Search Results for: Honeybee
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Plan Bee Breeding Manual
Plan Bee, Australia’s national honey bee genetic improvement program, has been initiated to provide the infrastructure necessary to implement modern genetic breeding techniques in the honey bee industry. The program builds on the considerable expertise in queen breeding in Australia and the progress made in previous and current programs. Plan Bee does not seek to replace these programs, but rather to provide new tools to assist queen breeders in order to speed genetic progress in their own breeding operations. This manual has been developed in consultation with industry through surveys, interviews, and workshops. It is the culmination of all this feedback. The manual will be a ‘living document’ in that it will be updated to reflect feedback from those participating in the program and lessons that the project team learns from working with the diversity of queen breeders and beekeepers. Want more information on how to use the Trait Recording document? Watch the instructional video here.Report
Clover4Bees: Pilot study
The Clover4Bees pilot study represents a significant step forward in understanding the potential of pasture legumes to benefit the Australian honey bee industry. The project was initiated in response to broad-reaching events, such as drought, flood and bushfires, as well as increasing pressures on access to public lands. These challenges prompted the industry to explore opportunities to utilise floral resources on private lands more closely. Pasture legumes, including some species with spectacular flowers, are vastly underutilised by the industry. The lack of awareness of their potential is due to two key factors. Firstly, none of the legume species used in Australia were developed in conjunction with beekeepers. Secondly, methods comparing the potential value to honey bees of small-flowered species were not readily available. The Clover4Bees pilot study aimed to determine whether pasture legumes offered sufficient promise to justify continued investment by the industry, and inform priority areas for future research and development. The project established eight field experiments at four locations in 2022 and 2023, evaluating the flowering patterns of 23 species and observing apparent honey bee preference. Woolly pod vetch, arrowleaf clover, balansa clover, gland clover, Persian clover and crimson clover were identified as the six species most likely to be of immediate use to the industry. Honey bees preferred these species across multiple sites and years, and the species had readily available seed. The study also highlighted the importance of collaboration with other key agricultural industries to develop a more pollinator-friendly agricultural landscape. Going forward, this collaborative approach will be essential for sharing resources and achieving widespread impact. The Clover4Bees pilot study has laid a strong foundation for future work in developing pasture legumes for the Australian honey bee industry. The findings and recommendations provide valuable insights and a clear direction for future research and development efforts.Miriam Villen King
Dr Miriam Villen King is General Manager of Science and Sustainability at Stahmann Webster, one of Australia’s leading tree nut producers. With a background in chemical and agricultural engineering, she leads data-driven approaches to optimise orchard production and sustainability outcomes. Miriam is also involved in Australian Rainforest Honey, the organisation’s commercial beekeeping business. A 2023...Wet summer could deliver multi-million dollar bee hive loss
Apiarists are on high alert following a surge in small hive beetle populations due to dry spring conditions and a wet, humid end to summer.Postage delays – what it means for queen breeders and beekeepers
Australia is current experiencing delays on postage services, with mail and parcels being delayed by weeks at a time. This is causing significant issues for queen breeders and beekeepers.2022 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship winners announced
... Eggs, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Hort Innovation, Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), FMC Australasia and the AgriFutures Emerging Industries, Honeybee and Pollination, and Agrifood Innovation Programs.Mr Harvey thanks...