The Buzz Newsletter

August 2006

 

 

Page 3

Is a State Apiarist in Iowa’s Future?

As Secretary of Agriculture I would work to reinstate an Iowa State Apiarist. I know that bees are critical for pollination and they add to the economic well being of the state of Iowa.

— Denise O’Brien
Candidate for Secretary of Ag.

Looking for Bees

We are trying to locate beekeepers in SE NE or SW IA who would be interested in placing hives on our land between Glenwood and Mineola, IA. Years ago we did have hives on our land but those people have long since retired. Can you help?

Leslie Speck
25784 Dobney AV
Glenwood, IA 51534
Phone: 712-526-2064
Email: bldspeck@aol.com

Thanks, Leslie Speck

 

The Buzz Picture Contest

Remember that “The Buzz” is offering $10 for one picture each month. I know some of you will have good photo opportunities during the summer months. Entertain your fellow beekeepers and make some money at the same time. This offer does not pertain to pictures printed with articles. Submit you photo via e-mail to the Buzz at
thebuzz@abuzzaboutbees.com
or by post to the address listed on the front cover. Postal submissions should include a self addressed stamped envelope if you want your picture returned.

 

NHB-Sponsored Mite Control Research Project Completed; More Projects Underway for 2006

Longmont, Colo.—A research project titled “Microbial Control of Varroa with the Fungus Metarhizium Anisopliae” was recently completed, but did not produce any measurable results.

The National Honey Board (NHB) provided funding for the project through its research program. Rosalind James, PhD., at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service in Utah led the project with assistance from Jerry Hayes, Chief-Apiary Inspection section at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Jerrod Leland, PhD., Southern Insect Management Research Unit, MS.

The project’s objective was to test the viability of the fungus Metarhizium Anisopliae as a control for the Varroa mite. Two field trials were conducted, each one varying the application methods and the season.

None of the experiments gave any measurable level of mite control. Although the fungus Metarhizium Anisopliae is capable of infecting mites in the laboratory at hive temperatures, poor invedtion rates occurred in the field. The spores survived very poorly in the hive, and may have been a major cause for lack of efficacy.

Another possible reason for the poorfield control may be that the treatments failed to get the spores into direct contact with the mites, a condition required for infection to occur. The mites are protected from exposure to spores when they are in the brood cells. Also, when varroa are on the bodies of adult bees, it may be difficult to get the spores directly in contact with the mite cuticle. To obtain a copy of the research project report, call NHB at 1-800-553-7162.

In 2006, NHB is funding five production research projects to study a variety of colony health issues. Funding for the projects totals $47,190. NHB began funding production research projects in 2004 to help beekeepers maintain colony health, without adversely affecting their ability to produce quality honey. Since 2004, NHB has funded an additional seven such projects with funding totaling $135, 877.

NHB conducts research, advertising and promotion programs to help maintain and expand domestic and foreign markets for honey. These programs are funded by an assessment of one cent per pound on domestic and imported honey.