Testing the selectiveness of electric harps: a mitigation method for reducing Asian hornet impact at beehives.

Abstract The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) has rapidly become a source of stress for the beekeeping sector. Several methods have been developed to control its impact and spread, though some of these impose a high risk for native insects. Among these methods are electric harps, which are physical barriers that electrocute hornets passing through two wires powered by a current generator. However, the risk to local fauna of electric harps has not previously been tested. Here we evaluated the selectiveness and risk of damage for local entomofauna of the electric harps in a study carried out over three years and four locations in Girona province (NE Catalonia, Spain). The electric harps showed a high selectiveness, with 82.9% of all insects trapped (3,902 individuals) catalogued as Asian hornets, although this greatly varied over years and locations with values ranging from 20.5% to 94.3%. The risk damage of electric harps for local entomofauna was very low in all surveyed areas and years. Native insects accounted for, as a mean, 1.7% of all insects trapped over the study period (range 0-4.5%). Accordingly, the electric harps imply a low risk for the native European hornet Vespa crabro, since only 0.1% of the captures belonged to that species. Our results suggest that electric harps might be a useful method to reduce predation pressure of the Asian hornet at beehives while imposing a low risk for local entomofauna. The employment of standardised techniques, such as the placement of electric harps, may be useful to assess inter-annual variations or site-specific differences on the predation pressure of the Asian hornet at beehives. Further research should evaluate whether the placement of electric harps improves bee colony survival or vigour parameters (i.e. honey production, amount of brood, pollen, etc.).

Download Full-text

Effect of Lactobacillus johnsonii CRL1647 on different parameters of honeybee colonies and bacterial populations of the bee gut

Beneficial Microbes ◽

10.3920/bm2014.0155 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 6 (5) ◽

pp. 687-695 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

M.C. Audisio ◽

D.C. Sabaté ◽

M.R. Benítez-Ahrendts

Keyword(s):

Lactobacillus Johnsonii ◽

Bacterial Populations ◽

Honey Production ◽

Bee Colony ◽

Enterococcus Spp ◽

Colony Performance ◽

Genus Lactobacillus ◽

Bacillus Spp ◽

Bee Colonies ◽

Administration Schedules

Lactobacillus johnsonii CRL1647, isolated from the intestinal tract of a worker-bee in Salta, Argentina, was delivered to Apis mellifera L. honey bee colonies according to two different administration schedules: 1×105 cfu/ml every 15 days (2011) or monthly (2012). The effect of each treatment on the bee-colony performance was monitored by measuring honey production, and the prevalence of varroasis and nosemosis. Worker bees from each assay were randomly captured 3 days after administration and assayed for the following intestinal culturable and defined bacterial populations: total aerobic microorganisms, Bacillus spp. spores, Lactobacillus spp., Enterococcus spp. and enterobacteria. Interestingly, both treatments generated a similar increase in honey production in treated colonies compared to controls: 36.8% (every 15 days) and 36.3% (monthly). Nosema index always exhibited a reduction when lactobacilli were administered; in turn, Varroa incidence was lower when the lactobacilli were administered once a month. Moreover, the administration of L. johnsonii CRL1647 every 15 days produced an increase in the total number of aerobic microorganisms and in bacteria belonging to the genera Lactobacillus and Enterococcus; at the same time, a decrease was observed in the number of total spores at the end of the treatment. The number of enterobacteria was constant and remained below that of control hives at the end of the assay. On the other hand, the delivery of lactobacilli once a month only showed an increase in the number of bacteria belonging to the genus Lactobacillus; meanwhile, viable counts of the remaining microorganisms assayed were reduced. Even though it seems that both treatments were similar, those bee colonies that received L. johnsonii CRL1647 every 15 days became so strong that they swarmed.

