Bee Health Research (National Honey Board Production Research)
2011 Research Projects
- A Stage-Structured Matrix Population Model for Predicting Combined Roles of Nutrition and Pesticides
Effects of Pesticides in Beeswax on Honeybee Behavior
Dr. Louisa A. Hooven
Oregon State University, Department of Zoology
This study will combine two novel approaches to quantify the risk to honeybees from pesticides in beeswax.
2011 Research Projects
Using RNAi as a Method for Controlling Varroa destructor
Zachary Huang, Ph. D., Zhiyong Xi, Ph.D.
Michigan State University, Department of Entomology
This study was to determine the effect of injecting double stranded RNAs of a few selected genes on varroa mite survival and reproduction. Once this step is successful, the study will explore ways that RNAi can be introduced to mites via honey bee larvae.
This study has been completed. Click here to review the research report.
2011 Research Projects
Are Workers Previously Exposed as Larvae to Pesticides more Susceptible to Nosema ceranae?
Zachary Huang, Ph. D.
Michigan State University, Department of Entomology
Are Workers Previously Exposed as Larvae to Pesticides more Susceptible to Nosema ceranae?
2011 Research Projects
A Stage-Structured Matrix Population Model for Predicting Combined Roles of Nutrition and Pesticides
James L. Frazier, Ph.D; Wanyi Zhu
Pennsylvania State University, Department of Entomology
Researchers propose to construct a Stage-Structured Matrix Population Model to characterize the colony population dynamics of honey bees that are suitable for estimating population recovery probabilities, times, and associated uncertainties (Birt, 2009). Based on the baseline Population Matrix Model, researchers plan to:
- Determine if and how pesticide exposure will impact the colony fitness through its effect on the demographic structure of workers.
- Determine if and how pesticide exposure will impact the colony fitness through its effect on queen fertility.
- Determine if and how the colony fitness could benefit from nutritional supplements.
Ultimately, this modeling approach will help researchers estimate how pesticides affect honey bee population dynamics, determine which compartment contributes most to the intrinsic growth rate of the colony, evaluate the potential effects of supplementary nutrition on colony fitness, thereby providing suggestions for management actions that are likely (or unlikely) to promote recovery of honey bee population under pesticide or other stressors.
2011 Research Projects
Sustainability of VSH-based Varroa Resistance
Robert G. Danka
USDA, ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Laboratory, Baton Rouge, LA
Sustainability of VSH-based Varroa resistance using colonies selected within commercial beekeeping operations
The trait of Varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH) provides good resistance of honey bees to Varroa mites, and bees with the trait have significantly reduced need for miticide treatment. This project will 1) test colonies of outcrossed VSH-based breeding population queens for resistance to Varroa mites and functionality during migratory crop pollination, and 2) augment the VSH-based breeding population gene pool by selecting the best performing colonies from the test.
2011 Research Projects
Improving Honey Bee Health and Productivity by Optimizing Hive Solar Absorption
Michael P. Steinkampf, MD; John C. Hurst, MD; James E. Tew, Ph.D.
Sandhurst Bee Company
Temperature regulation of honey bee colonies is not just an issue of colony survival over winter. Cool weather delays the daily activity of foragers and spring build-up, and increasing data suggest that suboptimal hive heating plays a role in the development of bee diseases in temperate climates. We think that the health of honey bee colonies can be improved by maximizing the absorption of solar radiation in winter while minimizing solar gain in summer. We will investigate two strategies to achieve this goal: (1) Use of “energy-efficient” hive painting and design, with a dark-colored south face and hive body overhangs, and (2) thermochromic hive coating, which modulates solar radiation absorption according to hive body temperature. We will subsequently evaluate the effect of optimizing the solar gain on honey bee colony vigor and productivity, as determined by spring build-up, severity of Nosema infection, honey production, and utilization of honey stores in winter.
2011 Research Projects
A Long-Term Plan to Improve Honey Bee Genetics (continuation from 2010)
Susan Donohue, Dr. Marla Spivak (Univ. of MN)
University of California
A Long-Term Plan to Improve Honey Bee Genetics: Formation of a Tech Transfer Team (Continuation from 2010)
Given the serious and chronic health problems facing bees and the increasing demand for pollination services, it is critical to provide bee breeders assistance with the production of genetically diverse stocks of bees that can defend themselves against parasitic mites and diseases. A Tech Transfer Team would provide the following services:
- Assistance with stock selection and breeding for resistance traits.
- Enhancement of genetic diversity in bee stocks.
- Disease and pest diagnostics and information on integrated management practices to reduce chemical treatments.
- Facilitate cooperative research on relevant topics (e.g., quality of queens and drones; nutrition).
This study has been completed. Click here to review the research report.
2011 Research Projects
Comprehensive Evaluation of Role of Nutrition in Honey Bee Colony Losses
Ramesh Sagili, Ph.D.
Oregon State University
The specific objectives of this study are: 1) Determine effects of nutrition on age of first foraging, longevity, physiology and colony growth in honey bees, 2) Investigate effects of nutrition on incidence of parasites and diseases and immunocompetence in honey bee colonies, and 3) Evaluate effects of antibiotics (Terramycin and Fumagillin) used prophylactically by beekeepers on beneficial gut microorganisms of honey bees that aid in nutrient assimilation.
Understanding and teasing apart the role of nutrition in colony losses will help us move towards finding a sustainable solution to minimize colony losses and thus lead to a sustainable apiculture.
2011 Research Projects
Honey Industry
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