3.3 Honeybee -
continued (return to first Honeybee page)
| Project
Title |
Production
of a publication on honeybee nutrition in Australia - 'Fat bees/skinny
bees' |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAN-186A |
| Start
Date: |
01/01/00 |
| Finish
Date: |
31/10/02 |
| Researcher: |
Mr.
Doug Somerville |
| Organisation: |
NSW
Department of Agriculture
PO Box 389
GOULBURN NSW 2580 |
| Phone: |
(02)
4828 6619 |
| Fax: |
(02)
4822 3261 |
| Email: |
doug.somerville@agric.nsw.gov.au |
| Objectives |
To
produce an extension publication on honey bee nutrition, incorporating
research findings from past RIRDC projects, literature searches and anecdotal
examples of applications in the Australian context in a format that will
be readily understood and adopted by beekeepers. |
| Current
Progress |
Information
on the use of carbohydrate supplements to increase pollination efficiency
has been gathered and was presented to a Crop Pollination field day in
South Australia on the 16 February 2001.
The field day focus was on
lucerne pollination, yet the published evidence would indicate that there
is a strong role for the use of sugar feeding to stimulate colonies to
increase foraging flights in general, increasing visits to blossom and
thus increasing the pollination benefit from honey bees in a range of crops.
There are some strong cases for the use of sugar feeding in the provision
of a pollination service, particularly for kiwifruit, some lucerne crops
and perhaps avocados. Other horticultural or agronomic crops may also benefit,
particularly via the stimulation effect of regular small amounts of sugar
syrup (1 to 2 litres) every one to three days per hive. Open or bulk feeding
next to, or feeders distributed throughout the crop may also have benefit,
and this was demonstrated at the SA field day on lucerne.
A paper on minerals in bee
collected pollen has been drafted and is in the process of being refereed.
Of the 10 elements tested relating to pollen samples, K, P and S have the
highest levels with means of 5530, 4600 and 2378 ppm. Ca, Mg and Na with
mid range means of 1146.4, 716 and 92 ppm and Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu having
very low level means of 67, 58, 33 and 12 ppm.
A sample of onion weed pollen
demonstrated an extremely high level of K at 38,000 ppm. This has similarities
with K levels in onion nectar which has been identified as causing a repellency
effect on bees.
One interview with a queen
breeder, Greg Mulder, took place in the Hunter Valley. Supplementary feeding
was critical to his operation and business, particularly strategic sugar
feeding. |
| Project
Title: |
Breeding
hygienic disease resistant bees |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
US-39A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Ben Oldroyd |
| Organisation: |
School
of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney |
| Phone: |
(02)
9351 7501 |
| Fax: |
(02)
9351 4771 |
| Email: |
boldroyd@bio.usyd.edu.au |
| Objectives |
1.
To determine the number of genes influencing hygienic behaviour, their
relative level of influence, and their location in the honey bee genome
by construction of a genetic map and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis.
2. To develop DNA markers
for hygienic behaviour genes so that hygienic breeding stock may be rapidly
and cheaply identified
3. To train a PhD student
in honey bee molecular biology and bee breeding
4. To establish facilities
and protocols that will allow genetic markers developed in other laboratories
(eg. for honey production) to be utilised by the Australian honey industry |
| Background |
Hygienic
behaviour in the honeybee (Apis mellifera) has been shown to be
an effective control mechanism against brood diseases such as chalkbrood
and AFB. Rothenbuhler investigated the genetic basis of hygienic behaviour,
proposing a two-gene model to explain the uncapping and removal of dead
brood. His elegant experiment remains the textbook example of a behavioural
genetic study. It is still generally agreed that a small number of unlinked
genes produce a large effect on hygienic behaviour in honeybees, that these
genes are recessive and inherited in a Mendelian manner. A more accurate
determination of how many loci directly influence hygienic behaviour and
their relative level of influence and location within the genome of Apis
mellifera can be made using molecular techniques, linkage mapping and
QTL. |
| Research |
The
collection of molecular data is complete and a comprehensive genetic map
has been produced. Combined analysis of the behavioural and genetic data
has identified seven putative quantitative trait loci for hygienic behaviour.
