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Depiction:
Varroa is known to suck the haemolymph of bees. Well known, but apparently (largely) incorrect.
Researchers in the United States were intrigued by the magnitude of varroa’s impact on bee health in relation to the relatively small amount of haemolymph it extracts. Since insect haemolymph is comparatively poorer in nutrients than mammalian blood, they questioned how the parasite could develop on such a resource.
The production of F1 hybrid lines requires substantial prior selection work on pure lines from different populations, followed by crossbreeding tests of these pure lines. To achieve a maximal heterosis effect (see below), these lines must be highly distinct (by crossing different genetic pools, such as formerly geographically isolated origins). In addition, the desired traits must be introducible, which presupposes the availability of what geneticists refer to as a “reservoir of variability.”
Recognising bee diseases and knowing effective control and prevention methods are sine qua non conditions for ensuring bee health and for good beekeeping practice. Diseases spread not only very rapidly within hives because of physical contact between worker bees and trophallaxis (the exchange of food between bees), but also between hives. Because bees can fly over long distances, rob neighbouring colonies, or drift into them, the risk that a large number of colonies and apiaries will be affected by a disease or an epizootic is significant. When one also considers the movement of hives by beekeepers and the high density of apiaries in Switzerland, the prevention of epizootics and diseases becomes even more important in bees than in other livestock animals, which can be quarantined more easily.
Bee packages – all similar, yet very different in their composition and use.
The preparation of bee packages is not a common practice in beekeeping, as it requires specific expertise that is rarely taught in beekeeping schools. Many online videos fail to provide all the information surrounding this technique, which often leads to unsuccessful outcomes when beekeepers attempt to put it into practice.
Although they are few in number, wild or feral colonies of A. mellifera mellifera do indeed exist in nature and are resistant to Varroa due to their small size, their tendency to swarm, the low density of the habitat, and probably through natural selection. Studies also show that these strains of black bees are pure, without hybridization. Consequently, researchers argue for the development of a conservation policy for these bee populations, because they constitute a wild taxon that is probably in decline, but also an interesting genetic reservoir from a beekeeping perspective.
The individual behavior of the honey bee is embedded in the overall management of the colony as a superorganism. Activity deep within the brood nest is now revealed thanks to the work of a research team that has developed a technology for digitally recording striking video footage. The intimacy of the colony is exposed down to the bottom of the comb cells: egg laying, larval hatching, care of open brood, and food storage appear in short videos, making it possible to visualize behaviors that had previously gone unnoticed.
Cape ragwort (Senecio inaequidens) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae (or Compositae) family, native to South Africa, from where it was accidentally introduced through the wool trade. Its branched stem reaches a height of 40 to 60 cm and bears yellow flowers that bloom over a long period, from early summer through autumn, attracting bees mainly for their yellow pollen.
Asters are perennial herbaceous plants belonging to the Asteraceae (or Compositae) family. Their name derives from the Greek aster, meaning star or flower.
They are ornamental plants widely cultivated in gardens, with more than 250 species. Most originate from North America, some were introduced from Asia, while others are native to Europe.
January generally corresponds to the core of the overwintering period in Switzerland. The colony lives at a reduced pace in a cluster: it maintains a sufficient internal temperature to protect the queen, and if brood is present (which varies depending on altitude and climate), the central area is heated more intensely. Honey consumption remains moderate but continuous. Typical risks of the month include “silent” starvation (insufficient or inaccessible reserves), humidity, and disturbances. The beekeeper therefore acts mainly through external observation, targeted securing of reserves, hygiene, and preparation of equipment, while avoiding any intervention. The watchword is: “Do not disturb!”
February is a pivotal month for the colony. Day length increases, and the queen gradually resumes laying. This resumption remains fragile: stores can become critical, temperatures are unstable, and any prolonged opening can chill the brood. The beekeeper acts mainly through observation, anticipation, and preparation, keeping interventions to a minimum.
In March, the apiary comes back to life: the queen gradually increases her egg-laying, foragers fly as soon as temperatures allow, and food consumption rises to support brood development. This is a pivotal period in which the beekeeper must observe each colony calmly, as a lack of resources or an undetected disease can compromise recovery after winter.
April marks a decisive phase in the development of colonies. After winter, the population grows rapidly and activity in the apiary intensifies. Space management, observing the first signs of swarming, and health monitoring become priorities. Interventions must remain measured and be based above all on observation of the actual dynamics of the colony and the environment.
May is an intense period in the apiary. Colonies gain strength quickly, honey supers need to be added at the right time, swarming pressure often increases, and sound colony health management remains essential. Depending on the region, altitude, and weather, this month may already allow for a first spring honey harvest.
blumen | wiese | blumenwiese | sommer | sommerblumen | sommerwiese | frühling | urlaub | auszeit | erholung | entspannung | geburtstag | glück | viel glück | glücklich | muttertag | hochzeit | glückwünsche | alles liebe | alles gute | danke | glückwunschk
In June, the apiary remains highly active, but the logic of the season is already beginning to shift. Between nectar flows, lack of space, swarming, colony splitting, transhumance, and Varroa monitoring, the beekeeper must both manage still very strong colonies and prepare for the rest of the summer. This article outlines the main issues and tasks for the month of June in a way that is suited to the realities of beekeeping in Switzerland.
July is a pivotal month at the apiary. Between harvesting, the first summer treatment, establishing new colonies, and gradually preparing for winter, beekeepers must already be thinking well beyond this season’s honey. This month therefore calls for calm, well-organized decisions that are directly tied to the health of the colonies for fall and winter.
August marks a turning point at the apiary: the harvest is coming to an end, while decisions regarding varroa mites, food stores, and colony selection are already setting the stage for winter. This article summarizes the month’s practical priorities, common mistakes to avoid, and key considerations that determine the quality of the winter bees.
In September, the apiary enters a critical phase: the health of the hives, their food stores, the quality of the queens, and the culling of colonies now take precedence over honey production. This month lays the groundwork for wintering: effective varroa treatment, replenishing food stores in a timely manner, and not artificially prolonging the life of colonies with no future are decisions that will directly impact the following spring.
October, the month of winter preparation
Autumn is the period of active preparation for wintering, both on the part of the bees and of the beekeeper, who is concerned about the well-being of the colonies.
A first treatment was carried out after the harvest, in the absence of honey supers, using formic acid or strips. A second treatment was administered at the beginning of September. Varroa drop was counted and does not exceed 1 per day. The objective is to overwinter colonies with fewer than 50 varroa mites per hive.
If it thunders in November, the year will be good
October wind and November rain make a good December
These sayings herald rain in November. It supports the development of root systems in trees and perennial plants. For the colonies, the dormant season has already begun. Confined to their hives, the bees consume their reserves.
This is a time of rest, and the key word is peace
Depending on the region, there may still be some fine days during which warmed bees will fly out. Then the long overwintering period begins. In the cluster, bees huddle around their queen. They take turns moving to the surface of the cluster, thereby sharing the energy expenditure.
Our bee populations are not able to defend themselves against varroa on their own. They therefore rely on you, beekeepers, to help them. To this end, the varroa management concept developed by the Swiss Bee Health Service (SBHS) can be a valuable aid. All aide-memoires available at: www.ApiService.ch