Bees and environment

Abstract

The complex relationship between bees and the environment is considered, with particular reference to their role as pollinators, to their productivity, and to the effects of environmental pollution both on them and on consumers of their products. Evidence is given of their essential role in fertilization of both monoecious and dioecious plants, not only of the wild flora but also among cultivated trees and herbs. The yield potentials of different environments for bee products are compared. The main type of pollution hazard from industrial and radioactive waste and from pesticide usage are described in relation to both bee mortality and consumer toxicity. A report is also given on the preliminary results of a study on apple pollination undertaken in Valtellina.