We recently held a webinar
with Dennis vanEngelsdorp from Bee Informed Partnership (BIP)(below is the link
to the recording). BIP is a five year project which is focusing on which management practices have less winter loss. Information from anonymous surveys, taken by beekeepers, are analyzed and formed into reports that are posted for public review. These reports hold data that interpret different management practices to the amount of winter loss.The
success of this project and these reports hinges on beekeeper participation.
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| Bees in Hive |
Ever since varroa, beekeepers have
been looking for the "Silver Bullet" to solve our winter loss issues.
Well, there is no "Silver Bullet" product that will do the trick but
this survey and the results which come from it is the closest we are going to
come. As beekeepers, we have a vested interest in this project and should
participate in the survey. Stop waiting for some magic product, be part of the
solution. Participate Now by Clicking
Here.
Still not convinced? Here is a sample of one of the
200+ reports that will be released.
For those who were unable to join
the webinar we have uploaded the Broadcast or
check out Bee Informed Partnership for more
information.
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| Frames in Hive |
Pesticides and
honeybees
In recent years there have been
numerous claims that a class of pesticides know as neonicotinoids is the cause
for Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). While they have been shown to have a
detrimental effect on colonies, few are saying they are sole cause. Just within
the last week there have been a few studies that provide insight into just how
detrimental.
The first two were released on the
website for the journal of Science. Both studies looked at the sub-lethal
effect of pesticides and levels which they are exposed to in "the
wild". They first found that exposed honeybees were 2-3 times more likely
to die while away from the hive than the untreated bees. This finding as well
as others suggests that they are unable to navigate home. The second study was
similar but used bumble bees. It found that colonies treated produced 85% fewer
queens and were 8-12% smaller than untreated colonies.
A third study looked at strawberries
grown on conventional farms versus those grown on organic farms and the
pollination success. It found that the organic farm had about 45% full
pollination compared to 17% conventionally grown. While the study was not
designed to answer the question why, they do discuss the possible higher
abundance and increased diversity of the pollinators.
The answers are out there. Be apart of the solution. Take the survey.
The answers are out there. Be apart of the solution. Take the survey.
