Showing papers in "Journal of Apicultural Research in 2011"
TL;DR: Manageable conditions, such as starvation and a weak condition in the fall were the leading self-identified causes of mortality as reported by all beekeepers, and commercial beekeepers were, however, less likely to list such manageable causes.
Abstract: SummaryThis study records the fourth consecutive year of high winter losses in managed honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies in the USA. Over the winter of 2009–2010, US beekeepers responding to this survey lost an average of 42.2% of their colonies, for a total loss of 34.4%. Commercial beekeepers (those operating more than 500 colonies) experienced lower total losses as compared to sideline and backyard beekeepers. Similarly, operations that maintained colonies in more than one state and operations that pollinated almond orchards over the survey period had lower total losses than operations either managing colonies in one state exclusively or those not pollinating almonds. On average beekeepers consider acceptable losses to be 14.5%, and 65% of all responding beekeepers suffered losses in excess of what they considered acceptable. The proportion of operations that experienced losses and reported having no dead bees in their colonies or apiaries was comparable to that reported in the winter of 2008–2009. M...
159 citations
TL;DR: The methodology applied in each country for discriminating between honey bee populations is reviewed, with the necessity to establish common methods in all countries in order to have results that can be directly compared.
Abstract: SummaryHere, scientists from 19 European countries, most of them collaborating in Working Group 4: “Diversity and Vitality” of COST Action FA 0803 “Prevention of honey bee COlony LOSSes” (COLOSS), review the methodology applied in each country for discriminating between honey bee populations. Morphometric analyses (classical and geometric) and different molecular markers have been applied. Even if the approach has been similar, however, different methodologies regarding measurements, landmarks or molecular markers may have been used, as well as different statistical procedures. There is therefore the necessity to establish common methods in all countries in order to have results that can be directly compared. This is one of the goals of WG4 of the COLOSS project.
106 citations
University of Reading1, University of Leeds2, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences3, University of Pisa4, University of Bern5, Finnish Environment Institute6, Lüneburg University7, University of the Aegean8, University of Mons9, Lund University10, Aarhus University11, University of Würzburg12, Institut national de la recherche agronomique13, Spanish National Research Council14, University of Novi Sad15, Jagiellonian University16, University of Tartu17, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ18
TL;DR: The STEP project is documenting critical elements in the nature and extent of declines in pollinator declines, examining key functional traits associated with pollination deficits, and developing a Red List for some European pollinator groups.
Abstract: Pollinating insects form a key component of European biodiversity, and provide a vital ecosystem service to crops and wild plants. There is growing evidence of declines in both wild and domesticated pollinators, and parallel declines in plants relying upon them. The STEP project (Status and Trends of European Pollinators, 2010-2015, www.step-project.net) is documenting critical elements in the nature and extent of these declines, examining key functional traits associated with pollination deficits, and developing a Red List for some European pollinator groups. Together these activities are laying the groundwork for future pollinator monitoring programmes. STEP is also assessing the relative importance of potential drivers of pollinator declines, including climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, agrochemicals, pathogens, alien species, light pollution, and their interactions. We are measuring the ecological and economic impacts of declining pollinator services and floral resources, including effects on wild plant populations, crop production and human nutrition. STEP is reviewing existing and potential mitigation options, and providing novel tests of their effectiveness across Europe. Our work is building upon existing and newly developed datasets and models, complemented by spatially-replicated campaigns of field research to fill gaps in current knowledge. Findings are being integrated into a policy-relevant framework to create evidence-based decision support tools. STEP is establishing communication links to a wide range of stakeholders across Europe and beyond, including policy makers, beekeepers, farmers, academics and the general public. Taken together, the STEP research programme aims to improve our understanding of the nature, causes, consequences and potential mitigation of declines in pollination services at local, national, continental and global scales.
73 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate that this parasite multiplies successfully regardless of the inoculum given or the nutritional status of its host, demonstrating a parasite development that depends on host-condition.
