EurBee board Dorothea Brückner, Germany Norberto Milani, Italy Robert Paxton, Great Britain Dalibor Titěra, Czech Republic Bernard Vaissiere, France Program consultant
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ManagementSymposium organized by Marco Lodesani and Vladimir Vesely Bad beekeeping management technics John Kefuss Le Rucher D'Oc Toulouse France jkefussbees©wanadoo.fr Most discussions on bee management technics focus on how things should be done correctly. Though few are willing to admit it, every beekeeper makes mistakes during his beekeeping career. It is safe to say, that the longer your have kept bees, the more errors you have made. Some beekeepers (and researchers) are very skilled at making mistakes and make much bigger mistakes than others. In addition they often repeat these same mistakes. This talk considers just a few of the many management errors that I have made and illustrates why you should not do it "my way" (Unless of course, you really wish to get into real trouble). Beekeeping a dead art or a living science? Richard Jones International Bee Research Association 18 North Road, Cardiff CF10 3DT, UK Email: JonesHR©ibra.org.uk Many politicians and most bureaucrats seem to have very little idea of the important part played by bees in many aspects of agriculture. Pollination is at last getting some of the recognition it deserves in its own right but for a very long time it was seen from the stand point of the plant with little attention to the agents that accomplished the transfer of pollen. As beekeeping does not fit easily into mainstream bureaucratic thinking it is often ignored or, even worse, forgotten. This attitude, along with the more rapid spread of hive pests and bee diseases, and an ageing beekeeping population has lead to concern for the future of all bees and beekeeping in the EU. Without bees the world would starve and there is increasing anxiety about the need to conserve all pollinators. This paper looks back over the past 40 years and endeavours to look at the current situation as it applies to honey bees and beekeepers. It tries to offer an overview of the current trends within the beekeeping situation in Europe.
University of Hohenheim, Apicultural State Institute, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany E-mail: peter.rosenkranz© uni-hohenheim.de Losses of honey bee colonies, mainly during the winter period, are a long known threat for beekeepers. In most cases bee diseases, intensification of agriculture (including plant protection), shortage of pollen and beekeeping practice were discussed as crucial reasons. The dramatic losses of bee colonies in Europe during the winter 2002/ 2003 revealed that a new scientific approach was necessary to clarify the reasons for this periodical phenomenon. Therefore, we established a long-term and nationwide survey to register the regional distribution of colony losses and to evaluate the reasons mentioned above. Our project started in autumn 2004 as a result of several common meetings with representatives of beekeeping organizations (DIB, DBIB), agricultural organization (DBV), the German Ministry of Agriculture, 9 German apicultural institutes and the chemical industry. The institutes are in charge for meanwhile 125 beekeepers with about 7.500 honey bee colonies distributed all over Germany. From 1.250 colonies (10 of each beekeeper) we receive exact data on colony development, honey yield and Varroa treatment together with various samples throughout the year. Therefore, colony losses can be correlated retrospectively with specific data such as bee diseases, residues in honey/ pollen or availability of certain crops. We describe the structure of our German monitoring project and present data from the first 18 month of cooperation. The possibility of a European network on honey bee monitoring is discussed.
Landesanstalt für Bienenkunde, Universität Hohenheim, Germany , E-mail: Gerhard.Liebig©uni-hohenheim.de Since 1989 the population dynamics of honey bees is investigated in a long term project. Using the "Liebefelder Methode" the development of far over 100 colonies was observed yearly to study the influence of location, weather, honey flow, Varroa infestation and beekeeping management. The overwintering is of elementary importance for the beekeeping success. Overwintering is predominantly influenced by the colony strength in fall and the degree of Varroa infestation during the rearing of the winter bee brood in fall. During the winter the colonies normally get weaker. The mortality of the winter bees depends on the winter temperature and the location. As a rule, honey bee colonies overcome mild winters better than cold winters. They overwinter relatively bad at locations with too much wind protection and high humidity. The amount of brood cells in fall, the isolation of the hive and the bee food (sugar water or syrup) are without importance. A good overwintering presupposes that particularly the winter bee brood is protected from excessive Varroa infestation on time. In fall and winter the damage thresholds are considerably lower than in late summer. If the number of mites is not sufficiently reduced before production of the winter bees but only at the beginning of the winter this can not avoid an earlier mortality of the winter bees. When the infestation of the winter bees was more than 10%, colonies overwinter badly or they die before springtime.
