EXHAUST FUMES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21508, 22 November 1939, Page 3

EXHAUST FUMES

RUIN TO BEAN CROPS The exhaust fumes of motor-cars are unpleasant to human beings, but, in addition, they seem to be having an unexpected effect of certain garden crops in England. The fumes do not harm the plants directly, but they drive away the bees which carry out the pollination of the flowers. The effect has been noticed in a marked way in the case of broad beans and scarlet-runner beans, where the visits of bees to the flowers are essential to the proper development of the pods. Gardens close to filling stations and garages where cars with running engines are frequently standing are often greatly affected. In one particular case which came under notice a garage with a large yard was opened at the rear of a number of small gardens where at one time beans of both kinds were grown with success. AU day long the bees would be busy amongst the bean blossoms. but with the coming of the exhaust fumes the insects were rare visitors. As an outcome the pods set poorly, and this in a season when plenty of rain should have assured a heavy crop.

Gardens near main roads where traffic is heavy are at times greatly affected in a similar way. The people in the houses may complain about the unpleasantness of the fumes, especially in still weather; the bees are much more emphatic in their protest, for they simply stay away from the locality altogether.