SD37: The effects of long term neonicotinoid and fungicide exposure on ground nesting bee communities

Restored areas throughout the tallgrass prairie region are constantly inundated with plant protection products from adjacent farm fields. Concern about the non-target effects of these pesticides on insects, particularly bees, have been raised continuously but most of the research has focused on acute effects of exposure. To assess the effects of continuous drift of neonicotinoids and fungicides on ground bee nesting and colonization, we established a 5-year manipulated field experiment to track bee and plant responses in newly established restored plots. We also assessed if simple changes to the restoration plan could help reduce negative effects of these pesticides and increase the conservation potential.