The tests detailed below demonstrate some of our capabilities. We will work with you to select the appropriate tests to meet the specific needs of your project. We can perform all of the necessary residue analysis for these studies, from testing dosing solutions to analysing complex hive matrices. If you have a specific testing requirement or problem that needs addressing, we can adapt our methods or design bespoke tests to provide the data, analysis and reports you need.

Laboratory tests:

Adult bee acute toxicity

First tier tests designed to look at the worst case scenario via the two main routes of exposure: ingestion and direct contact. These tests are short term and are designed to generate LD50 and LOEC or NOEC values. Honey bee tests are according to the OECD Guidelines 213 & 214: Honey bees Acute Oral & Contact Toxicity Tests. We also test bumble bees according to OECD Test guidelines 246 and 246 Bumble Bee Acute Contact & Oral Toxicity. Unlike honey bees we are not restricted to testing during the beekeeping season – bumble bee laboratory tests can be performed earlier and later in the year.

Adult honey bees - chronic toxicity

Cage tests designed to assess possible longer-term effects of feeding on PPPs to honey bees. Test units of bees are dosed with a treated sucrose solution over a 10 day period; the feed uptake per day is calculated to determine the daily dose of the test item (according to OECD Test Guideline 245: Honey bee (Apismellifera L.), chronic oral toxicity test(10 day feeding test in the laboratory)2016. (Accepted in April 2016 at the OECD National Representatives meeting).

Semi-field and open field tests

Honey bee brood tests

These tests are run under tunnel conditions using a bee-attractive crop. A single colony is placed into each tunnel. Using photographic methods and bee brood monitoring software the development of different brood stages(eggs, young/old larvae) are monitored for any effects and the brood termination rate calculated (OECD 75: Honey bee brood test under semi-field conditions (tunnel test). Using photographic methods and bee brood monitoring software, it is possible to monitor the effects of PPPs on the development of different brood stages. 

Tests performed according to OECD 75: Honey Bee Brood Test Under Semi-Field Conditions (tunnel test).

Honey bee brood feeding test

Similar to the bee brood test. However, the test item can be fed directly to free-flying honey bee colonies in sugar syrup. Additional measurements of mortality and overall colony development are also taken. Tests run according to Oomen, de Ruijter & Van der Steen (1992). 

Honey bee effects tests

These are conducted under open field conditions, to give realistic exposure scenarios (EPPO 170) and can be designed to look at a number of aspects including: spray applications, seed treatments (e.g. dust) and risks from guttation. Residue analysis can be incorporated to look at residues within the crop and returning foragers (and also from within hive matrices). We are also experienced with the use of Radio Frequency Identification studies (RFID) in open field situations as recommended in the EFSA GD to assess potential effects of PPPs on the foraging behaviour and mortality of worker bees. This RFID technology can also be used for dose/release/homing flight tests and we are part of the current ring test group assessing these methods. 

Bumble bee effects tests

Although there are no recognised guidelines for bumblebee field studies, we have a great deal of experience of developing bespoke protocols so that we can work with bumble bees under field conditions.