Bee Research Institute in Dol, 252 66 Libčice n. Vlt., Czech Republic Varroosis was diagnosed on the territory of the Czech Republic for the first time in the year 1981. During the passed 25 years massive mortality of bee colonies has occurred on no part of the territory of the Republic, winter losses have not exceeded the biologically justified limits and in bee products no overlimit residues have been detected. The integrated varroosis control system is the result of the cooperation of the State Veterinary Administration, Czech Association of Beekeepers and the Bee Research Institute in Dol. System of the varroosis control includes following principles: organized implementation of areal anti-varroosis measures on the most possibly largest area, the use of medicaments with the efficacy more than 90%, areal diagnosis at every year, monitoring of the efficacy of applied medicaments. At the present time in the Czech Republic following activities are in force: investigation of winter debris from all honey bee colonies, paint of the sealed brood before the spring at bee colonies with the find of more than 3 mites per a colony, monitoring of daily natural fall of mites in July and August, on the basis of the daily natural fall the treatment of colonies by Formidol (formic acid) or at larger intensity of the fall the treatment by strips with long term efficacy (Gabon strips). In October all honey bee colonies are treated by fumigation ( amitraz, tau-fluvalinate) and in November - December before the solstice at temperatures lower than 10o by aerosol. A week after the last treatment pads are cleaned or new pads are put on the bottom for the taking of winter debris. Critical points of the system are as follows: the brood protection of the wintering generation of bees, radical restriction of the infection during the broodless period. Supported by grant project NAZVA 1G46032. Professional beekeeping in the Czech Republic F.Kamler Bee Research Institute Dol, 252 66 Libčice n. Vlt., Czech Republic In the Czech Republic there are 50,000 beekeepers who own 552,000 bee colonies. The vast majority of beekeepers are hobbyists. In the last year there exist about 81 bee farms (professional beekeepers) which keep 19 thousand bee colonies, i.e. 3,4 % of all bee colonies in the Czech Republic. Since the year 2002 the number of professional beekeepers has been increased by 21 and the number of bee colonies by six thousand. We applied a questionnaire to determine the entry into European Union. Work costs for the bee colony management made 45 %, other costs on feeding, transport, maintenance, renewal of hives, material 55 %. Average yield of a colony was between 25 and 30 kg, minimal estimated economic yield moves between 35 and 40 kg per hive. Many beekeepers use small operation technology and that is the reason why they are economically not active. As a consequence of honey price reduction the economic situation has been impaired in comparison with the year 2002. The economics may bee encouraged mainly by higher honey yields and by reduction of the time necessary for the treatment of bee colonies. Most bee farms are to be provided with new equipments and transport means for moving hives, but beekeepers because of financial reason cannot afford it. Supported by grant project NAZVA 1G 46032. Transition to biological beekeeping in Transsylvania Victor Mates, Marieke Mutsaers, Tiberiu Biris, Jan Hak trichilia bv, E-mail: marieke.mutsaers©planet.nl A support programme for beekeepers for eradication of residues in honey and the transition to biological methods was initiated by Apis Prod, a honey packer in Blaj (Judea Alba, Romania) in a cooperation with a consortium of Dutch partner companies, supported by the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs under the PSO programme. For this a bio-association of about 90 beekeepers was formed with an affiliation to the company. An apiservice centre was set up and training on biological methods was organised on a regular basis. The beekeepers were provided with new hives with a so-called varroa drawer, bio-comb foundation and an etherical oil mixture for treatment of varroa, to break through the established use of varroa strips containing fluvalinate and amitraz. From 2004 until 2006 most beekeepers of the association stopped using the conventional treatment and changed to bio-technical as well as bio-treatment and bio-feeding methods. Ironically sugar feeding for winter food security had just started to be adopted, but this is not allowed in biological methods. Biotechnical methods include the drone-brood method, which in the most basic form has been applied for many years by Romanian beekeepers. Sofar only one beekeeper could be certified as organic by EcoInspect. The other beekeepers are still regarded as bio-producers in transition
