Summary

(PROJECT IS FUNDED AND MANAGED BY HAL)
Colony Collapse Disorder is a well known phenomena in USA and the UK and research into the reason for this has led to an increased awareness of the influence of agricultural chemicals both directly and indirectly on the European Honeybee community. Dead colonies have been found to occur more frequently in areas where chemicals are utilised as opposed to those colonies which are sited in bush environments.
In order to ensure the European Honeybee does not die out, and that Australia will have enough European Honeybees to pollinate relevant crops for the season to keep consumers in good supply of fresh fruit and vegetables, agricultural producers need to be informed as to what chemicals are “bee friendly” and if there is a better time to spray. For example reducing amount sprayed, or being particular to the chemical used whilst bee activity is evident.
Communication with relevant chemical companies (Bayer CropScience, Nufarm Ltd, Farmoz, Crop Care Australasia, Syngenta, Dow) and key Bee pollination industry stakeholders will take place to determine the likely effects of chemicals on European Honeybees. A pamphlet will be developed that will list the common agricultural chemicals used in Australia, rating these chemicals according to their friendliness to European Honeybees. The pamphlet will also include information on the effect each chemical will have on key survival requirements of the European Honeybees. i.e.. how does the chemical affect the pollen, does it render it indigestible for the bee?

Program

Honey Bee

Research Organisation

Tasmanian Quality Assured Incorporated

Objective Summary

The objective of this research is to secure the future of European Honeybees in Australia and thus the future provisions of fresh produce and other crops.
This objective can be met by providing bee keepers and pollination dependent industries with ways to interpret chemical trade marks on products, and also by providing them with a list of products that are considered to be “bee friendly”.