Could mushrooms be the key to saving bees?

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Mushrooms may play a crucial role in saving declining bee populations, as suggested by Paul Stamets, who observed bees foraging near his mushroom patches. Research indicates that pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, are harmful to bees, affecting their navigation and reproduction. While glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is not directly linked to bee decline, some studies suggest it may weaken their immune systems, making them more susceptible to diseases. The discussion highlights the need for further research into the impact of both mushrooms and pesticides on bee health. Understanding these relationships could be vital for conservation efforts.
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SEATTLE—The epiphany that mushrooms could help save the world’s ailing bee colonies struck Paul Stamets while he was in bed.

“I love waking dreams,” he said. “It’s a time when you’re just coming back into consciousness.”

Years ago, in 1984, Stamets had noticed a “continuous convoy of bees” traveling from a patch of mushrooms he was growing and his beehives. The bees actually moved wood chips to access his mushroom’s mycelium, the branching fibers of fungus that look like cobwebs.

https://triblive.com/usworld/world/...long-haired-hippie-could-help-save-the-worlds
 
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So is "Roundup" the real cause of hive collapse?
 
alantheastronomer said:
So is "Roundup" the real cause of hive collapse?

Scientific studies have implicated pesticides containing neonicotinoid compounds in harming bees and other pollinator insects: http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018...controversial-neonic-pesticides-threaten-bees

Roundup, whose active ingredient is the herbicide glyphosate, would not be expected to directly affect insects, and I am not aware of any studies showing this.
 
alantheastronomer said:
So is "Roundup" the real cause of hive collapse?

Unlikely, as CCD has been observed in the 19th century. Glyphosate was invented in the 1970's.
 
Ygggdrasil said:
Scientific studies have implicated pesticides containing neonicotinoid compounds in harming bees and other pollinator insects: http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018...controversial-neonic-pesticides-threaten-bees

Roundup, whose active ingredient is the herbicide glyphosate, would not be expected to directly affect insects, and I am not aware of any studies showing this.
The article you referenced stated that the compounds impaired the bees' navigation and reproduction. I remember reading somewhere that glyphosate weakened their immune system making them vulnerable to a certain fungus. I'm so sorry, I can't provide the reference for you.
 

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