For years, neonicotinoid pesticides (or neonics) have been a go-to solution for farmers protecting crops from destructive pests. But mounting evidence shows these chemicals have severe unintended consequences, especially for pollinators, beneficial insects, and aquatic ecosystems. Now, a groundbreaking Cornell University study offers new insights into potential alternatives that could help farmers transition toward sustainable, pollinator-friendly pest management.
Why Neonicotinoids Are Being Phased Out
Neonicotinoids revolutionised crop protection in the late 1990s, but their widespread use has come at a cost. Research shows neonics not only kill target pests but also weaken bees’ immune systems, disrupt navigation, and devastate insect biodiversity. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded that neonics “likely jeopardise” over 200 endangered species.
Recognising these risks, states like New York have passed legislation to limit or phase out neonicotinoid use. The Birds and Bees Protection Act, signed into law in 2023, restricts the sale and use of neonic-treated seeds in crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. This search for safe and effective alternatives is more urgent than ever.
Cornell’s Multi-State Study on Alternatives
Between 2021 and 2024, Cornell researchers conducted extensive field trials across Delaware, Minnesota, New York, Washington, and Wisconsin. Their goal: test non-neonicotinoid insecticides on large-seeded vegetable crops such as snap beans, dry beans, and sweet corn.
The study compared neonicotinoid seed treatments (thiamethoxam and clothianidin) with alternatives, including:
- Spinosad
- Cyantraniliprole
- Chlorantraniliprole
- Isocycloseram
- Tetraniliprole
Researchers also assessed the environmental impact quotient (EIQ) of each option, measuring risks to farmworkers, consumers, and ecosystems.
Key Findings: The Good and the Gaps
The results were mixed, but promising.
- Sweet corn success: Five alternative seed treatments (chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, Isocycloseram, Spinosad, and Tetraniliprole) proved just as effective as neonics in protecting sweet corn. This is particularly significant given the crop’s importance in New York and other states.
- Snap beans and dry beans lagging: Alternatives such as cyantraniliprole and Spinosad performed well in snap beans, sometimes outperforming neonics. However, in dry beans, no alternative provided consistent protection against pests like the seedcorn maggot.
- Trade-offs remain: While some alternatives were safer for bees and pollinators, they weren’t always as reliable in pest control. In many cases, farmers may need to combine treatments—for example, replacing neonics at planting and supplementing later in the season with targeted sprays.
Why This Matters for Pollinators and Agriculture
The push for neonicotinoid alternatives is about more than just replacing one chemical with another. It’s about reshaping how we think about pest management and pollinator protection.
- Diversifying insecticides helps prevent pests from developing resistance, a growing challenge in modern agriculture.
- Reducing chemical pressure on pollinators supports biodiversity, which in turn strengthens ecosystems and crop yields.
- Supporting sustainable farming practices ensures long-term food security while protecting the natural systems that agriculture depends on.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Farmers?
While this study highlights promising tools, challenges remain. Many of these alternatives are still moving through regulatory approval pipelines, and their higher costs than neonics may slow adoption. However, as demand for pollinator-friendly farming practices grows, driven by legislation, corporate sustainability goals, and consumer expectations, the momentum toward safer pest management is clear.
At Bee Conservation, we see research like this as essential. Finding ways to balance crop protection with pollinator health is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture. By supporting science-driven innovation and encouraging businesses to invest in biodiversity, we can create food systems that are both productive and resilient.