A field study on 32 colonies derived from various lines was carried out
in conjunction with Mr. Linton Briggs between December 15-17, 1999. Samples
of both drone and worker brood were taken from each of these colonies for
testing of the candidate markers identified by our study. DNA was extracted
from these samples, along with others identified as either highly hygienic
or non-hygienic in an earlier backcross experiment. |
| Outcomes |
This
study has utilised molecular techniques to elucidate the genetic mechanisms
involved in honeybee hygienic behaviour. Experimental backcross colonies
were established and assayed for expression of the behavioural phenotype.
Statistical analyses of the field data indicated that the genetic basis
of the trait was more complex than either the simple Mendelian and widely
accepted two-gene or three-gene models that have been proposed previously.
A genetic map of the honeybee genome (25 linkage groups, a total map distance
of 3406 cM) was constructed by full multipoint linkage analysis of 358
segregating marker loci. QTL analysis has identified seven putative genetic
markers associated with hygienic behaviour indicating that there are many
genes of small effect rather than few genes of large effect involved in
this complex behavioural trait.
The project was responsible
for the importation of new genetic material into Australia from the United
States. This hygienic stock has been well received by industry, has been
widely disseminated, and incorporated into local breeding programs. We
hope that it has lead to a general improvement in the level of disease
resistance in Australian commercial bees. |
| Implications |
Four-five candidate markers
investigated in this study were shown to be related to the hygienic phenotype.
However, as we have now shown that hygienic behaviour is a polygenic, quantitative
trait, simple diagnostic markers for Rothenbuhler's 'uncapping' and 'removal'
genes are unlikely to be achieved. Our results show that the most likely
way to improve disease resistance in Australian stock is via traditional
methods of recurrent selection. |
| Project
Title |
Natural
resource database for the South Australian apiary industry |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DEH-1A |
| Start
Date: |
05/07/99 |
| Finish
Date: |
01/08/02 |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
Chris Holden |
| Organisation: |
Department
of Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs (SA)
Biodiversity Conservation
Program
Heritage and Biodiversity
Division
PO Box 1047
ADELAIDE SA 5000 |
| Phone: |
(08)
8204 8736 |
| Fax: |
(08)
8204 8889 |
| Email: |
holden.chris@saugov.sa.gov.au |
| Objectives |
To
create a database of floral resource information for the South Australian
apiary industry, which includes details of:
1. the floral resource base
on which the industry is dependent, including the reliance of the industry
on native vegetation and the most valuable and reliable floral species
for honeybees;
2. the distribution of various
native plant species as they relate to beekeeping;
3. the frequency with which
these resources are used, the land tenure on which they currently exist,
and the relative values for honey and pollen as they relate to honeybee
nutritional requirements and honey production; and
4. estimates of the value
of currently used apiary sites on both private and Crown lands in terms
of dollar value or as a percentage of the State annual production. |
| Current
Progress |
On
behalf of the Department for Environment and Heritage, Dr David Paton,
Lecturer with the Department of Environmental Biology, University of Adelaide
is undertaking the survey of South Australian apiarists with more than
200 hives. Two part-time casual employees have been appointed to manage
the incoming responses and enter data. In addition to information on production,
the survey will seek information on native vegetation "health". As of March
2001, there was only a 10% response to the survey forms. Dr Paton is actively
seeking a greater response by attending regional meetings of apiarists
and has been informed that more forms will be returned once honey flows
decrease during March. Reminder letters were posted in early March. There
exists some confusion over the forms, indicating a need for direct interviewing. |
| Project
Title |
Eucalypt
regrowth thinning trails to optimise leatherwood honey production |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
FTA-1A |
| Start
Date: |
21/01/99 |
| Finish
Date: |
30/06/03 |
| Researcher: |
Ms.
Frieda Heese |
| Organisation: |
Forestry
Tasmania
3 Crozier Place
WARRANE TAS 7018 |
| Phone: |
(03)
6244 3755 |
| Fax: |
- |
| Email: |
frieda.heese@dier.tas.gov.au |
| Objectives |
·
To demonstrate that non-commercial thinning of eucalypt regrowth will enhance
leatherwood regrowth at no extra cost.
· To establish a set
of prescriptions for the timing and intensity of eucalypt regrowth thinning.
· To communicate main
findings to the beekeeping and forestry industries. |
| Current
Progress |
This
project has been investigating the effect that non-commercial thinning
of eucalypts in regenerated logging coupes has on leatherwood regrowth.
Leatherwood is one of the main flora resources for the Tasmanian Beekeepers
and its inability to regenerate well after logging has been a major concern
for beekeepers. This research hopes to demonstrate that by reducing the
eucalypt canopy cover the leatherwood flowering will increase.
