April 19, Professor Tom Turpin, Purdue University
Back for a return speaking engagement with the Rotary Club of Indianapolis is Professor Tom Turpin from Purdue University’s Entomology Department. Professor Turpin will be sharing his insight into Honey Bees and pollinators. How important could it be for us to learn about a bunch of bees? Well, consider that Honey Bees add over $15 billion to US agricultural production and do almost 80% of all crop pollination. It’s been reported by the Nature Conservancy that “the number of honey bee colonies has dropped to about 2.5 million from more than 4 million in the 1970s.” and “ It cannot be denied that the honey bee is the greatest pollinating machine when it comes to agriculture.” Whether pesticides are to blame or Colony Collapse Disorder or something else, Professor Turpin will be sure to raise our Bee IQ regarding this situation and potential causes which are being hotly debated in the scientific and environmental communities.
