Around the Colony
Bumblebee decline, genome research in British Columbia, honey used in teat care
formulation, New Zealand ban on coumaphos import, Birds help Asian honey bee search,
Hygienic bees, Manuka honey, National Honey Show draw results, the Secret Life of Bees
'NO' TO BEE MITE KILLER WELCOMEDBumblebee decline threatens British
countryside New Zealand beekeeper Jane Lorimer says the decision to
refuse the release of another chemical treatment in NZ for
the varroa mite is key to protecting export income. MrsLouise Gray, Environment
Lorimer, a former president of the National Bee-keepingCorrespondent of the
Association, said the Environmental Risk ManagementTelegraph writes how the
Authority (Erma) had recognised the bee industry’scontinuing decline in bees
opposition to Checkmite because it contained coumaphos,may destroy the British
a chemical insecticide that had no reported side-effects oncountryside as important
humans but left residues in honey, beeswax and the hiveplants die without
environment.pollination.
Federated Farmers' chairman John Hartnell also agreed with Bumblebees, the wild
Erma’s stance. cousins of the honey bee,
are responsible for 'This is a cautionary and sensible approach that Federated
pollinating a range of Farmers agrees with,' he said. 'The bee industry would
British fruits and welcome a review if varroa resistance to existing miticides
vegetables including raspberries and tomatoes. develops in the future.’ Erma would re-assess the decision
They are also key to a number of wild flowers including if the situation changed.
foxgloves, honeysuckle and a range of orchids that cannot
be pollinated by other insects. SAVING BEES USING GENOME TECHNOLOGY
However, bumblebees are in sharp decline. Of the 25 Genome British Columbia has launched a $2.8 million
species found in the UK, three are nationally extinct and three-year research project to find a way to stop the
many more are seriously threatened. Bumblebees across decline of bees. The announcement was made recently at
the country have declined by 60% since 1970. a special conference on bees in Prince George.
They have a unique method of pollination called 'buzz A practical approach to maintaining efficient bee keeping is
pollination' where they shake the pollen off the flower by vibrating to breed selectively bees that are naturally resistant to
their flight muscles. They also pollinate a different range of flowers pathogen infection. This breeding requires a large amount
from honey bees as some of them have longer tongues. of time and resources and there is little understanding of
Professor David Goulson, co-founder of The Bumblebee the molecular basis of resistant phenotypes. This project
Conservation Trust, said many of the plants and flowers aims to increase effectiveness of bee breeding practices by
that are so distinctive to the British countryside rely on the supplying a more detailed understanding of the molecular
bumblebee for pollination including lupins, heather, biology of bees. The researchers will use the bee genome
poppies, wild roadside flowers and meadow flowers. to identify molecular markers of resistance to both varroa
and Paenobacillus larvae infections by doing proteinHoney used for teat care
analysis of different bee populations.
Farmers Industries (New Zealand) Limited (FIL) has With a better understanding of natural pathogen-resistant
launched Iodoshield Active this autumn. Recent advances traits in bees, beekeepers may no longer need to use
in the understanding of udder health have been captured miticides, fungicides and antibiotics to control the array of
in a revolutionary teat spray formulation, offering superior pathogens. Additionally, bee breeding efficiency will be
teat health for dairy herds. This contains the unique improved by using protein markers to map desirable traits
medicinal properties of honey and quality skin care in bee families through generations.
components. A genetic approach will identify desirable
The complex formulation has done away with the need for pathogen-resistant traits in natural bee populations and
adding an emollient. The recommended dilution rate will the researchers will fully annotate the bee genome, thus
maintain premium teat health at all stages of lactation. providing an essential resource for bee breeders.
Page 24 Bee Craft digital December 2008
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