Which systemic insecticide is considered to have the lowest toxicity to bees?

Which systemic insecticide is considered to have the lowest toxicity to bees?

• A. Acelepryn
• B. Imidacloprid
• C. Dinotefuran
• D. Chlorpyrifos

Answer: (A)

Bees’ risk from systemic insecticides depends on how the chemical works in insects and how it moves through the plant. Acelepryn contains chlorantraniliprole, which targets insect muscle calcium channels in a way that is highly selective for insects. At labeled use rates, it has relatively low toxicity to bees because it doesn’t disrupt bee biology as strongly as other options. This selective action, plus careful labeling to limit exposure, makes it the bee-friendlier choice among the options. In contrast, the neonicotinoids (imidacloprid and dinotefuran) affect the insect nervous system by acting on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and are widely associated with bee harm, especially when plants are blooming and bees collect treated pollen or nectar. Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate with broad, potent toxicity, including to bees. So, considering these factors, Acelepryn is the option with the lowest reported risk to bees.

Bees’ risk from systemic insecticides depends on how the chemical works in insects and how it moves through the plant. Acelepryn contains chlorantraniliprole, which targets insect muscle calcium channels in a way that is highly selective for insects. At labeled use rates, it has relatively low toxicity to bees because it doesn’t disrupt bee biology as strongly as other options. This selective action, plus careful labeling to limit exposure, makes it the bee-friendlier choice among the options.

In contrast, the neonicotinoids (imidacloprid and dinotefuran) affect the insect nervous system by acting on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and are widely associated with bee harm, especially when plants are blooming and bees collect treated pollen or nectar. Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate with broad, potent toxicity, including to bees. So, considering these factors, Acelepryn is the option with the lowest reported risk to bees.