Bumblebees survived modern pesticide, but key genes began changing

Bumblebees are among the world’s most important pollinators, helping to grow many crops and wild plants. But new research suggests a common pesticide might be creating hidden risks for these vital insects. According to researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology, they discovered that low-dose exposure to the pesticide sulfoxaflor may interfere with bumblebee reproduction by changing gene activity in important tissues.It has been reported in the research that the findings highlight potential impacts of contemporary agricultural chemicals on beneficial insects that extend beyond their target pests. The report reads, “Scientists say while pesticides are vital in protecting crops from damaging pests, it is equally important to understand their impact on pollinators that help sustain global food systems.”Bumblebees and their role in food productionFor the uninitiated, bumblebees are little, but they make a big difference to agriculture.