Apiology

The study of honeybees...

Do managed bees have negative effects on wild bees?: A systematic review of the literature

Managed bees are critical for crop pollination worldwide. As the demand for pollinator-dependent crops increases, so does the use of managed bees. Concern has arisen that managed bees may have unintended negative impacts on native wild bees, which are important pollinators in both agricultural and natural ecosystems.

More:Native Bee Pressure

Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and bee age impact honey bee pathophysiology

Honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies continue to experience high annual losses that remain poorly explained. Numerous interacting factors have been linked to colony declines. Understanding the pathways linking pathophysiology with symptoms is an important step in understanding the mechanisms of disease.

More:CCD

A clue on bee glue: New insight into the sources and factors driving resin intake in honeybees (Apis mellifera)

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are threatened by numerous pathogens and parasites. To prevent infections they apply cooperative behavioral defenses, such as allo-grooming and hygiene, or they use antimicrobial plant resin. Resin is a chemically complex and highly variable mixture of many bioactive compounds.

More:Propolis

Honey bee diseases and pests: a practical guide

Honey bees play a vital role in the environment by pollinating both wild flowers and many agricultural crops as they forage for nectar and pollen, in addition to producing honey and beeswax.

More:Guide

Trophallactic interactions in the adult honeybee (Apis mellifera L.)

Abstract - Trophallaxis, the transfer of food by mouth from one individual to another, occurs among adults of honeybee colonies. The drones and the queen consume but do not donate, while the workers are recipients and donors.

More:Trophallaxis

Catch the Buzz

General Beekeeping News...

Beekeeping in Vermont...

Pre-Order Your Copy...

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$500K UVM donation dedicated to bee research

VBA Amendments to H.205 - Feb. 26, 2019

UPDATE: After submitting our comments to the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, VBA President Jack Rath DVM has been invited to testify to the committee tomorrow, Thursday, February 28.

VBA was asked to provide suggested improvements to H.205 - "An act relating to the regulation of neonicotinoid pesticides." After meeting Monday, February 25, the Vermont Beekeepers Association Board of Directors approved the following amendments to the bill which they presented on Tuesday, February 26 to the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry.

In addition, VBA Secretary Fred Putnam wrote an excellent summary of the intent and purpose of our recommendations on H.205 which is available here. Please watch for Updates and this site for ongoing status reports on this and other news.

ACBA Begins Season Talking Mites

VBA President Dr. Jack Rath presented to 42 beekeepers on the Varroa mite and how to manage Varroa to maintain healthy honey bees.

The occasion was the kick off meeting for the 2019 Addison County Beekeepers Association beekeeping season.

Beekeepers from Lamoille Chittenden and Rutland counties were there as well as some from New Hampshire. 10 students from The UVM honeybee club also attended .

VBA's Testimony on H.205 - Feb. 20, 2019

VBA's initial testimony on H.205 - Regulation of Neonicotinoid Pesticides - is presented here for your review. (PDF file.)

VBA member Chas Mraz reports the committee was receptive to working with VBA to improve the bill. The board of directors will continue to meet on this issue and will publish their suggestions when finalized.

VBA member Bill MAre's testimony is also provided for your review.