Death of bees worry again in south Brazil

Last year in the first three months of the year alone, half a million bees died. The news rekindled the discussion about insect care. The importance of bees goes far beyond honey production, having a fundamental role in pollination. They are responsible for the pollination of 75% of all flowering plants available on the planet.

The fact returned to concern beekeepers in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The state is the largest producer of honey in Brazil, with about 11 thousand tons produced per year in 490 thousand hives. In recent weeks, producers have observed the constant early death of insects. From January to July, 40 million bees are killed in Rio Grande do Sul.

The cases have taken place on the West Frontier and the suspicion is poisoning. A report is investigating the causes. The insecticides used in the crops are the main suspects because they can be dragged by the wind and contaminate the insects. During daily pollination, bees can also land on contaminated flowers and take residues that impact the entire hive. “Around 80% of the cause of death are insecticides used incorrectly in conjunction with herbicides. It is difficult to prove the origin of the crop that contaminated and the beekeepers end up losing their source of income ”, points out Aldo Machado, coordinator of the Apiculture Chamber.

Each hive has an estimated value of BRL 800. According to the State Department of Agriculture, at least 400 boxes, each containing up to 100 thousand bees, have already been lost this year. In addition, a contaminated bee decreases its productive capacity causing a loss of about 30% per kilo of honey.

In agriculture, bees help in the reproduction of plants. According to Embrapa, six out of ten plants depend on bees. Among them, agricultural products of importance in the Brazilian trade balance, such as soybeans, coffee, beans and oranges. Other crops with less financial representation, such as apples, melons, watermelons and cocoa, also essentially need pollination.