Toxicity of a neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) insecticide to larval honey bees

The effects of a neem-based insecticide on larval honey bees, Apis mellifera L., was examined by applying the insecticide to larvae in their cells. The LD50 values are higher than those reported for most other insect species, The potential for the transport of neem from sprayed crops to the nest via contaminated nectar and pollen was assessed by measuring the rate of translocation of the main A.I., azadirachtin, from leaf surfaces to the nectar or pollen of blossoming canola, Brassica campestris L. No such translocation was detected.