LAVES Institut für Bienenkunde Celle, E-mail: otto.boecking©laves.niedersachsen.de The problem Extensive knowledge and practical experiences with the use of organic acids (formic-, lactic- and oxalic-acid) are available for the beekeepers for the usual situation when acaricides are applied in productive colonies after the time of the active bee season or as winter treatments. The mite population growth sometimes can reach a threshold that treatments are necessary to apply immediately before and during the active bee season. However, reliable methods and experiences in using organic acids 1. in brood less colonies (swarms, artificial swarms), 2. before and in between times of nectar flow are missing, in particular those methods that avoid residues in honey. The methods Taste thresholds were worked out for residues of organic acids (formic-, lactic- and oxalic-acid) in honey. Worst case studies were implemented to evaluate possible risks after the treatment of productive bee colonies before and during the active bee season. Organic acids were tested for the use in brood less colonies (swarms, artificial swarms) during late spring/early summer time and possible effects on the last honey crop (heather) The results Our results clearly show that there is a risk of residues in honey, if treatments of organic acids (formic-, lactic- and oxalic-acid) are applied in regular productive colonies before a mass nectar flow might follow. Moreover, there is no calculable safety for a reduction of the acid residues if treatments are applied in-between two periods of nectar flow. However, treatments of brood less colonies (swarms, artificial swarms) during late spring/early summer time, which then developed to productive colonies until the last honey crop (heather), did not influenced the natural acid concentration of the harvested heather-honey.
IGR Univ. of Graz, E-mail: josef.gspurning©uni-graz.at According to the definitions most often used, a Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer based system set up by hardware, software, data, humanware and – last but not least - knowledgeware. It can be used to collect, manage, analyze and save georelated data permanently and to visualize the data or the produced maps, tables and diagrams. Based on the spatial referenced data (geodata), these GIS functionalities can be distinguished into three subsets of procedures. The input - subset deals with the data acquisition, preaparation, data entry and in-system-management. The second subset (data analysis) is the central element and responsible for reviewing, pattern recognition, model building and detection of correlations and dependencies. And finally, the last subset works as a presentation module for the system’s data or the results. Each of theses modules is represented by a distinct set of tools to fulfill the GIS - specific tasks. As well as in similar cases in environmental research the major advantage of a GIS comes into light if the spatial reference of the data plays an essential role. In that cases this kind of information system on the basis of the functionalities and structures can provide support in all spatial relevant administrative or organizational workflow sequences. Actually the system’s core consists of a database management system containing georeferenced information (coordinates) about colonies of bees as well as associated attribute information. The analysis toolset is able to access the relational linked database tables and for a broad spectrum of different evaluation purposes. In that way the following fields of application could be supplied with ease: - Administration and management conditions of the colonies of bees which are already (partly) regulated by different laws scoping the matters of beekeeping in connection with legal issues. In cases of epidemics of the bees, also areas with prohibited access/trespassing can be defined, special facilities (e.g. “Belegstellen”) can be isolated, and even the colonies movements/translations of the beehives can be tracked and also administrated. - GIS can also be used in typical bee related prevention scenarios, where only isolation, coordinated and punctual actions together with a full-coverage therapy will guarantee the success of the countermeasures. GIS can also work as a preventative tool for fighting future epidemics (e.g. Small Hive Beetle) not well Methodology for predicting winter survival of honey bee colonies Richard Rogers Wildwood Labs Inc / Wageningen U., E-mail: rrogers©wildwoodlabs.com Apiculture is going through a period of change and new challenges on a worldwide scale. Parasitic mites, pest and disease resistance to control products, and the suspected increased effects of viruses are just a few of the factors that are negatively influencing honey bee health and survival. Coupled with land use conflicts and pollination demands, pest management for honey bees is becoming increasingly complex. Apiculture services and education of new beekeepers are not keeping pace with need and in fact are decreasing. Thus, our attempts to understand and manage bee health are failing to a certain degree. In recent years, many single factor studies have not been able to answer the questions that would solve the mystery of bee losses. Subsequent multifactor studies have been more enlightening and have determined that many factors are involved in what Rogers calls a Multiple and Variable Causative Agent Syndrome (MVCAS). However, the problem of measuring and interpreting the many factors that may be involved in losses is still a challenge. The following report outlines a methodology that has been used successfully for predicting winter survival of honey bee colonies in North America. Key components of the system are timing and thoroughness of assessment and diagnosis, comparison of results to provisional stratified thresholds, determining if factor interactions exist, and rating the survival chances of individual representative colonies. Using the method outlined, it now appears that bee health can be understood, losses can be predicted with relative accuracy, and knowing both of these points provides the knowledge required to take corrective action to prevent losses.
