Summer 2024 Updates
Author: Leilani Pulsifer
Updates from the BC Technology Transfer Program,
Hard to believe that summer is coming to a close and fall is just around the corner! Since the BeesCene’s last publish in the spring, we’ve been busy at the BC Technology Transfer Program securing funding, attending workshops, presenting research, creating exciting online courses, doing field work, and getting started on new research projects.
Latest project
Our latest research project focuses on the integration of marker-assisted selection tools in honey bee breeding. In the next two years we will harness the potential of molecular markers to enhance the efficiency and precision of honey bee breeding programs, enabling beekeepers to develop resilient and disease-resistant honey bee colonies. This would be a pivotal advancement not just in the world of bee breeding, but also in pollination services, food security, and industry productivity.
Past workshops, publishes, & events
April 9, 2024: Nuria Morfin presented at the Richmond Beekeeping Association to discuss the results of our latest research project as well as new developments in the industry that are helping us determine best practices and pest management for honey bees.
May 21, 2024: A study the BC-TTP was involved in that challenged BC’s current Economic Injury Level for Varroa destructor was published and made available online (check out Frontiers Blog) to read the article.
June 21, 2024: At the 68th Beaverlodge Field Day, we had the opportunity to present the latest research done by the BC-TTP and collaborators on the varroa economic injury levels. We also organized a workshop on how to calculate varroa growth and how to rank injuries caused by self-grooming behaviour by the honey bees to varroa mites.
June 25, 2024: BC Bee Breeders Field Day, the BC-TTP presented our new project (discussed above) that focuses on supporting selective honey bee breeding in BC.
July 17, 2024: Kwantlen College. The BC-TTP joined the Apiculture class on their field day and demonstrated hygienic tests with liquid nitrogen, and how to monitor mites using the alcohol wash method.
July 20, 2024: Langley Club – We demonstrated how to perform a brood nest inspection and how to monitor mites using the alcohol wash method, sugar shake method, and sticky papers.
August 18, 2024: Comox Valley Bee Club – Nuria collected Varroa mites for an ongoing study and discussed the recent work done at the BC-TTP.
Fall reminders & what’s coming
Varroa testing – This is your fall reminder to monitor your colonies for Varroa mites! According to the results of our last study, colonies with ≥ 1% mite infestation in the late summer and fall have a significantly higher chance of spring mortality than colonies with < 1% mite infestation.
Online courses – Feeling rusty when it comes to honey bee biology? Check out our new Introduction to Honey Bee Biology and Apiculture course. This self-paced course delves into the complete life cycle of honey bees, exploring their anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecological significance. It emphasizes the importance of bees in agroecosystems and the environment, while also introducing principles of beekeeping such as management techniques and necessary equipment. Visit Our Courses for more information.
New Course Alert! Interested in learning about pollinator-friendly wildflowers? We’re very excited to be working on a new course that teaches students all they need to know to start their own pollinator-friendly garden. From basic plant anatomy to how to set up your garden, students will be prepared to start their very own garden come springtime! Keep up to date with the release date of this course by following us on Instagram (@BC_TTP) and Facebook (@BCTTP).