Research
Varroa Mite Control using RNAi Technology
PAm is excited to be a part of cutting-edge science by funding research using RNAi technology.  Dr. James Ellis, Assistant Professor of Entomolgy at the University of Florida in Gainesville, will oversee the project.  The goal of the project is to develop an effective and safe control method for varroa mites in honey bees.  Research for alternative mite control is needed as current varroa control measures are unsustainable.  The use of chemicals is labor intensive and expensive, mites become resistant, and results of sublethal miticide exposure suggest that the chemicals used to help honey bees are in reality harming them.  Dr. Ellis and his team will explore the use of RNA interference (RNAi) technology to specifically interfere with varroa mite biochemical pathways.  The goal of the project is to develop silencing technology for targeted genes in varroa mites and determining if the resulting dsRNA complexes increase varroa mortality.  This treatment method is considered a "natural" anti-agent defense system in the host organism.  The resulting varroacide treatment would be similiar to the costs we now see associated with existing varroa treatments making it affordable to beekeepers.  As varroa continues to be one of the leading killers of honey bees, PAm is proud to be part of this innovative project and to be a part of this promising new technology.
 
DeRisi Lab applying cutting edge technology to find cause of CCD
The DiRisi Lab, UCFS, famous for their cutting edge technology that discovered the human SARS virus and the Avian Bonavirus (responsible for mysteriously killing parrots around the world), is now working full steam ahead on Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in honey bees.  They expect to announce their findings by December, 2010.  PAm was privy to a thorough review of their work to date in January, 2010, in their labs.  The same high-through-put technology that was utilized in the SARS discovery is being used to find the casual agents responsible for CCD.  "This will be talked about in 10-20 years", say molecular biologist, Dr. Joe DeRisi.  PAm's project with the DeRisi Lab (also including UCF's Dr. Michelle Flenniken and Charles Runckel) includes:  1.)  monitoring and characterizing normal honey bee microbial flora over the course of year by systematically collecting weekly samples from a commercial migratory beekeeping operation, 2.)  identifying the pathogens responsible for CCD, and 3.)  developing a honey bee diagnostic tool (a virus and microbe microarray called a BeeChip).  The current generation of the BeeChip contains 2000 pathogen-detection sites.
 
Testing high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)

PAm's first sponsored research project started in March, 2007, with Dr. Diana Sammataro and Dr. Blaise LeBlanc of the USDA-ARS Bee Lab in Tucson, Arizona. This project resulted in guidelines for the use of HFCS as a supplemental feed for honey bees. HFCS has a tendency to form a toxic byproduct, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Factors promoting the formation of HMF include the presence of fructose, heat, time, metal ions, and low pH. Beekeepers' samples of HFCS were higher in HMF compared to those from manufacturers (Mann Lake, Archer Daniels Midland, Roquette, and Tate & Lyle). Beekeepers' samples contained 20 to over 120ppm HMF. Manufacturers' samples were < 20ppm. Critical levels of HMF proving harmful to bees are concentrations > 120ppm. Temperature between 104 - 120degF increased HMF formation. Note: these temperatures can be attained in tank storage of HFCS for bees, depending on the type and location of the storage vessel.  At temperatures over 120degF, HMF doubled. Because HFCS is acidic (pH 3-4), HFCS can leach metals from untreated metal storage containers. If stored in untreated iron containers, extremely high levels of iron ions can form. In a September, 2007 trial, bee mortality was higher with bees fed HFCS vs. a 50% sucrose solution. Results have raised additional questions and areas for further research. (Posted Aug. 28, 2009)

Click here for more information and for information on HFCS Storage Guidelines for Beekeepers.  

 

Click here for preliminary results on HFCS vs. sucrose longevity studies

 
Determining presence of Nosema ceranae and Nosema apis in migratory beekeeping operations
PAm is assisting with funding to develop a bee diagnostic center at Washington State University, Pullman, under the direction of Dr. Steve Sheppard. Activities at WSU are underway to establish a diagnostic lab, purchase supplies, and hire and train technical assistance to determine mite and pathogen infestation levels in-field among Western beekeepers. PAm’s funding will help determine N. ceranae and N. apis spore counts throughout the year to evaluate seasonal fluctuations and response to treatments. Additionally, the study will include seasonal counts of tracheal and Varroa mites.
 