Abstract: SummaryTo investigate the effect of nutritional condition of the honey bee Apis mellifera on the development of the microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae under laboratory conditions, newly emerged bees were confined and fed on three ad libitum diets: high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) + fresh bee bread; HFCS + a commercial mixture of amino acid and vitamin, and HFCS. On day 7 post-emergence, bees from each diet treatment were individually infected with 4.60 × 104, 2.30 × 105 or 1.15 × 106 spores of N. ceranae, keeping later on the same diet. On days 3, 6, 9, and 12, post-infection bee midguts were removed to individually quantify the spores developed. The results indicate that this parasite multiplies successfully regardless of the inoculum given or the nutritional status of its host. When bees are fed on pollen, however, the parasite develops quickly, exhibiting significantly higher intensities than under other treatments. The longevity of infected bees fed on the same diet was not affected by the degree o...
57 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that the Bayesian analysis of admixture based on nuclear microsatellites provides a reliable tool for measuring introgression in dark bees, which should be routinely used for evaluation during conservation programmes.
Abstract: SummaryThe genetic diversity of the north and western European subspecies of honey bee, Apis mellifera mellifera (the “dark bee”) is severely endangered due to hybridization with introduced bees of evolutionary branch C. Genetic variability of native honey bees in the north-eastern part of Poland, including a special isolated breeding zone in the Augustow Forest, has been investigated using mitochondrial DNA and nuclear microsatellites. These involve analysis for alien haplotypes of the tRNAleu-COII region and presence of diagnostic alien alleles respectively, in conjunction with a Bayesian model based approach. We found that approximately 10 to 30% of the nuclear gene pool and 3 to 50% of mitochondria in the studied populations were derived from non-native bees. Our data revealed the presence of hybrids in populations formerly considered to be the most pure populations of dark bees in Poland. We suggest that the Bayesian analysis of admixture based on nuclear microsatellites provides a reliable tool for ...
57 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that highly infested honey bee colonies present a substantial risk to already treated colonies up to distances of 1.5 km away, and a more benign behaviour should be an adaptive strategy for V. destructor.
Abstract: SummaryThe honey bee mite Varroa destructor can be spread between colonies by vertical transmission, particularly when heavily infested colonies are robbed by foraging bees from neighbouring hives. We quantified the invasion of V. destructor into mite free colonies on a military training area not accessible to other beekeepers. Ten “mite receiver colonies” continuously treated against V. destructor were placed at distances of one to 1.5 km from four heavily infested “mite donor colonies”. Over a two month period from August to October, the population of bees, brood, and V. destructor in the donor colonies were estimated at three week intervals and the invasion of V. destructor into the receiver colonies was recorded every 7–12 days. During the experimental period, between 85 and 444 mites per colony were introduced into the receiver colonies. There were no significant differences in the invasion rates in relation to the distance between donor and receiver colonies. In total, 2,029 mites were found in the ...
44 citations
TL;DR: A significant non-random plant association among non-Native bumble bee species and non-native plant species is found and it is likely that B. dahlbomii interacts with these non- native bees.
Abstract: SummaryIn the present work, we update floral associations and geographical distribution for four species of Bombus present in Chile, two native (B. dahlbomii and B. funebris) and two introduced species (B. terrestris and B. ruderatus). We also examine possible associations among native or introduced bees with native or introduced plant species. We found a significant non-random plant association among non-native bumble bee species and non-native plant species. Because of the distributional overlap between B. dahlbomii with the two non-native bee species, it is likely that B. dahlbomii interacts with these non-native bees.
37 citations
TL;DR: Although acute bee paralysis virus was the least prevalent of the detected honey bee viruses, it was strongly linked with increased colony mortality and co-infection with more than two viruses also had an appreciable negative effect on colony survivorship.