Download Full-text

No apparent correlation between honey bee forager gut microbiota and honey production

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.1329 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

pp. e1329 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Melissa A. Horton ◽

Randy Oliver ◽

Irene L. Newton

Keyword(s):

Honey Bee ◽

Function Analysis ◽

Amplicon Sequencing ◽

Microbial Composition ◽

Library Size ◽

Honey Production ◽

16S Rrna Amplicon Sequencing ◽

Bee Colony ◽

Bee Colonies ◽

Colony Productivity

One of the best indicators of colony health for the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) is its performance in the production of honey. Recent research into the microbial communities naturally populating the bee gut raise the question as to whether there is a correlation between microbial community structure and colony productivity. In this work, we used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to explore the microbial composition associated with forager bees from honey bee colonies producing large amounts of surplus honey (productive) and compared them to colonies producing less (unproductive). As supported by previous work, the honey bee microbiome was found to be dominated by three major phyla: the Proteobacteria, Bacilli and Actinobacteria, within which we found a total of 23 different bacterial genera, including known “core” honey bee microbiome members. Using discriminant function analysis and correlation-based network analysis, we identified highly abundant members (such asFrischellaandGilliamella) as important in shaping the bacterial community; libraries from colonies with high quantities of theseOrbaceaemembers were also likely to contain fewerBifidobacteriaandLactobacillusspecies (such as Firm-4). However, co-culture assays, using isolates from these major clades, were unable to confirm any antagonistic interaction betweenGilliamellaand honey bee gut bacteria. Our results suggest that honey bee colony productivity is associated with increased bacterial diversity, although this mechanism behind this correlation has yet to be determined. Our results also suggest researchers should not base inferences of bacterial interactions solely on correlations found using sequencing. Instead, we suggest that depth of sequencing and library size can dramatically influencestatistically significantresults from sequence analysis of amplicons and should be cautiously interpreted.

Download Full-text

BIRDS AND HONEY BEES: A BRIEF OVERVIEW ON THIS ANTAGONISTIC RELATIONSHIP AND ITS POTENTIAL IMPACT ON BEEKEEPING

Redia ◽

10.19263/redia-103.20.11 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 103 ◽

pp. 65-67

Author(s):

IGNAZIO FLORIS ◽

MICHELINA PUSCEDDU ◽

ALBERTO SATTA

Keyword(s):

Honey Bees ◽

Wild Birds ◽

Animal Conservation ◽

Honey Production ◽

Bee Colony ◽

Mutualistic Relationship ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Potential Impact ◽

Predatory Birds ◽

Human Wildlife Conflict

The human-wildlife conflict between beekeeping and wild birds is complicated, and further detailed studies are needed for a deeper understanding of the role and possible impact of predation by wild birds on honey production and bee colony health. Another potentially negative effect of birds on bees could be the dissemination of pathogens, such as Nosema ceranae. However, other important aspects of the complex relationship between bees and wild birds should be considered. First, honey bees have developed behavioural defences against the pressure of native predatory birds. Second, the ethology of some of these predators is fascinating like the interesting mutualistic relationship established between the so-called honeyguides and beekeepers. Finally, predatory birds could be important in the biocontrol of other bee enemies such as the invasive Asian hornet. Taking these additional aspects into consideration would provide a better insight into the conflict between wild animal conservation and human activity.

Download Full-text

Melliferous Potential of Weedy Herbaceous Plants in Crop Fields of Romania from 1949 to 2012

Journal of Apicultural Science ◽

10.2478/jas-2018-0017 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 62 (2) ◽

pp. 149-165 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nicoleta Ion ◽

Jean-François Odoux ◽

Bernard E. Vaissière

Keyword(s):

Plant Species ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Nectar Production ◽

Crop Fields ◽

Bee Colony ◽

Intensive Farming ◽

Flowering Season ◽

Companion Plants ◽

Colony Survival

Abstract Intensive farming systems have led to reduced food availability for honey bees which could be related to their current decline. A global tool is needed in order to assess the melliferous potential of plant species that could be developed as crops or companion plants in such systems. This review is based upon a survey from an extensive dataset collected in Romania over the last sixty years to record the nectar production of 153 weedy species. While there was considerable variation among these plants, we found that the melliferous potential of such large families as the Brassicaceae was low, that of the Apiaceae, Asteraceae and Fabaceae at an intermediate level, and that of the Lamiaceae and Boraginaceae the highest. High nectariferous potential was found to be an important feature of perennial ruderal species. Within the main flowering season, perennials provided much more nectar than annuals. These results could help to develop new agricultural practices more compatible with honey bee colony survival and honey production, as some of these plant species could provide a solution to enable agriculture and beekeeping to coexist in a sustainable way.

