Beekeeping: Science updates

  Science updates: Effect of Hive Color on Colony Performance     The research investigates how the color of beehives might influence the internal temperature and, consequently, the performance of honey bee colonies. The study was conducted in Van, Türkiye, between June 27 and July 26, with data recorded every 59 minutes using data recorders placed inside hives of three different color combinations: white, blue, and blue with white covers.   The results showed that the white hives had the lowest average temperature compared to the blue hives and the blue hives with white covers, both during the day and the hottest hours (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). The one-way variance analysis indicated a statistically significant difference among the groups (p<0.001), suggesting that hive color significantly affects internal temperature.     The study highlights the importance of temperature regulation within honey bee colonies for brood production and ...

  Science updates: Tracking Varroa Parasitism Using Cameras     The article explores the use of infrared thermal imaging to detect Varroa destructor parasitism in honey bee (Apis mellifera) broods. The study, conducted over two years at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, involved five beehives each year, using a FLIR E5-XT WIFI handheld infrared camera to create heat maps of capped brood frames.   The authors found that handheld infrared cameras can generate detailed heat maps, effectively distinguishing between cells containing honey, pollen, and brood. They observed a sustained temperature increase in developing honey bee pupae infested with Varroa mites, detectable regardless of the number of mites in the cell. This indicates an advanced thermoregulatory behavior in honey bee colonies, potentially a social fever response to the presence of Varroa mites.   The study identified two heating patterns associated with Varroa...

  Science updates: Genome-wide patterns & honey bees     The research article by Saelao et al. in BMC Genomics (2020) investigates the genetic diversity and differentiation within and among commercial honey bee stocks in the United States. Despite the economic importance of honey bees (Apis mellifera) as pollinators, the population genetics of U.S. honey bee stocks are not well understood. The study used pooled sequencing to analyze eight honey bee stocks, revealing strong genetic similarity among six of them. Two stocks, Pol-line and Hilo, showed significant differentiation, likely due to their closed breeding programs for Varroa mite resistance.   The research identified few stock-specific variants, suggesting potential admixture among the sequenced stocks. Genes and genomic regions associated with disease and parasite resistance, particularly hygienic behavior, were highlighted. The study concludes that there is a high level of admixture in commerc...

  Science updates: Varroa control (natural treatments)   The effects of natural treatments, such as cinnamon and oregano essential oils (EOs) and a mixed fruit cocktail juice, on varroa mite infestation levels and overall honey bee colony health were investigated. The research aimed to address the decline in honey bee populations due to various factors including parasites, bacteria, viruses, and the use of pesticides. The study was conducted in a 20-hive experimental apiary, where colonies were divided into treatment and control groups. While the varroa mite infestation affected all colonies, no significant differences in mite infestation levels, population density, and honey yield were observed between the treatment and control groups. The study also detected viral (DWV, CBPV, and BQCV), fungal (Nosema ceranae), and bacterial (Melissococcus plutonius) pathogens in both symptomatic and asymptomatic colonies.   The study highlighted the importance of exploring na...