Abstract: SummarySince 1999, European beekeepers have reported increased mortality in overwintering honey bee, Apis mellifera L. colonies. Viral infections are often cited as the potential cause for increased mortality. Many honey bee viruses commonly occur within bee populations and in many cases infected colonies appear asymptomatic. There is increasing evidence that the global spread of Varroa destructor has resulted in a significant change in the prevalence, distribution and/or virulence of viruses causing mortality in honey bee colonies. We report here the first survey of the prevalence of five RNA bee viruses and their effect on overwintering survival of Belgian honey bee colonies. In the autumn of 2006, samples of adult bees were removed from 36 apiaries. Adult bee samples were analyzed by using RT-PCR for virus identification. Varroa mite prevalence in these samples was also quantified. A follow up visit of colonies in the spring permitted us to assess colony survivorship which permitted the effect, if any,...
36 citations
TL;DR: Lactobacillus sp.
Abstract: (2011). Lactobacillus sp. as a potential probiotic for the prevention of Paenibacillus larvae infection in honey bees. Journal of Apicultural Research: Vol. 50, No. 4, pp. 323-324.
35 citations
TL;DR: This poster presents a probabilistic analysis of the response of the immune system to the presence of excrement in the environment and the results show clear patterns in response to antibiotics.
Abstract: (2011). Nosema ceranae has parasitized Africanized honey bees in Mexico since at least 2004. Journal of Apicultural Research: Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 167-169.
34 citations
TL;DR: Comparison of sperm traits of small drones from laying worker colonies with those of large drones from queenright colonies found no significant differences between drones from QRC and LWC in sperm viability and sperm length.
Abstract: Laying worker colonies and small drones derived from the eggs of laying workers are a part of the complex reproductive biology of honey bees. This study was carried out to compare sperm traits of s...
TL;DR: This study presents the first comprehensive sequencing analysis of A. mellifera subspecies occurring in Greece and it is the first time that sequencing data from ND5 mtDNA gene segment have been obtained at the population level.
Abstract: SummaryHoney bee Apis mellifera L. populations from various areas of Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Slovenia and Turkey, together with a genetically improved commercial strain exported all over the world were studied using sequencing analysis of two mitochondrial regions, the ND5 and the COI gene segments. The aim of this study was to examine the phylogenetic relationships among these honey bee populations, to investigate the existence of gene flow as a result of migratory beekeeping and commercial breeding, and to find out if these subspecies can be discriminated. Seven and eight different haplotypes were revealed for the COI and ND5 gene segments respectively, while the combined data set consisted of twelve different haplotypes. Among the two DNA segments studied, the highest genetic divergence values were observed in COI. In both genes the highest divergence value was among A. m. ligustica colonies and all others. All the phylogenetic trees constructed by Maximum Parsimony, Neighbour-Joining...
TL;DR: H Hive weights and brood volumes for all colonies increased, so it is considered that both species thrived whilst being able to pollinate the plants, and both species have the potential to improve fruit yield and quality within the greenhouse environment.
Abstract: SummaryAustralian stingless bees contribute to the pollination of some commercially important field crops, but it is unclear whether they can increase crop production reliably in the greenhouse environment. Three 20 week trials were therefore conducted, each using a different hive of Austroplebeia australis Friese and Trigona carbonaria Smith placed in separate glasshouses containing Capsicum annuum L. A third glasshouse contained C. annuum but no bees. In the third week of each trial, the numbers of pollen grains present on stigmatic surfaces and pollen tubes growing along styles were determined. Changes in brood volume were assessed by x-ray computerised tomography at weeks 1, 10 and 20. Additionally, the hives were weighed at these times. At the end of each trial, fruit diameter and length and their fresh and dry weights were measured as were seed fresh and dry weights. Bee behaviour was recorded in the third trial. T. carbonaria foraged less sporadically on C. annuum flowers than did A. australis, and...
TL;DR: The honey bee (Apis mellifera) was the most abundant pollinator, and the major elements of attractiveness were flower scent and colour, followed by the shape and size of the corolla and to a lesser extent nectar abundance.