E-mail: a.uzunov©mafwe.gov.mk During the period between October, 2003 and April, 2006 (30 months), through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) commercial credit line in the Republic of Macedonia, 313,792.74 EUR were disbursed to 73 beekeepers-producers and 3 legal entities (processing and trade of honey) as a direct investments. The results from the statistical analysis of the data, shows that 72,6% of the beekeepers-producers (borrowers) mainly are investing in purchasing new bee colonies, 21,9% in new hives, 2,7% in working capital, 1,3% in honey packaging and 1,3% in winter feeding. Also, the paper presents analysis regarding regional distribution of the loans, amounts of the loans, gender balance of the borrowers, production level, financial impact on the production, employment generation and achieved development after loans disbursements etc. The data are analyzed within the beekeeping sector in comparison with other agricultural sectors which are covered by IFAD credit line in the Republic of Macedonia.
Department of Animal Science Ataturk University, 25240, Erzurum/Turkey, E-mail: bemsen©atauni.edu.tr Colony population development is one of the most important criteria on scientific studies at honeybee colonies. A commonly used division is to estimate capped and uncapped brood areas. At this point of view, it is important to measure brood area in colony beside frame of bees. Brood area that contained eggs, larvae, and pupae on the combs in each bee colony has been measured as its size (cm2) using the Photoshop programme on the computer. Assessing a whole colony for strength provides a very good snapshot in time of colony size, brood production and food status. Measurements of worker brood area are determined by measuring capped brood to the nearest cm2 using Adobe Photoshop® CS2 9.0. This method based on estimating capped and uncapped brood. The estimation technique may take a bit of getting used to, but with experience it can be done quickly and accurately. The total square centimeter of brood for each side of the comb is estimated with this method.
Apiculture – Sericulture Laboratory, Aristotle Univ. of Thessaloniki,Greece, E-mail: panthakk©yahoo.gr Queenright colonies in a single super without any restriction of their queens were used for the production of royal jelly for a three-year period. The experiment started the first year with three colonies headed by one-year-old queens, two groups, during the second year, of three colonies each headed by one-year and two-year old queens respectively and three groups, during the third year, of three colonies each headed by one-year, two-year and three-year old queens. Sixty queen cells were grafted every third day from June to October every year and the acceptance of the queen cells, the amount of royal jelly, the swarming impulse and the correlation of acceptance and queens’ age were recorded. Current status of beekeeping in the European Union Robert Chlebo Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, E-mail: robert.chlebo©uniag.sk On the area of EU more than 11 626 000 beehives are presented, from which 25% represent hives of 10 newly associated member states. Number of beekeepers is app. 630 000, from which 18 000 are considered as a professionals. The highest bee density reaches Greece, Hungary and Slovenia. Annual honey yield is app. 160 000 tons, additional 170 000 tons are imported into EU from third countries. Average honey consumption per year and person is 0,66 kg. Main threats of European beekeeping are retiring of beekeeping sector, new bee diseases and declining of wholesale honey prices on inland market.