In March 2000 the non-commercial
thinning of eucalypts by way of stem injection was completed. The success
of the stem injection process was assessed and a 20% reduction in canopy
cover was found after the 9 months. This survey also found that light to
the forest floor had increased since the stem injection process was completed.
Field inspections in February
2001 of the leatherwood found the occasional tree flowering tree at low
intensity. The trees in the thinned plots did show a slight increased in
the stem radius compare to the trees with in the controls, however when
analysed this did not prove to be scientifically significant. |
| Project
Title: |
Adulteration
of pure honeys |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DPI-31A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Wolfgang Korth |
| Organisation: |
National
Residue Survey
Agriculture Fisheries &
Forestry Australia
PO BOX 858 Barton ACT 2601 |
| Phone: |
02
6272 4771 |
| Fax: |
02
6272 4023 |
| Email: |
wolfgang.korth@affa.gov.au |
| Objectives |
To
evaluate the suitability of a method based on internal standard isotope
ratioing mass spectrometry for detecting the presence of synthetic honey
in pure honey at levels that would make the adulteration of pure honeys
economically viable. |
| Background |
In
February 1999 the Australian HoneyBee Industry Council (AHBIC) first approached
NRS to undertake a small project aimed at detecting the presence of honey
substitutes such as Analog Honey, in pure honey. Following a feasibility
evaluation, NRS received approval from AHBIC to commence the work. |
| Research |
A
technique based on the natural differences in isotopic ratios between plants
utilising carbon in their respective photosynthetic pathways was used to
detect the adulteration of pure honey with synthetic honey. As different
floral sources of honey can have different isotopic carbon ratios, it was
considered appropriate to include as many sources of pure Australian honey
as possible in the initial study to establish a baseline range of values
for Australian honeys. Consequently, honeys from 20 different floral sources
were obtained and analysed. |
| Outcomes |
This
study has demonstrated the suitability of the isotope ratioing technique
and established baseline levels for a number of Australian honeys. Three
of the 20 honey samples studied consistently gave rise to calculated apparent
adulterations of between 3 and 5.5 %. However, because these differences
were below the internationally accepted threshold of - 1 ‰ (7 % adulteration),
the samples were considered not to be adulterated. Although the technique
can be used to detect lower levels of adulteration, these can only be detected
if both the pure honey and the synthetic honey used for adulteration are
available and a calibration curve is used to determine the extent of adulteration
of the suspect sample. |
| Implications |
This
project has demonstrated that the isotope ratioing technique is suitable
for the detection of adulteration of Australian or other pure honeys with
synthetic honey derived from plant sugars such as cane sugar, corn syrup
or pineapple sugar. However, levels of adulteration would need to be approximately
7 % or greater to be detected, unless both the synthetic and pure honeys
are available for calibration. Furthermore, only pure honeys adulterated
with synthetic honey derived from plant sugars such as cane sugar, corn
syrup or pineapple sugar and not beet sugars can be detected. |
| Publications |
AOAC
Official Methods of Analysis (1998). Official Method 991.41, C-4 plant
Sugars in honey.
AOAC Official Methods of
Analysis (1999). Official Method 998.12, C-4 plant Sugars in honey.
Martin, G. I., Macias, E.
M., Sanchez, J. S and Rivera, B. G. (1998). Detection of honey adulteration
with beet sugar using stable isotope methodology. Food Chemistry, 61
(3), 281-286.
White, J. W. (1992). Internal
standard stable carbon isotope ratio method for determination of C-4 plant
sugars in honey: collaborative study, and evaluation of improved protein
preparation procedures. JAOAC, 75 (3), 543 – 548.