Abstract: SummaryThe floral biology and attractiveness of five Lamiaceae species, namely Hyssopus officinalis, Lavandula officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Salvia sclarea, were studied by correlating morphological characteristics of flower and nectar production with pollinator visits, especially with reference to honey bee forage preferences. Although these species are cultivated for medicinal purposes, they also represent a significant source of pollen and nectar for honey production, so the investigation aimed to estimate their melliferousness and significance for bee pasture. Pollinator observation indicated the visitation of seven species of Hymenoptera, three species of Diptera and two species of day flying Lepidoptera. The honey bee (Apis mellifera) was the most abundant pollinator, and the major elements of attractiveness were flower scent and colour, followed by the shape and size of the corolla and to a lesser extent nectar abundance. Corolla tube length and number of open flowers per...
TL;DR: The study concludes that the future of forest biodiversity and pollination services are dependent on strategic and holistic management of natural forests, secondary forests and the neighbouring agro-ecosystems.
Abstract: SummaryChanges in bee species richness and diversity were studied along a forest regeneration gradient in seven sites in Buyangu Nature Reserve, Kakamega Forest, Kenya. At each site, 12 belt transects of 100 m length and 2 m width were established. The selected sites ranged from relatively undisturbed primary to late secondary forests, bush lands and the surrounding farming areas. A total of 4,485 individuals were identified out of 234 species of bee in four families. A Renyi Diversity Index was used to analyse bee diversity. One-way measures of ANOVA were calculated for bee diversity and species richness, with study sites and year as independent factors. The highest species richness and bee diversity were recorded in the open areas followed by secondary forests while evenness was higher in forested sites. There was a general similarity between sites in bee species composition, especially between those of almost similar vegetation structure. This similarity was suspected to have important implications in ...
TL;DR: In this article, Varroa destructor infestation of honey bee (Apis mellifera adansonii) colonies in Benin is discussed. But the authors do not consider the impact of the varroa on the honey bee population.
Abstract: (2011). Varroa destructor infestation of honey bee (Apis mellifera adansonii) colonies in Benin. Journal of Apicultural Research: Vol. 50, No. 4, pp. 321-322.
TL;DR: Instrumentally inseminated queens (IIQ) and naturally mated ones (NMQ) were compared to detect the effect of the instrumental insemination procedure on sperm viability in the reproductive organs and it showed that the inSEmination procedure had no negative effect on viability of sperm in reproductive organs of queens.
Abstract: SummaryInstrumentally inseminated queens (IIQ) were compared with naturally mated ones (NMQ) to detect the effect of the instrumental insemination procedure on sperm viability in the reproductive organs. The viability of sperm in the reproductive organs of IIQ and NMQ was determined at 4 h and 24 h after they were inseminated or they mated. No significant difference was found between IIQ (88.6%) and NMQ (87.6%) in viability of sperm in the lateral oviducts at 4 h. There was also no difference between IIQ (98.3%) and NMQ (97.8%) in viability of sperm in spermathecae at 4 h. The mean viability of sperm in spermathecae of IIQ (97.5%) did not differ from the mean viability of sperm in spermathecae of NMQ (96.8%) after 24 h. These results showed that the insemination procedure had no negative effect on viability of sperm in reproductive organs of queens. The difference in sperm viability between lateral oviducts (88.1%) and spermathecae (98.1%) of queens at 4 h was found to be statistically significant (P < 0....
TL;DR: A new genomic antibody has been developed against a spore-wall protein SWP-32 of the honey bee intracellular pathogen, Nosema ceranae, and in dot blots and Western blots this Ab specifically recognized N. Ceranae spore antigens and did not cross-react with N. apis spore lysates, unless blots were overdeveloped.
Abstract: SummaryA new genomic antibody (Ab) has been developed against a spore-wall protein SWP-32 of the honey bee intracellular pathogen, Nosema ceranae. In dot blots and Western blots this Ab specifically recognized N. ceranae spore antigens and did not cross-react with N. apis spore lysates, unless blots were overdeveloped. The detection sensitivity depends on both the concentration of the anti-SWP-32 Ab and the concentration of Nosema spores in the lysates. To avoid non-specific staining, we suggest using this new Ab at 1:5000 dilution for detection of 1×103 and higher spore numbers per assay. Considering that a single infected bee can produce over 50 × 106 spores, this level of sensitivity will allow detection of a very low level of Nosema infection in bee colonies.
