"About three-quarters of flowering plants rely on birds, bees and other pollinators to help them reproduce. Bee pollination is responsible for $15 billion annually in crop value.

In 2006, beekeepers began reporting losing 30 percent to 90 percent of their hives. "

"The cause behind the disorder remains unknown. Possible explanations include pesticides; a new parasite or pathogen; and the combination of immune-suppressing stresses such as poor nutrition, limited or contaminated water supplies and the need to move bees long distances for pollination."

"The House Appropriations Committee approved $780,000 on Thursday for research on the disorder and $10 million for bee research."

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gV9ZkvaSg-PdW-F03XQvXCINgWqgD91I2IV00