Bee hives are sometimes placed near cotton fields where there is a risk that they will be exposed to pesticides such as fipronil. In recent years there have been instances of bee death that have caused concern for beekeepers. At the same time it has been suggested that the cotton crop benefits from honeybee pollination. The cotton industry needs to gather information regarding the risks that pesticide application poses to beekeepers and whether the benefits from honeybee pollination are significant enough to incorporate into practice.

The key focus of this project will include a review of the existing literature into the pollination effect of honey bees in cotton. The review includes a summary of the mating system of upland cotton, a summary of the production benefits detailed in the literature an evaluation as to the benefit of bee pollination in cotton, attractiveness of cotton to honeybees and an evaluation of the contribution of pollen beetles to pollination of cotton.

Outcomes include the need to accurately quantify the contribution of honey bees to cotton pollination as well as further determining methods to better mitigate risks to bees. Risk management needs to be conducted with Cotton Australia and Industry as well as with the bee industry with honey producers acknowledging their responsibility to inform cotton growers of hive placement and potential challenges for bees around cotton farms.