Platform for beekeeping practice and know-how

The European honey bee, also known as the honey fly (Apis mellifera), is a domesticated honey bee species native to Europe. It is considered semi-domesticated. It is one of the bee species bred on a large scale for honey production.

In Switzerland, as elsewhere, bees are disappearing, sometimes in a dramatic way. Without bees, it is not only honey that risks becoming scarce, but also fruits and vegetables. In an attempt to unravel the mystery of the disappearance of bees, Fred and Jamy travelled to the Vaucluse. Fred met with beekeepers and farmers, while Jamy set up his mini laboratory at the INRA in Avignon, right in the midst of hives used for research.

Berberis vulgaris is the scientific name of the barberry, a shrub that owes its name to a lightly fermented beverage made from its red berries, which resembles wine. However, its interest for beekeepers lies mainly in its flowers, which produce very abundant nectar during the months of May and June.

Every beekeeper is required to indicate the following information on each jar of honey sold (ODAIOUs Art. 26, food labelling ordinance, OEDAI):

Like any living organism, the honey bee can become ill. The beekeeper must remain vigilant, as a disease can have serious consequences, especially if it is a so-called “notifiable contagious disease” (MRC). A beekeeper who has been practising this activity for many years will immediately detect even the slightest anomaly in the hives. For a beginner, however, it is often very difficult to identify a disease; this is why they must be much more observant, considerably more inquisitive, and always very attentive to what is happening on the landing board.

Propolis is a complex material, composed mainly of resins derived from various plant species, but also containing variable amounts of wax produced by the bees themselves.

by DALILA BOVET

Personality in animals can be discussed when consistent individual differences are observed over time and expressed across different contexts. Some bees prove to be more attracted to novelty than others. These behavioural differences are based on genetic variations. Can we therefore conclude that bees have a personality?

September often appears as a second, short spring 
 
This saying reminds us that after the heat and drought of the two preceding months, the return of rain—while sunshine remains abundant and warm—allows vegetation to resume growth. Flowers are present, and foraging bees bring in nectar and pollen. In recent years, this “spring” has extended into October.

The Geneva-based naturalist became one of the greatest specialists on bees of his time without being able to see them: he was blind and conducted his research through the eyes and hands of his faithful assistant, François Burnens.

The quality of syrups used for winter feeding of bees is very often at the centre of lively discussions.
What should be the main qualities of a syrup:

• A composition close to that of honey
• Easily assimilated by the bee
• Requiring minimal energy for conversion and storage
• Good solubility (no crystallisation)
• Good stability (no fermentation)
• High purity and appropriate viscosity

A honey bee colony cannot exist without a queen. She is the only fertile female individual in the colony. Normally, there is only one mated adult queen per hive. She is usually the mother of most, if not all, of the bees in the hive. Through the pheromones she secretes, the queen is able to influence the bees of her colony. In addition, characteristics such as vitality, gentleness, swarming behaviour, disease resistance, and performance are largely determined by the queen.