Download Full-text

Combined Effects of Pesticides and Electromagnetic-Fields on Honeybees: Multi-Stress Exposure

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects12080716 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 716

Author(s):

Daniela Lupi ◽

Marco Palamara Mesiano ◽

Agnese Adani ◽

Roberto Benocci ◽

Roberto Giacchini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electromagnetic Fields ◽

Biodiversity Loss ◽

Stress Conditions ◽

Combined Effects ◽

Behavioral Alterations ◽

Pollinator Decline ◽

Electric Line ◽

Pesticide Stress ◽

Bee Colony ◽

Colony Survival

Honeybee and general pollinator decline is extensively reported in many countries, adding new concern to the general biodiversity loss. Many studies were addressed to assess the causes of pollinator decline, concluding that in most cases multi-stress effects were the most probable ones. In this research, the combined effects of two possible stress sources for bees, pesticides and electromagnetic fields (multi-stress conditions), were analyzed in the field. Three experimental sites were chosen: a control one far from direct anthropogenic stress sources, a pesticide-stress site and multi-stress one, adding to the same exposure to pesticides the presence of an electromagnetic field, coming from a high-voltage electric line. Experimental apiaries were monitored weekly for one year (from April 2017 to April 2018) by means of colony survival, queen activity, storage and brood amount, parasites and pathogens, and several biomarkers in young workers and pupae. Both exposure and effect biomarkers were analysed: among the first, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS); and among the last, DNA fragmentation (DNAFRAGM) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Results showed that bee health conditions were the worst in the multi-stress site with only one colony alive out of the four ones present at the beginning. In this site, a complex picture of adverse effects was observed, such as disease appearance (American foulbrood), higher mortality in the underbaskets (common to pesticide-stress site), behavioral alterations (queen changes, excess of honey storage) and biochemical anomalies (higher ALP activity at the end of the season). The overall results clearly indicate that the multi-stress conditions were able to induce biochemical, physiological and behavioral alterations which severely threatened bee colony survival.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of Traits for the Selection of Apis Mellifera for Resistance against Varroa Destructor

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects11090618 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 618 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ralph Büchler ◽

Marin Kovačić ◽

Martin Buchegger ◽

Zlatko Puškadija ◽

Andreas Hoppe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Apis Mellifera ◽

Varroa Destructor ◽

Infestation Rate ◽

Mite Infestation ◽

Behavioral Traits ◽

Bee Colony ◽

Mite Reproduction ◽

Varroa Resistance ◽

Colony Survival ◽

Selection Of

Infestation with Varroa destructor is a serious cause of bee colony (Apis mellifera) losses on a global level. However, the presence of untreated survivor populations in many different regions supports the idea that selection for resistance can be successful. As colony survival is difficult or impossible to measure, differences in mite infestation levels and tests for specific behavioral traits are used for selective breeding for Varroa resistance. In this paper we looked into different definitions of mite infestation and linked these with brood hygiene (pin test), brood recapping and suppressed mite reproduction. We based our analyses on datasets of Apis mellifera carnica from three countries: Austria (147 records), Croatia (135) and Germany (207). We concluded that bee infestation in summer, adjusted for the level of natural mite fall in spring, is a suitable trait in the breeding objective, and also suggested including brood infestation rate and the increase rate of bee infestation in summer. Repeatability for bee infestation rate was about 0.55, for cells opened in pin test about 0.33, for recapping 0.35 and for suppressed mite reproduction (SMR) virtually zero. Although in most cases we observed correlations with the expected sign between infestation parameters and behavioral traits, the values were generally low (<0.2) and often not significantly different from zero.

