Sulfoxaflor and Azoxystrobin Effects on Honeybee Colonies

Honeybee colonies exposed to sulfoxaflor (Closer) and azoxystrobin (Amistar) showed no significant impacts on colony development, foraging, or brood rearing when applied as labeled. Colony strength influenced weight gain, with smaller colonies gaining more weight. Pesticides alone posed minimal risk, but combined effects with pathogens, poor diet, or other stressors remain understudied. Honeybees show greater tolerance to pesticides than bumblebees or solitary bees. Chronic neonicotinoid exposure and poor nutrition reduce honeybee health and increase viral infection risk. Pesticide clearance is more efficient in honeybees than in bumblebees. Research highlights the need for field studies on multi-stressor interactions and cautions against using honeybees as surrogates for other pollinators.