TL;DR: Data-mining and Grid Research Team, National Agricultural Research Center, National Agriculture and Food Science Research Organization, 3-1-1 Kan-nondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8666, Japan.
Abstract: (2011). Measuring colony development in honey bees by simple digital image analysis. Journal of Apicultural Research: Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 170-172.
TL;DR: It is concluded that artificial heating during cold periods increased the brood cell production in N. testaceicornis, and the results indicate that the use of heaters for stingless bee hives during periods of low ambient temperature may be helpful for Stingless beekeeping.
Abstract: SummaryAlthough stingless bees are capable of maintaining their nest temperature within certain limits, brood production of several species declines or even completely stops during periods of low ambient temperature. In the present study, we investigated whether the brood production of the meliponine species Nannotrigona testaceicornis can be artificially increased through heating the colonies during the cold season. For this, we monitored the rate of brood cell production of seven hives in intervals of 24 hours under two different experimental conditions: 1. without; and 2. with heating. Each treatment (first with and subsequently without heating) lasted for nine consecutive days. The ambient temperature (TA) during both experimental periods was very similar (TAWITH = 16.1°C; TAWITHOUT = 16.3°C). On average, the colonies built 3.6 brood cells per day without and 15.8 brood cells per day with artificial heating (Wilcoxon Rank Sum test: T = 10, Z = 4, P < 0.001). In both treatments, the rate of brood cell ...
TL;DR: The aim of this study was to establish a hypothesis that could be applied to beekeeping in the region of Lazio e Toscana and to demonstrate the power of honey bees in attracting honey bees.
Abstract: Giovanni Formato, Alessandra Giacomelli, Ma’ayan Olivia, Lucie Aubin, Eitan Glick, Nitzan Paldi, Giusy Cardeti, Antonella Cersini, Ilaria Maria Ciabatti, Massimo Palazzetti, Anna Granato and Franco Mutinelli Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Roma, Italy. Beeologics Inc., 11800 SW 77th Avenue, Miami, FL 33156, USA. ASL VT Sez 1 Servizio Veterinario AREA B, Viterbo, Italy. Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, NRL for beekeeping, Legnaro (PD), Italy.
TL;DR: Simulated stages of natural mating showed that it is impossible for the orange membranes covering the cornua of the endophallus to become stuck to the mating sign of the same drone.
Abstract: SummaryQueens return from successful mating flights with the mating sign, which consists of chitinized plates of drone endophallus filled with mucus. The orange membranes covering both sides of the mating sign do not touch the hairy rim of the bursa copulatrix. The thin thread at the end of the mating sign is pushed forward on the surface of the sign in most queens. This makes the end of the sign look blunt. Simulated stages of natural mating showed that it is impossible for the orange membranes covering the cornua of the endophallus to become stuck to the mating sign of the same drone. Mating signs with additional pairs of orange membranes were found. In some queens, the semen or additional second mating signs were found at the end of the sign protruding from queen's sting chambers. Those three additional parts originated from drones, which attempted to mate, but failed to remove the mating sign of the predecessor. The thin thread at the end of the mating sign was pushed to the surface of the sign, becau...
TL;DR: This paper, coming at the completion of the fiftieth volume of JAR, describes the origins and history of the journal, and discusses some of the most notable papers published within its pages.
Abstract: SummaryThe Journal of Apicultural Research (JAR) was first published in 1962 under the Editorship of Dr Eva Crane, Director of the then Bee Research Association (BRA). The journal was envisaged as an international English language medium of refereed science dealing with all kinds of bee including: honey bees, stingless bees, bumble bees and solitary bees. The international nature of this journal and its parent journal Bee World were instrumental in the change of title of BRA to International Bee Research Association (IBRA). This paper, coming at the completion of the fiftieth volume of JAR, describes the origins and history of the journal, and discusses some of the most notable papers published within its pages.
