World’s most-used weedkiller disrupts honeybee brains
Glyphosate was long thought to be safe for honeybees because they lack the enzyme the chemical targets in weeds. However, researchers found that exposed bees foraged 13 percent less after only three days and showed changes in brain chemicals linked to behavior. Across a whole hive, that decline could reduce honey production, weaken pollination, and threaten long-term survival.
The widely used weedkiller glyphosate, present in many agricultural and landscaping products, may be adversely affecting honeybee brain function and foraging behavior, according to a Virginia Tech study. Honeybees regularly visit areas where weeds are controlled by glyphosate, raising concerns about potential harm to these essential pollinators.
The research, led by Associate Professor Margaret Couvillon and Ph.D. candidate Laura McHenry, found that even low levels of glyphosate exposure can cause a 13 percent drop in bee foraging activity over three days. This decline could have significant consequences for colony survival, as reduced foraging trips translate to less food intake, lower honey production, and diminished pollination of nearby plants.
While not immediately lethal, glyphosate exposure still alters the neurochemical balance in honeybees' brains, potentially impairing their ability to forage effectively. The study suggests that more careful application strategies and improved regulation are needed to mitigate the unintended harm to pollinators.
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