White, J. W. and Winters,
K (1989). Honey protein as internal standard for stable carbon isotope
ratio detection of adulteration of honey. JAOAC, 72 (6), 907
–911. |
| Project
Title: |
Flavour
quality assurance of Australian floral honeys by chemical fingerprinting |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UQ-67A |
| Researchers: |
Bruce
D’Arcy, Gavin Rintoul, Bregje Krebbers, Dave Jung and Mark Fedorow |
| Organisation: |
The
University of Queensland
School of Land and Food
Sciences, BRISBANE QLD 4072 |
| Phone: |
(07)
5460 1384 |
| Fax: |
(07)
5460 1171 |
| Email: |
bd@fst.uq.edu.au |
| Objectives |
To
increase the accuracy of the flavour quality authentication of Australian
floral (straightline) honeys by developing a commercially available quality
assurance procedure based on chemical fingerprinting by 2000. |
| Background |
There
was no reliable, objective test, as part of quality assurance programs,
available in Australia for authenticating the flavour quality of floral
honeys. In addition, there was a need for better control of honey flavour
quality to satisfy government and consumer requirements related to labelling
of floral honeys. These deficiencies can be overcome by the development
of a chemical test that objectively identifies the floral source of species-specific
types of Australian honey. |
| Research |
Significant
chemical data on the natural volatile substances in multiple samples of
16 species-specific floral types of Australian honey were collected. These
floral types were the eucalypts, yellow box, blue gum, red gum, yapunyah,
pilliga box, Caley’s ironbark, spotted gum, bloodwood, grey iron bark and
mugga ironbark; and the noneucalypts, leatherwood, crows ash, jelly bush,
heath, tea tree and brush box. Two extraction techniques were developed:
solvent extraction using ethyl acetate, and headspace solid-phase microextraction
(SPME). In addition, gas chromatographic (GC and GC-MS) analysis methods
were developed to separate, identify and quantify the extracted substances.
The quantitative chemical data were then analysed by the multivariate statistical
analysis technique, principal components analysis. This grouped individual
samples of each honey type based on their composition of natural volatile
substances, so that identification of the floral type could be done. |
| Outcomes |
Based
on the reference honey samples supplied by the Capilano Honey Ltd., and
the Tasmanian Leatherwood Honey Exporters Group, a floral certification
test has been developed for authenticating the floral source, and thus
the flavour quality of 14 species-specific floral types of Australian honey.
This test involves a three-step procedure: (1) solvent extraction of naturally
occurring volatiles; (2) GC analysis of the extracts; and (3) multivariate
statistical analysis of the chemical data. An integral part of this test
is the established data bank of mass spectra and GC ‘chemical fingerprints’
of naturally occurring volatiles in greater than 16 species-specific floral
types of Australian honey. Limited trials of this test on industry samples
produced interesting and unexpected results, but showed the power of the
test for identifying honeys samples, based on data for the reference samples
originally supplied by the industry as part of this project. |
| Implications |
This
project has shown that a rapid chemical procedure for sourcing the floral
origin of specific-specific floral (straightline) honeys can be used to
authenticate the flavour quality of these honeys. When the developed floral
certification test becomes a part of the quality assurance programs of
honey packing companies and beekeepers, there can be an extension of the
range of boutique floral honeys that are sold at premium prices. |
| Publications |
Rintoul,
G., D’Arcy, B., Sancho, T.M. and Garson, M. Authentication of unifloral
heath (Banksia ericafolia) honey by chemically fingerprinting natural
volatiles. Abstracts 33rd Annual Convention of Australian
Institute of Food Science and Technology, Brisbane,20-23 August 2000,
58 (P9). Abstract. Brisbane, Aust Inst Food Sci Technol, 2000.
D’Arcy, B.R., Rintoul, G.B.,
Krebbers, B. and Garson, M. Authentication of Australian unifloral honeys
using chemical fingerprinting of volatile substances. 10th
World Congress of Food Science & Technology, Sydney, 3-8 October
1999, 116-117 (P26/08). Abstract. IUFoST, 1999. |
| Project
Title |
The
use of Australian honey in moist wound management |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAQ-232A |
| Start
Date: |
01/07/1997 |
| Finish
Date: |
30/09/2000 |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
Craig Davis |
| Organisation: |
Department
of Primary Industries (Qld)
Centre for Food Technology
19 Hercules Street
HAMILTON QLD 4007 |
| Phone: |
(07)
3406 8611 |
| Fax: |
(07)
3406 8677 |
| Email: |
davisck@dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives |
To
develop a set of guidelines for the commercial production of honey as a
therapeutic agent. |
| Current
Progress |
The
recent registration of Jellybush honey as a "Drug" with the Therapeutic
Good Administration has been the project highlight. In 1999, Capilano Honey
Limited completed the registration of their product - "Medihoney" - which
is pure, sterile Leptospermum honey packaged in a 50gm tube and
promoted as a "high-potency antibacterial honey" which can be used as "a
topical application for the treatment of minor cuts, abrasions and minor
wounds". The listing of this product (AUSTL69532) is the first of its kind
in the world, and represents an acceptance of the therapeutic benefit of
natural products by the TGA. Capilano have recently added a second product
to their range – Medihoney Active+ Honey in a 375 gm jar – which is again
registered with the TGA (AUSTL77311) and has the claim of being an "oral
therapeutic". The routine screening of honeys from apiarists and processors
is now complete, and over 5000 honeys have been screened. An area in Northern
NSW has repeatedly produced the "active" honey. Beekeepers are now receiving
a premium in excess of 10 times the traditional price for these Leptospermum
honeys if they are identified as florally-"active". A final report and
two PhD theses are currently in preparation. |
| Project
Title |
Glycemic
index of honey |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UNS-17A |
| Start
Date: |
01/12/00 |
| Finish
Date: |
30/11/01 |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
Jayashree Arcot |
| Organisation: |
University
of New South Wales
Department of Food Science
and Technology
SYDNEY NSW 2052 |
| Phone: |
(02)
9385 5360 |
| Fax: |
(02)
9385 5931 |
| Email: |
j.arcot@unsw.edu.au |
| Objectives |
·
A clear understanding of the differences between the blood glucose responses
of the different floral varieties of honey based on sugar and organic acid
content.
