Bayer CropScience To Study Colony Collapse Disorder

Posted by Matt Hopkins|22 November 2010

WINCHESTER, United Kingdom — Bayer CropScience recently acquired a product to control of varroa mites (Varroa destructor) from Exosect Ltd., Winchester, United Kingdom. The acquisition allows Bayer CropScience to study and produce bee health solutions and to commercialize new bee health products worldwide, according to the company.

The product is based on the innovative Entostat technology, a food grade powder refined from a natural wax which is sustainably harvested from a particular species of palm tree, combined with the miticidal active ingredient thymol, according to the press release.

“Bayer is aware of its responsibility as a producer both of crop protection products and of bee health products”, said Dr. Franz-Josef Placke, Head of Development at Bayer CropScience in a prepared statement. “Therefore, we are investing in research and development to provide beekeepers with sustainable solutions to improve the health of their bees and beehives.”

The Varroa mite is considered a crucial factor in the decreasing number of honey bee colonies in Europe and North America.