Curiosities: How are the honeybees doing?
December 24, 2012
From: Wisconsin State Journal
by University Communications
Q: How are the honeybees doing? I don’t hear as much about colony collapse disorder these days.
A: When it made headlines in 2006, colony collapse disorder alarmed entomologists and beekeepers alike. Entire honeybee colonies were dying, threatening beekeepers’ incomes and the farmers and fruits that depend on bees for pollination.
But honeybee colonies seem much healthier these days, said Phil Pellitteri, a faculty associate in entomology at UW-Madison. “It’s still somewhat controversial, but the science is essentially saying the disorder is due to a combination of stress and disease caused by viruses and protozoans, diet and nutrition problems and pesticides. Parasitic mites are a major and continuing problem, especially since the bee immune system seems to be less adequate than previously thought.”
It’s clear that unstressed bees fare better, even if a pathogen is present, Pellitteri said. “Beekeepers now understand that, and are doing everything they can to keep the bees healthy.”
Dozens of important crops require bees — especially honeybees — for pollination. Each winter, almost 1 millions colonies are trucked to California for the almond crop.
The collapse was most intense among bees that had to endure long-distance truck journeys to pollinate crops, Pellitteri said.
“These trips are a megastress. Beekeepers have fought this by trying to keep colonies strong before winter, and making sure the colonies have an adequate diet,” he said. “Colony collapse is still very complex and threatening, but overall, the bees are faring better than three or four years ago.”
— Provided in cooperation with UW Communications
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