TL;DR: Melipona colimana is a stingless bee endemic to temperate areas of western Mexico, where there is much interest in exploiting it for honey production and crop pollination, and this ability is enhanced by using greater thickness of the lodging walls as in this study.
Abstract: SummaryStingless bees are mainly tropical insects and only a few species live in temperate climates. Melipona colimana is a stingless bee endemic to temperate areas of western Mexico, where there is much interest in exploiting it for honey production and crop pollination. It is not known, however, if colonies of this species would adapt to hives necessary for commercial exploitation. Twenty four colonies were transferred to trunks and wooden boxes having walls with one of two thicknesses (2.5 and 10.0 cm). The internal and ambient temperature and humidity were monitored for three months during winter, at the end of which, the brood cell numbers, number of adults, and nest weights were assessed. There were differences in temperature (F1 = 69.32; F2 = 1769.33; DF = 3, 56; P > 0.05) and humidity (F1 = 397.15; F2 = 1028.11; DF = 3, 56; P < 0.05) between environmental data and internal data of nests during day1 and night2, respectively. The internal temperature was statistically similar during the day in all t...
TL;DR: The impact of ten different materials on the fall of varroa (Varroa destructor) mites from adult honey bees (Apis mellifera) in vitro and their acute impact on adult bee survivorship was investigated.
Abstract: SummaryIn this study, we investigated the impact of ten different materials on the fall of varroa (Varroa destructor) mites from adult honey bees (Apis mellifera) in vitro. To do this, we confined ∼250 adult bees each to 144, 0.47 l glass jars, feeding them bee candy (honey/powdered sugar) ad lib. Seventy-two hours later, the bees were treated with 5 g of one of the ten materials and placed in one of two locations (in an incubator = 35°C, 70% RH, or in a dark room = 22°C, 50% RH; replicate schedule = 10 dusts and 2 controls x 6 jars/rep x 2 locations). Immediately after and 24 h after treatment application, we counted the number of mites that fell from the jar through the mesh lid when the jar was rolled for 30 s, inverted, and shaken for 30 s. Four days later, we estimated the number of bees alive in each jar and washed the bees to remove any remaining mites. With these data, we determined the mite drop efficacy of the materials and their acute impact on adult bee survivorship. In general, powdered sugar...
TL;DR: In this paper, the 10-component honey bee brood pheromone has considerable potential for use in honey bee management now that durable stability has been obtained by adding a food-grade antioxidant.
Abstract: SummaryThe 10-component honey bee brood pheromone has considerable potential for use in honey bee management now that durable stability has been obtained by adding a food-grade antioxidant. Practical applications require, however, that a long-term slow release device be developed and tested. After discarding 19 potential materials and devices for releasing synthetic brood pheromone, we found a suitable method using a small plastic pouch with a pheromone impermeable Mylar backing and a pheromone-permeable low-density polyethylene release surface. Heat-sealed pouches, 3.8 × 3.5 cm, containing 200 μl of synthetic brood pheromone released 0.30–0.35 mg of pheromone per day in the laboratory; pheromone had to be artificially removed from the polyethylene membrane daily (equivalent to being removed by contact with worker bees) in order for the flow to be maintained. Compared to untreated control colonies, colonies exposed from late summer to early fall in southeast Texas to pheromone-laden pouches mounted in 35 ...
TL;DR: The presence of K ohmeri in commercial and feral bumble bee colonies is of concern, as SHB, which harbour K Ohmeri, are attracted to the volatiles produced by K ohMERi growing on bee collected pollen.
