New Format of R&D Update Newsletter Well Received
The new format of the Honeybee R&D Update Newsletter has been well received by all sectors of the industry.

The first issue was ready for wide distribution at the State Conferences. In addition several of the major industry journals agreed to insert a copy in a mail out of the journal. In all about 3-4,000 have been distributed.

We would like to thank these journals for their cooperation, it is much appreciated.

We hope that this and future issues will maintain this interest. We therefore encourage all readers to provide us with feedback so that we can improve the content and format as much as is possible.

Doug Somerville’s report Nutritional Value of Bee Collected Pollens was published in June 2001. This report has been very popular and has sold more copies than other reports.

The book discusses the pollen qualities of 60 floral species and ensures beekpeers benefit from, and increase their understanding of honeybee nutrition.

The book was published in 2001, is 176 pages long and costs $15.

Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website www.rirdc.gov.au/fullreports/hb.html

Downloads are available at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm and online purchases can be made at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop, or you can phone RIRDC on 02 6272 4819.

Literature review of chalkbrood - a fungal disease of honeybees by M. Hornitzky Chalkbrood of honeybees was first diagnosed in Australia in 1993. It is now endemic in most areas of Australia and can cause substantial production losses. This report reviews the literature on chalkbrood and identifies areas that could be investigated to expedite the development of control strategies to minimise the economic losses caused by chalkbrood.
2001, 25pp, Pub. No. 01/150; $10

The following project final reports will be printed soon - full details in the next newsletter:

• Adulteration of pure honeys (Project DPI- 31A - Mr Wolfgang Korth)
• Non-fungicidal and biological control of core rots in pome fruit (Project TAR-1A - Mr Chris Archer)
• Breeding hygienic disease resistant bees (Project US-39A - Dr Ben Oldroyd)

As was noted in the last issue of the Update the 2002-2007 five year plan is being developed.

The nature of the plan was discussed by the R&D Committee members at each of the State Conferences and then during a session at the AHBIC annual meeting. A final draft has been prepared which incorporates all the feedback and com- selfments.

We will circulate this back to industry for final comment and then it will be submitteed to the RIRDC Board for approval.

If you are interested in having a final comment on the five year plan please contact Keith McIlvride or the Honey Program at RIRDC for a copy.

The 2001 Rural Leadership course was held in July 2001. Craig Klingner from New South Wales participated in the course through support provided by the Honeybee Program. The 2001 program included an array of activities focusing on communication skills, media relations, public speaking, interpersonal skills and negotiation techniques.

The Honeybee Program will again support one person in 2002 to attend the Rural Leadership Program. RIRDC will cover the costs of the course fee and travel expenses.

The five-day program aims to develop the leadership qualities of young Australians involved in agriculture. Participants will concentrate on developing leadership skills, self-confidence and personal effectiveness, to equip them with the attributes necessary to be a future leading force in Australian agriculture.

The course this year will run from Sunday 30 June through to Friday 5 July. Applications open in March 2002. Please contact the College for application forms and further information. Contact details are as follows:

Marcus Oldham College

Private Bag 116,
GEELONG MAIL CENTRE VIC 3221
Ph: (03) 5243 3533;
Fax: (03) 5244 1263
Website: www.marcusoldham.vic.edu.au

Completed applications, marked "Honeybee Applicant", should be forwarded to Mr Adrian Kennelly, Course Convenor, at the above address.

The two CDs - Pollination Manual and the Honeybee Research Reports - have been very popular with stocks taken to State Conferences soldout and many ordering them from the publications flyer. If you have not seen them and are interested please contact us.

The CDs are available from RIRDC for $20 each plus postage and handling. If you would like to know more please see our publications flyer or Vicki Byrne (contact details below).
 

The Honeybee Research Report (2001) has been available for a few months. We have distributed copies to each State Association. However, if you would like a copy please contact Vicki Byrne.

Alternatively you can download a copy from the RIRDC web site. (http://www.rirdc.gov.au/ programs/hb.html)

Last updated: 23 January 2002
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