In recent years bee colonies around the world have been collapsing at an unprecedented rate, a rate that is alarming many food producers because it affects every crop that depends directly or indirectly on bees for pollination. Many beekeepers have lost all or some of their hives. The phenomenon is called 'colony collapse disorder' and is recorded in Europe, Asia and the United States. In parts of China, the bee has disappeared altogether, and pollination now has to be done by hand which is labour intensive and takes much much longer. At present this is done efficiently and 'free of charge' by bees. But some scientists believe that if bees continue to die out at the present rate, bees may disappear altogether within a few years. Sad react only.