We will bring you information on worldwide developments within the beekeeping industry and related agricultural news. We will present a brief introduction to events, developments and interesting news releases as they occur. Want information sent directly to your inbox? Sign up for our free newsletter!
Like neurological systems and human social groups, new research on bees offers clues to how biological collectives make choices under dynamic conditions
Scientists have carefully studied the intricacies of how individual organisms live and act together in groups known as biological collectives. In “superorganisms” such as bee colonies, the interactions of the individual members add up to benefit the entire colony.
Details …
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Many farmers rent bee hives to pollinate crops, but they could tap into the free labor of wild bees by adopting an as-needed approach to pesticides, a new proof-of-concept study shows.
A multiyear study of commercial-scale fields in the Midwest found this approach led to a 95% reduction in pesticide applications, while maintaining or increasing crop yield …
ARS News Service
Parlier, Calif., Oct. 18, 2021 — One day, Yorizane may be synonymous with almonds and California. So what is a Yorizane and what does it have to do with almonds?
Yorizane is a new self-pollinating almond variety developed by USDA's Agricultural Research Service with superb consumer traits such as size, color, and flavor. But it is Yorizane's ability to …
ARS News Service
Kim Kaplan
October 1, 2021, Baton Rouge, La.- Honey bees could be intentionally bred to thrive on plants that are already locally present or even solely on artificial diets, according to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (ARS) study.
ARS researchers found individual bees respond differently to the same diet and that there is a strong genetic …
Happy National Honey Month!
Have you heard the buzz? It’s National Honey Month, and we’ve partnered with author, chef and TV personality Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes to celebrate! We’re excited to announce the return of our Honey Saves Hives program, where YOU can help protect the bees. By purchasing select made-with-honey products from the participating brands below during the …
BELTSVILLE, Md., June 22, 2021 – Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have found that a component in almond nectar and pollen can reduce honey bee viruses and gut parasites, which are some of the leading threats to bee health and colonies.
The study, published in the journal Insects, showed amygdalin — a naturally-occurring chemical …
Honey Bee Health Coalition Publishes Guide Documenting How Commercial Beekeepers Keep Healthy Hives without Consistent Use of Off-label Varroa Treatments
DENVER, CO, Keystone Policy Center – Commercial beekeepers are finding success treating Varroa, a parasitic mite that kills honeybees, in their hives without relying exclusively on off-label chemical treatments, according to a guide published this week by the Honey Bee Health Coalition. …
BELTSVILLE, MARYLAND, February 18, 2021—An Agricultural Research Service entomologist has discovered the Nosema ceranae parasite that causes major problems and death in honey bees works by hijacking its host's iron for itself.
Iron is as essential a micronutrient for honey bees as it is for people. Honey bees usually get enough to meet their needs from their flower pollen diet. They …