Abstract: SummaryIn this study, eight commercial and three feral bumble bee (Bombus impatiens Cresson and Bombus pensyivanicus DeGeer respectively, Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies were tested for the presence of Kodamaea ohmeri (Ascomycota: Saccharomycotina), a yeast known to attract small hive beetles (SHB) (Aethina tumida Murray, Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) to honey bee (Apis mellifera L., Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies. Swabs of commercial bumble bee colonies and homogenates of bumble bee colony components (adults, brood, honey, pollen and wax) were plated on selective media. The resulting yeast isolates were compared to K ohmeri previously isolated from SHB. Yeasts were detected in all of the commercial bumble bee colony swab samples (n = 56) and a selected subsample was shown through molecular, chemical, and microbiological evidence to be K. ohmeri. For the second part of the study, feral bumble bee colonies were excavated and evaluated for the presence of any SHB life stage (none was found). Adult bees and swabs fr...
TL;DR: The selection results and the correlated response patterns suggest that pollen yield, pollen forager ratio, and the stored pollen area were mostly genetically correlated, but correlations between the pollen yield and the other traits examined resulted from the environmental background or from worker interrelations within the colony that function as a network of mutually dependent processes.
Abstract: SummarySelection for high-pollen (HP) and low-pollen (LP) yield was performed in Apis mellifera carnica for four generations using pollen traps. HP and LP yields were compared with an unselected control (C) line. Our procedure provided a constant inflow of new genes from the C line to the HP and LP lines that is useful in small apiaries. A significant (p < 0.01), asymmetrical (greater in HP), direct response to selection was observed. Correlated responses were also detected in: the pollen forager ratio (proportion of the pollen forager number to the total forager number) and pollen forager number in the HP line; and single-pollen load weight, honey yield, stored pollen area, and brood area in the LP line. No response was found in the total forager number. Correlated selection pressures were detected in the pollen forager ratio (in HP and LP), the stored pollen area (mostly in LP), and the brood area (slight in LP). Taken together, these observations indicate that pollen yield is determined by a small numb...
TL;DR: The responses (attractiveness or repellence) of two species of dwarf honey bee (Apis andreniformis and Apis florea) foragers to the synthetic mandibular gland pheromones 1-eicosanol, eicosane, heneicosanes and 2-heptanol were tested.
Abstract: SummaryIn this study, we tested the responses (attractiveness or repellence) of two species of dwarf honey bee (Apis andreniformis and Apis florea) foragers to the synthetic mandibular gland pheromones 1-eicosanol, eicosane, heneicosane and 2-heptanol. The pheromone concentrations were varied from 0.0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0% (v/v) in n-hexane. A. andreniformis foragers were repelled by 5.0% eicosane and 5.0 and 10.0% heptanol, while 0.5 and 1.0% 1-eicosanol, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0% eicosane, 0.5 and 1.0% heneicosane and 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0% 2-heptanol repelled A. florea foragers. A. andreniformis foragers were attracted to 0.1% 1-eicosanol, 10.0% eicosane, 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0% heneicosane and 0.1% 2-heptanol. None of the pheromones were attractive to A. florea foragers.
TL;DR: It is suggested that SuperBoost has substantial potential for enhancing the spring build-up of overwintered honey bee colonies.
Abstract: SummarySuperBoost® is a proprietary commercial product comprising the non-volatile 10-component honey bee brood pheromone, stabilized with an antioxidant, and delivered to a colony in a controlled release device. The pheromone (180 mg) is contained in a plastic pouch with a pheromone-permeable polyethylene release membrane and a pheromone-impermeable Mylar backing. The pouch is mounted in a solid plastic holder. A 12-replicate, 70-day, single-blind experiment was set up on 4 February 2009 at Abbotsford BC, Canada, to test the utility of SuperBoost for enhancing spring build-up of overwintered honey bee colonies. Colonies were randomly assigned as untreated controls or to be treated with freshly-loaded SuperBoost devices. Devices were replaced once (after 37 days). Supplementary pollen substitute (Bee Pro®) was fed to bees ad libitum. Measurements of BeePro consumption were made on nine occasions. On days 16 and 70 the area of brood comb and numbers of adult bees were determined. When colonies were divided...