Landesanstalt für Bienenkunde, Universität Hohenheim, Germany , E-mail: Gerhard.Liebig©uni-hohenheim.de Investigations were carried out from June 2004 to April 2006 at 7 climatically different locations each with 12-21 colonies. The development of the colonies in the late summer and fall and their overwintering depended very strongly on the location. Feeding of honey bee colonies with the starch syrup Meliose® in comparison with sugar water (3:2) did not affect the development of the colonies during and after the feeding period (in August/September) including wintering and the drawing out of foundation. The use of the syrup with a protein addition also remained without effect. This is valid both for the serving of the food in small and large portions in the late summer to increase the colony's stores for overwintering and for the feeding of nuclei and artificial swarms during their growth phase in summer. The colonies fed with Meliose® processed without problems the syrup to winter food which did not show increased tendency towards the crystallization in comparison with the winter food produced from sugar water. Meliose® has two advantages: Colonies can be fed sufficiently with a single 20 liter portion. The syrup does not become ruined even if it is kept longer than 1 year.
Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, IEB, Kotlarska 2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic, E-mail: ptacek©sci.muni.cz The discoverer of genetical laws J.G.Mendel (1922-1884) was an active apiculturist, who also participated in the social life of beekeepers. In the Augustuinian Monastery in Brno he learned how to keep bees and later on, during the leadership of F. Zivansky, Mendel took part in guiding the Moravian Association of Beekeepers as the vice-chair and contributed to the high level of both, the theoretical and practical beekeeping of that time. In 1971 he let to bild a modern bee-house with the store, workroom and room for 15 bee hives and the cellar. He kept bees in modern hives with frames, and enlarged their dimensions using only 2 instead of 4 original storeys. His colonies were wintered as well ventilated, strong in bees. Mendel investigated the nectar producing flora and possibilities of bees to use the nectar flow. He tested all available honey bee races, and tried to get mating between young queens and selected drones in cages - probably with the aim to continue with his crossing trials also in bees. Recently, the building has been restored, and equipped with various types of hives, it became an example of the beekeeping from Mendel\'s time till now. More details at: http://www.mendel-museum.org/; http://www.sci.muni.cz/ptacek/mendeluv-vcelin.htm The presentation was possible due to the finantial support from NAZV 44014.
e-mail: zajacze©katki.hu Seed production of sunflower hybrids depends on honeybees as pollinators. Honeybees make foraging preferences among sunflower hybrids.In the years of 2002-2005 nectar production, nectar sugar concentration and foraging preference of honeybees among sunflower hybrids was studied in Hungary. During flowering period 7 hybrids were regularly sampled.According to our results weather conditions have high importance in nectar production. The experimental data show the existance of hybrids with high nectar production and stabil apicultural value every year, irrespectively of the ecological conditions. In the experimental period the mean nectar amount ranged between 0,082-0,353 mg/flower/day. The sugar concentration varied between 36,8-58,7 % in the samples. Correlations were found between the amount and concentration of nectar as well as the temperature and relative humidity.
Research Institute for Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Research group for Bee Breeding and Bee BiologyGödöllő, Hungary E-mail: matray©katki.hu In order to reduce chemical input functionality of the rotating brood-nest hive (RBNH) was investigated. The new invention – the rotation – keeps the mite development low. The technological improvement was achieved by automatisation of the rotation and with changed frame size. In 2001, we kept nine colonies in RBNH without any chemical treatment during the season. Mite population was diagnosed in late autumn. In the broodless period diagnostic treatment showed that in the experimental hives the lower number of the mites differing than the conventionally treated colonies. During June-August in 2002 we monitored the mite infestation in the brood and on the adult bees. In the next year the experiment was continued with 44 RBNH in Öttevény (Hungary). This productive apiary had average honey yield of 100 kg per RBNH (between 85-120 min-max values) in 2004 and in 2005. During the pre-winter inspection in autumn the bee population was on ten frames which can constitute a wintering-cluster on 6-7 frames. The overwintering loss caused by different factors did not reach 10%. After the blooming season varroa control can be done with regular registered acaricides. Thus RBNH have decreased mite infestation and colonies can start wintering with better chances.
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