Projects / Programmes
Beekeeping in back load national AŽ hive and production of quality and safety products
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.02.03 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Animal production |
Ethology and technology in stock-breeding |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B400 |
Biomedical sciences |
Zootechny, animal husbandry, breeding |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 4.05 |
Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences |
Other agricultural sciences |
beekeeping technology, Nosema, viruses, varroa control, honeybee products quality
Researchers (19)
Organisations (4)
Abstract
The project work plan is to determine the impact of technology in the national standard AŽ beekeeping hive on the performance and maintenance of the strong, vital and healthy honeybee colonies. We will study the impact of technologies that are integral part of the ecological beekeeping and have an impact on the health of bee colonies and on the quality and safety products. The experimental part of the project will include research of the performance of successful varroa control carried out by organic or conventional means. By using modern diagnostic methods to detect Nosema spores spp. and bee viruses we will observe the presence of secondary pathogens in experimental colonies. Findings obtained by chemical analysis of sampled material from colonies will ensure the evaluation of beekeeping measures in the field and present the conclusions of the experimental tasks. On the basis of identifying the impact of beekeeping technology used in the field accompanied with scientific research results we will produce guidance and recommendations to the beekeepers.
We will study two groups of beekeeping practices performed in different regions of Slovenia: intensive beekeeping - conventional beekeeping practice and beekeeping with organic production. A variety of technological and medicinal aspects of beekeeping with the emphasis on the occurrence of bee diseases on the clinical or subclinical levels and the impact on drug residues in bee products will be considered. Samples of honey, wax, and bee samples will be analyzed for the presence of bee viruses and Nosema spp. spores. We will establish the link between beekeeping technology and potential occurrence of residues in crops and the incidence of infections of bees. Experiments in the colonies and on caged bees on individual level in the laboratory will be performed. We will explore the impact of diet regime on the colony development and on overwintering. Electronic systems will be explored to track developments in individual colony included in the organic beekeeping technology, with the aim of simplifying the supply of bees and reducing the number of interventions in the colonies. Flights of bees from one hive into neighbour hive will be studied in order to determine the impact of the most common pathogenic infections with the potential spread of pathogens among colonies. The research theme will contribute to the development of knowledge on organic beekeeping and related technologies, and to understand better the factors that influence the development of healthy colonies, effective mite control and to produce quality and safety bee products.
The project will determine the effectiveness of some preparations to control varroa mites and to establish the impact of different foods given to the colonies on colony development and health. The project partners will implement their research areas and project themes to present new knowledge-based guidance on getting products free of drugs or other added substances, and thereby to contribute to the improvement of the quality and safety of bee products.
Significance for science
Research project presents important contribution in development in beekeeping technology and practical applications, further results demonstrates contribution in the field of honey bee pathology and control diseases. We have achived now scientific expriances and results in regarding interacions between beekeeping technology in national AŽ hive, varoosis and other factors contributing on the colony health and have also impact on reducing colonies mortality. Cooperation between scietific and proffessional activities in this project was also important example in solwing problems in beekeeoing. Collaboration with scientists from abroad (Istituto Nazionale di Apicoltura, Bologna; Italija, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern, Švica, Uni. of Florida, Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, US) also contributed in our bee research activities and continuous extension activities for beekeeping practice. Results of the research project are product od interdisciplinary collaboration and are important for development the science in the field of beekeeping. In the project different scientific disciplines were inwolved, including biology, epizootiology, clinical research, beekeeping technology, and new knowledge in varrosis. Using appllied research methods we contributed in achiving new knowledge in the field of the effects of different acaricides, and possible use in beekeeping practice. Epizootiological methods were used in collecting desease informations, and several experiment in bee colonies were performed, includinh new constructions of the comb frame, feeding technolog, drifting.
Significance for the country
During the project results were continuously evaluated in the field and included in the beekeeping technology programs and in the programs for nationwide varroa control. Results regarding the improving AŽ hive, new findings about drifting bees in other hives, results of varroa control strategies were very important for beekeeping practice. We demonstrated that all project objectives were realistic and applicable in beekeeping practice. Experiences and results achieved in the project will be usefully applied for veterinary extension service, for beekeeping technology extension service and for individual beekeepers. Results will be useful for State Veterinary Administration and Ministry regarding the future directions in the field of varroa control strategies. Results were during different advising activities extended to beekeepers. Different trainings and demonstrations have been organized for beekeepers in order to improve varroa control practices. Project conclusions were demonstrated also in different beekeepers meetings, regional conferences and their annual meetings. Activities conducted during the CRP project were oriented towards the improving beekeeping technology and improving honey bee colonies health. Results present contribution to beekeepers by publishing articles in journals, demonstrations, lectures and by advising agencies. Planning and conducting all experiments in beekeeping operations, together with results presentation and extension activities are an example of successfully performed and guided project. Results present contribution to beekeeping sector and for stakeholders involved in planning developmental and applied activities in beekeeping sector. Results which are published have an important impact on beekeeping development in Slovenia.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report
