Oral and Contact Toxicity Test in Honeybee

The Oral and Contact Toxicity Tests evaluate the effects of chemicals, especially pesticides, on honeybees (Apis mellifera), crucial pollinators in ecosystems. These tests assess the acute toxic effects through oral ingestion and direct contact exposure.

Honey bees (A. mellifera) can be exposed to pesticide residues by indirect contact on plant surfaces, via oral intake with contaminated food or water, or by direct contact during the course of application according to normal farming practice. If the proposed use pattern of pesticides indicates a possible exposure of honey bees, acute contact and oral toxicity studies shall be necessary for the registration of the pesticide in question.