· The identification
of various honeys with a low GI factor and to use it as a major marketing
strategy by the honey industry to increase consumption of honey. |
| Current
Progress |
Literatures
pertaining to production of honey in Australia, composition of floral varieties
available and any studies done relating carbohydrates in honey and effect
on health have been collected. Honey producers across Australia, particularly
in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia were
contacted and the floral varieties namely, Slavation Jane, Stringybark,
Iron Bark, Yellow Box, Red gum, Yapunya and two commercial blends were
obtained and analyzed for available carbohydrate content (sugars) and organic
acid content. The above varieties are now being tested on humans for the
measurement of the glucose response in blood, which will estimate the glycemic
index in relation to a standard glucose solution. A variation in individual
sugar contents of the different floral varieties will influence the glucose
response produced on consumption of honey, which will decide the glycemic
index of the honey. Information on the exact source of honey; age of honey;
date of packing; are also being sought from industry currently to be able
to substantiate the results that will be obtained. It is envisaged that
information such as the above will be needed to address the second objective
of the study. |
| Project
Title |
Improving
the movement/use of liquid Australian honey within manufacturing processes |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
UQ-84A |
| Start
Date: |
01/07/98 |
| Finish
Date: |
30/11/01 |
| Researcher: |
Bruce
D'Arcy, Peter Sopade, Nola Caffin, Bhesh Bhandari, Peter Halley |
| Organisation: |
The
University of Queensland
Food Science & Technology
School of Land and Food
Sciences
GATTON COLLEGE QLD 4345 |
| Phone: |
(07)
5460 1384 |
| Fax: |
(07)
5460 1171 |
| Email: |
bd@fst.uq.edu.au |
| Objectives |
To
increase the inclusion of honey in manufacturing processes, particularly
commercial baking operations, by developing an understanding of the physical
properties and flow characteristics of honey, and by developing key technology
for the movement of liquid Australian honey in a number of commercial processes
by 2001. |
| Current
Progress |
The
rheological property of food ingredients is important, and this was studied
in 10 honeys at temperatures from –15 to 0° C. All the honeys exhibited
Newtonian behaviour. The oscillatory- and steady-viscosity is essentially
the same in accordance with the Cox-Merz rule. The dependence of the viscosity
on temperature appears to be better predicted by the William-Landel-Ferry
model at both sub- and above-zero temperatures. With an increase in oscillatory
frequency, the solid character of the honeys became more noticeable and
this has implications (eg. blockage) during handling or pumping of honeys
at high shear rates. Pumping studies on four commercial honey types at
temperatures between 30 and 50° C are being conducted at flow rates
up to 350 kg/h in simulated commercial conditions. Although detailed statistical
analysis is pending, generally the higher the flow rate, the higher was
the pressure drop due to frictional drag along the pipe. It is envisaged
that the relationship between (Fanning) frictional factor and Reynolds
number will be obtained for each honey as well as the power-law parameters
using the Rabinowitsch-Mooney equation. The influence of temperature on
the pumping behaviour of the honeys is to be analysed for better understanding
of the pump requirements of the honeys. |
New
Projects –2001/2002
The following projects have
been approved by RIRDC for commencement in the 2001/2002 year:
| Clarification
of aspects of Varroa reproduction - first stage of a possible new control
method (HBE01-01) |
Dr
Denis Anderson
( (02) 6246 4148 |
| Predicting
the productivity of honeybees from the nutritional value of pollen (HBE01-02) |
Mr
Ian Wallis
( (02) 6249 2533 |
| A
study of Gluconobacter - gluconic acid producing bacteria, symbionts of
bees: development of biological control for chalk brood (HBE01-03) |
Dr
Murali Nayudu
( (02) 6249 3643 |
| Valuation
of honeybee pollination services (HBE01-09) |
Dr
Jenny Gordon
( (02) 6248 6699 |
Non-RIRDC Publications
and Videos
The following publications
and videos have been jointly funded by RIRDC but are not available from
RIRDC. Ordering details as indicated.
