Though under debate, extensive pesticide use in agriculture may play a role in the widespread decline of bee populations (see Ref. for a synopsis) via both lethal and sublethal toxicity . Harms to bee populations are especially concerning because bees are valuable for agricultural production : (1, primary value) bees serve as pollen vectors for many crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, oilseed, spices, and coffee. ; (2, secondary value ) honey bees produce honey and beeswax. In addition, bees are ecologically valuable as pollen vectors for plants in natural habitats .