| | The 2009 Bee Winterkill Survey confirmed the trouble Alberta beekeepers have had for the past three years with the failure of readily available pest control for varroa mites, presence of a new parasite species; Nosema ceranae, and unusual cold winter followed by cold spring. The average 30 per cent losses of their colonies each year prompted Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development with the support of the beekeeping industry to make a request in 2008 from the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) for an emergency registration use of another miticide (Apivar) from France. When Apivar became available, 41 per cent of Alberta beekeepers switched their treatment to Apivar and were able to rescue the bees from highly destructive varroa mite populations.
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"For nosema control, beekeepers continued to use fumagillin for treatment of honey bees," says Dr. Medhat Nasr, provincial apiculturist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. "Although some of their attempts succeeded, the majority are still struggling. In our research, we found that most beekeepers seldom monitor for nosema prevalence in their honey bee colonies. Consequently, it is hard for them to determine if nosema is a problem."
Annual losses of 30 to 40 per cent of honey bee colonies are economically unsustainable for commercial beekeeping. However, survey results showed that 14 per cent of beekeepers were able to bring winterkill to previously known acceptable levels (15%). This drop in losses is encouraging. To continue these efforts, Alberta Agriculture has led the way in a partnership with the beekeeping commission, pollination companies and Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund (ACIDF), and commenced a new research project to improve honey bee health. Development and implementation of a sustainable pest management system is our goal.
The first research season is already underway. Some 1,200 honey bee samples were collected from 65 out of the 110 commercial operations in Alberta and analyzed for nosema and varroa. Results were sent to beekeepers so appropriate treatment actions could be taken as needed.
"Testing continues for developing new miticides and management practices," says Nasr. "Moreover, Apivar has been granted an emergency registration use for one additional year and is available for sale to be used by beekeepers. Beekeepers will now have the resources and benefits to help in protecting developing winter bees from any irreversible damage caused by varroa mites. Beekeepers must use Apivar according to the label and apply the prescribed application rates to attain acceptable treatment levels.
"Nosema is known as a silent killer of honey bees. Monitoring and treatment are required to ensure keeping healthy bees for winter. Beekeepers might consider medicating all winter feed with fumagillin. The proper recommended dose of fumagillin must be applied to ensure that bees have access to needed treatment through winter and early spring."
As for pathogen control, effective treatments are available. However, for developing healthy young winter bees, beekeepers need to evaluate availability of stored pollen. Pollen usually is the main source of protein required to produce bees. In many locations across Alberta where crops and honey production suffered from drought, beekeepers might have to feed pollen supplement to produce healthy winter bees. If beekeepers fail to feed colonies with pollen supplements, winter bees will not be produced. Consequently, the ability of honey bees to overwinter will be compromised. Currently, Global Patties Company has ensured that enough supply of pollen patties is on hand for use by beekeepers.
"Beekeepers have commented that for the past three years nothing seems to be going right for them," says Nasr. "They have struggled using alternative miticides that do poorly. They have struggled with new species of nosema invading their colonies. However, if they do nothing, the impact of pathogens will be much worse. But, this year bees are looking great and all needed medication is now available. These taken actions should help beekeepers to turn the tide."
Contact:
Dr. Medhat Nasr
780-415-2314 |
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