Beekeeping in the NSW
State Forest Districts
by NSW Agriculture, $5
each, phone (02) 4823 0616 to order
A series of reports which
include information on beekeeping activities and honey and pollen flora
of importance to beekeeping within each state forest district of New South
Wales. Each report is approximately 20-26 pages.
Current reports in the series
are:
Queanbeyan/Badja State Forest
Management Area – Apiary Management Potential (1995)
Central Murray Valley Forestry
Area – Apiary Management Survey (1995)
Forbes Forestry District
– Apiary Management Survey Results (1996)
Beekeeping in the Bulahdelah
State Forests (1997)
Beekeeping in the Kempsey
State Forests (1997)
Beekeeping in the Narrandera
State Forests (1997)
Beekeeping in the Taree
State Forests (1997)
Beekeeping in the Tumut-Tumbarumba
State Forests (1997)
Beekeeping in the Wauchope
State Forests (1997)
Beekeeping in the Glen Innes
State Forests (1997)
Beekeeping in the Mildura
Forestry Management Area (1997)
Beekeeping in the Inverell
State Forests (1997)
Eden-Bombala Forestry District
- Study of Beekeeping Usage and Importance (1997)
Beekeeping in the Dubbo
State Forests (1998)
Beekeeping in the Urbenville
State Forests (1998)
Beekeeping in the Morisset
State Forests (1998)
Beekeeping in the Bathurst/Oberon
State Forests (1998)
Beekeeping in the Grafton
State Forests (1998)
Beekeeping in the Urunga
State Forests (1998)
Beekeeping in the Casino
State Forests (1998)
Beekeeping in the Gloucester/Walcha
State Forests (1998)
Beekeeping in the Dorrigo
State Forests (1998)
Chalkbrood Disease of
Bees
by NSW Agriculture, $25
(includes postage), phone (02) 6391 3433 or 1800 028 374 to order
Enables beekeepers to identify
the symptoms of Chalkbrood, outlines measures to take to reduce the impact
of this disease and outlines the epidemiology of this disease and how to
correctly examine hives to detect Chalkbrood. 10 minutes
Bee Parasites Exotic to
Australia
by NSW Agriculture, $30
(incudes postage), phone 02) 6391 3433 or 1800 028 374 to order
Enables beekeepers to identify
external exotic parasites (varroa, trachael mites and tropilaelaps) and
exotic bees (Asian, giant and dwarf honeybees) and be able to contact the
right authorities should they see them in Australia. Includes biology of
the parasites, how to inspect hives, how they spread and control measures
should they enter Australia. Also covers how to legally import honeybees
with approval from AQIS. 20 minutes
Endemic Bee Diseases (VDO5)
1992
by NSW Agriculture, $30
(includes postage), phone (02) 6391 3433 or 1800 028 374 to order
Enables beekeepers to identify
endemic bee diseases (American Foulbrood, European Foulbrood, Sac Brood,
Wax Moths, Braula Coeca (Tasmania only)) and other brood disorders. Enables
beekeepers to identify the symptoms of the disease and pests, outlines
measures to take to reduce the impact of this disease and outlines the
epidemiology of the diseases and pests. How to correctly examine hives
to detect problems. 49 minutes
Package Bee Production
in Australia
by NSW Agriculture, $30
(includes postage), phone (02) 6391 3433 or 1800 028 374 to order
Enables beekeepers to follow
a step-by-step guide on how to produce, handle and care for package bees,
how to prepare package bees for shipment to overseas destinations. Inspection
and certification requirements to overseas countries who buy package bees
and Queen bees from Australia. 27 minutes