Download Full-text

Austrian COLOSS Survey of Honey Bee Colony Winter Losses 2018/19 and Analysis of Hive Management Practices

Diversity ◽

10.3390/d12030099 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 99 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Hannes Oberreiter ◽

Robert Brodschneider

Keyword(s):

Honey Bee ◽

Management Practices ◽

Favourable Effect ◽

Winter Mortality ◽

Colony Losses ◽

Bee Colony ◽

Honey Bee Colony ◽

Colony Survival ◽

The Impact ◽

Loss Rates

We conducted a citizen science survey on overwinter honey bee colony losses in Austria. A total of 1534 beekeepers with 33,651 colonies reported valid loss rates. The total winter loss rate for Austria was 15.2% (95% confidence interval: 14.4–16.1%). Young queens showed a positive effect on colony survival and queen-related losses. Observed queen problems during the season increased the probability of losing colonies to unsolvable queen problems. A notable number of bees with crippled wings during the foraging season resulted in high losses and could serve as an alarm signal for beekeepers. Migratory beekeepers and large operations had lower loss rates than smaller ones. Additionally, we investigated the impact of several hive management practices. Most of them had no significant effect on winter mortality, but purchasing wax from outside the own operation was associated with higher loss rates. Colonies that reported foraging on maize and late catch crop fields or collecting melezitose exhibited higher loss rates. The most common Varroa destructor control methods were a combination of long-term formic acid treatment in summer and oxalic acid trickling in winter. Biotechnical methods in summer had a favourable effect on colony survival.

Download Full-text

Monitoring of Bee Colonies’ Activity During the Major Gatherings in 2017

Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca Animal Science and Biotechnologies ◽

10.15835/buasvmcn-asb:0001 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 74 (2) ◽

pp. 92

Author(s):

Silvia PĂTRUICĂ ◽

Daniel Severus DEZMIREAN ◽

Marian BURA ◽

Robert JURCOANE ◽

Alex SPOREA

Keyword(s):

Low Temperatures ◽

Heavy Rainfall ◽

Meteorological Factors ◽

Weather Conditions ◽

Honey Production ◽

Bee Colony ◽

Acacia Honey ◽

Honey Bee Colony ◽

Bee Colonies

The assessment of the meteorological factors, in direct correlation with the nectar release and honey production, helps beekeepers with the organization of the technological activities within the apiary (determination of the pastoral schedule, supplementary feedings, reproduction of bee colonies, honey harvest, etc.). The study was carried out between 14th of April and 20th of July 2017, on 20 Apis mellifera carpatica bee colonies, maintained in multi-layer and Dadant beehives. The bee colonies were transported in field for rape, acacia and sunflower gathering and monitored with the help of the BeeWatch Professional device. The rape and acacia gatherings were negatively influenced by low temperatures and heavy rainfall, which impeded the capitalization of the melliferous potential. The bee colonies gathered only 5 kg rape honey and 3.9 kg acacia honey/bee colony/period. As regards the sunflower, the weather conditions were optimal for gathering, and the bee colonies gathered the supplies necessary for winter and also 5 kg honey extra. The honey production obtained by the bee colonies studied was not influenced by the beehive type; it was strongly influenced by the environmental factors, temperature and humidity.

Download Full-text

Analysis of the Economy of Beekeeping and Honey Supply in Horo Guduru Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

10.21203/rs.3.rs-361401/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nasir Ababulgu ◽

Nugusa Abajobir ◽

Habtamu Tizazu

Keyword(s):

Econometric Model ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Policy Intervention ◽

Price Setting ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Honey Production ◽

Bee Colony ◽

Size Type ◽

Market Center

Abstract The study focused analyzing the determinants of honey supply, to analyze the economy of beekeeping, honey marketing and income generating activities undertaken in Horo Guduru wollega zone of Oromia Region, Ethipia. About 121 honey producers (110 male & 11 female) were selected randomly from a list of 536 honey producers found in 5 purposively selected ‘kebeles’. The data were generated by individual interview and group discussions using pre-tested semi structured questionnaires and checklists. Secondary data were collected from different published and unpublished sources. The data collected were analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics and econometric model (multiple linear regression model). The results obtained from econometric analysis indicates that colony size, type of beehives used, beekeeping equipment, market information, current honey price, frequency of extension contact per year and trainings were positively and significantly affected honey supply. Of course, some opportunities have also been indicated like availability of bee colony, favorable environment, and annual flora and farmers’ experiences. To boost the economy of beekeeping and honey marketing which in turn increase producers income from honey supply, all concerned bodies need to focus on building farmers capacity via training on improving honey production and supply, increasing access to improved beehives and its accessories, availing extension facilities, improving road facility, organizing honey producers to increase the volume, access to marketing and price setting, and establishing honey market center are recommended for policy intervention.

Download Full-text