currently prohibited on crops attractive to bees and on cereals other
than winter cereals, except for uses in greenhouses. Their use in foliar
treatments is prohibited on crops attractive to bees and on cereals,
except in greenhouses or after flowering.
Next steps
When it brought in the restrictions, the Commission said that within
two years it would initiate a review of any new scientific information
on the risks posed to bees by the three neonicotinoids applied as seed
treatment and granules.
As part of this process, EFSA has asked national authorities,
research institutions, industry and other interested parties to submit
new relevant information.
All information should be submitted by 30 September 2015. Following
receipt of a further mandate from the European Commission, EFSA will
then review the material and offer conclusions concerning an updated
risk assessment.
Font: EFSA
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