I

ANNO 3 Numero 3
Claudio Porrini [1], Fabio Sgolastra [1], Anna Gloria Sabatini [2], Roberto Colombo [2], Michele Catalano [3], Leonardo Cariglia [3], Arturo Caponero [3], Pietro Zienna [3]

Use of honey bees for the monitoring of agrochemicals applied in agroecosystems.Basilicata region experience

[1] Dip. Scienze e tecnologie agroambientali, Università di Bologna, Italy
[2]CRA - INA, Bologna, Italy
[3] Agenzia lucana di sviluppo e innovazione in agricoltura, Matera, Italy


Corresponding author: cporrini@entom.agrsci.unibo.it

The agrochemicals detected by means of bio-monitoring with bees, usually reflect the type of pest management in the surveyed area. In 2005, a monitoring study was conducted in several areas of Basilicata region. During this study an incorrect and inappropriate use of agrochemicals was evidenced. It was not sufficiently adequate to the modern techniques of environmentally low impact plant protection management.

In April, for example, we found pyrazophos in the dead bees. Since 2001, the use of this active ingredient has been banned on the entire national territory. In several dead bee samples we found residuals of obsolete fosforganic agrochemicals. These information are very useful to the Development and Assistance Service for Agriculture to assist growers in the agrochemicals use improvement in observance of the law, the environment, and of the beneficial organisms.