Beekeeping: Science updates

  Science updates: Varroa destructor Population Estimation The article titled "Relative effectiveness of methods that sample worker honey bees to estimate Varroa destructor populations in Apis mellifera colonies" is authored by Michelle A. Taylor, R. Mark Goodwin, Heather M. McBrydie, and Bernard C. Dominiak, and was published in Apidologie in 2025. Varroa destructor is a parasitic mite that significantly impacts honey bee colonies, often leading to their demise within 6 to 16 months if not controlled. The study emphasizes the importance of estimating Varroa populations to determine the timing of control measures, as uncontrolled populations can lead to severe economic losses for beekeepers.   The research evaluated the efficacy of eight different methods for estimating Varroa populations in samples of 300 adult bees. These methods included icing sugar shake, low-suds detergent wash, ethanol wash, and various smoke applications. The study aimed to provide a...

  Science updates: Biological control method to improve honey bee resistance to viral infections   The study investigates the impact of crude extracts from Talaromyces strains on honey bee resistance to Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV), a significant factor in the decline of honey bee populations globally. The authors highlight the importance of pollinators in ecosystems and the threats posed by viruses and parasites, particularly the Varroa destructor mite, which exacerbates viral infections in honey bees. Seven Talaromyces strains were isolated from bee bread and tested for their antiviral properties. The extracts were evaluated in both in vivo (honey bees) and in vitro (mammalian cells) settings. The study involved feeding honey bees with sugar solutions enriched with fungal extracts and subsequently injecting them with CBPV to assess survival rates.   The results indicated that extracts from strains B13, B18, and B30 improved the survival rates of CB...

  Science updates: Summary of the Study on Monocrotaline's Effects on Honey bees     The study investigates the biological damage caused by monocrotaline (MCT), a toxic alkaloid found in Crotalaria plants, on the brain and intestinal tissues of honey bees ( Apis mellifera ). The research highlights the potential risks MCT poses to pollinators, particularly in relation to their cognitive and physiological functions. MCT exposure led to a significant reduction in head weight and swelling of the abdomen in honeybees. Histological analysis revealed damage to the brain's Kenyon cells, which are crucial for cognitive functions, and thinning of the midgut wall.   The study found increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity in the brains of MCT-exposed honey bees, indicating oxidative stress. Conversely, the midgut showed increased antioxidant capacity despite structural damage. Apoptosis rates were elevated in ...

  Science updates: Summary of Research on Varroa Destructor Resistance in Honey Bees The study investigates the transmission of Varroa destructor resistance traits in honey bees, focusing on whether these traits are learned by worker bees or encoded in the queen's genetics. Varroa is a significant pest for beekeepers globally, and understanding how resistance is passed on is crucial for effective bee management without reliance on miticides. The research involved re-queening mite-resistant colonies with susceptible queens in Hawaii and the UK, and vice versa, to observe the effects on mite levels over time. The study measured mite infestation levels, recapping rates, and the ability to remove mite-infested cells.   The results indicated that resistant traits are primarily encoded in the queen rather than learned by worker bees. Colonies led by susceptible queens showed significantly higher mite levels compared to those led by resistant queens, regardless of ...