Project Number: 5342-21000-014-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Oct 23, 2004
End Date: Sep 30, 2008

Objective:
To insure healthy and populous European honey bee colonies for pollination we will; develop artificial diets that will enhance colony health and population size; investigate novel strategies for control of Varroa based upon chemical cues affecting mite behavior and reproduction; and determine factors leading to the usurpation of European honey bee colonies by African bees.

Approach:
The movement and transport of managed bees for commercial pollination purposes poses several important problems and risks to colonies. Lack of suitable nutrition, particularly during times of transport, results in weakened colonies that are less effective pollinators. Colonies are weakened further by the presence of parasitic mites. Migratory honey bee colonies in the southwestern U.S. and California face an additional challenge from feral populations of Africanized bees which can invade hives and replace managed European bee colonies. Our approach to insuring that strong, healthy colonies are available for pollination is to develop dietary supplements to stimulate brood rearing and boost colony strength; reduce the impact of paratitic mites using specific controls based on mite behavior; and determine factors that lead to usurpation of colonies by Africanized bees. In combination, the three elements of our approach will increase the number and pollinating efficiency of European honey bee colonies used for pollination. Formerly 5342-21000-012-00D and 5342-21000-013-00D (combined 10/04).