Studying the movement of neonicotinoid insecticides into pollen and nectar
PAm is pleased to be sponsoring Dr. Kimberly Stoner at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in field experiments on neonicotinoids. France and Germany have suspended use neonicotinoids for their role in bee kills. The US EPA has been slow to uncover sublethal effects of neonicotinoids on honey bees. These insecticides, some of the most widely used pesticides in the USA, are systemic and therefore thought to translocate from the seeds and root system into other areas of the plant. Dr. Stoner is evaluating how nectar and pollen are affected by the active ingredient, timing, and method of application of neonicotinoids in cucurbits, blueberries and cranberries. PAm also plans to evaluate almond flower samples from imidacloprid-treated almonds during bloom, 2009.
 
Analysis of pesticide exposure in East Coast migratory operations
Along with PAm, the USDA/CSREES, the National Honey Board and the Florida Department of Agriculture are contributing to funding this project that is being performed in cooperation with USDA-ARS Beltsville. The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) to analyze pesticide exposure in bees and pesticide residues in pollen of samples taken in the initial national CCD study, and 2) to establish a centralized cost-sharing pesticide screening program at Penn State as a service to beekeepers. One aspect of this project focuses on the importance of East Coast migratory operations servicing Western pollinated crops. Of colony samples analyzed thus far coumaphos and fluvalinate, two compounds used by beekeepers themselves, are highly prevalent. Check back soon for the instructions and fee schedule to submit your samples for pesticide analyses.
 
Collaborating on virus detection
PAm is working closely with Dr. Jerry Bromenshenk (Bee Alert, Inc. and the U of Montana) and also with Dave Wick (BVS, Inc.) as they identify viruses in bee samples using the IVDS (Integrated Virus Detection System). The IVDS is in place at BVS, Inc., in Missoula, Montana and their staff is working diligently to analyze as many bee samples as possible. Contact Dave Wick at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for the procedure and fee schedule to send samples. BVS, Inc., has found some common virus peaks (32.2 nanometers), as well as some dramatic and unusual concentrations of a few viruses in some bees. Their unique approach using proteomics is yielding some possible compounds correlating with CCD incidence. With confirmation, look for this information to become available in the coming months.Bee Alert, Inc., is becoming a full service diagnostics center capable of a wide array of analytical services, including virus screening, Nosema screening and identification, HMF contamination in HFCS and identification of aflatoxins, most pesticides and pollutants. For more information, visit their website at beealert.blackfoot.net
 
Assessing pollen collection using the brood pheromone, Superboost
Dr. Frank Eischen, USDA-ARS, Weslaco, TX reported to the PAm Board in July, 2008, results on pollen collection using Superboost, a brood pheromone. Superboost augmentation in colonies did not work effectively to increase pollen collection. It was effective in small 4-frame overwintered colonies that were pollen trapped. But all pollen trapped colonies generally collected more pollen. Superboost did not enhance pollen collection of Australian package colonies.
 
Comparing pollen collection of U.S. vs. Australian bees
Dr. Frank Eischen, USDA-ARS, Weslaco, TX reported to the PAm Board in October, 2007, top-line results on pollen collection by Australian package bees (AUS). The list of treatments in ascending order of pollen collected was: US 4-frame; US 6-frame; AUS colony established Dec 06 from 4-lb pkg; US 4-frame + 4 lb AUS pkg; US 8-frame; US 4-frame + US 4-frame (2 united 4-frames); US 10-frame; and US 14-frame.
 
Solving the mystery of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)
PAm is committed to a multi-dimensional strategy to resolve the current CCD crisis. PAm’s research efforts include funding studies on bee nutrition, virus detection, pesticide exposure, Nosema and practical beekeeping management. These efforts are leading scientists closer to determining the factors that have led to the decline of honey bee hives. PAm and/or its Board members support and serve in an advisory capacity for the CCD Working Group and USDA’s Area-Wide Study on Nutrition, as well as other national collaborative studies.
 
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