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Simple Summary: Among the pests infesting the honeybee Apis mellifera, the parasitoid flies Megaselia scalaris and Senotainia tricuspis are not yet well characterized for the occurrence and harmfulness to bee colonies. These flies can attack the forager bee and lay eggs or larvae on its body, which will develop by feeding on the host tissues until it is killed. Their prevalence in different countries is still not well defined, so, in this study, rapid molecular methods were developed to facilitate their detection. The new methods were applied in a preliminary analysis of adult bees and hive debris from parts of Central Italy and the Republic of Kosovo. Both flies were detected in the two countries and more frequently in Italy. The M. scalaris flies isolated from Italian apiaries were genotypically related to biotypes from distant countries. Single flies were shown to possibly transmit honeybee microbial pathogens, so their presence should be efficiently contrasted in apiaries. The Megaselia scalaris and Senotainia tricuspis parasitoid flies of the honeybee Apis mellifera were found to infest apiaries of different European and Mediterranean countries but their prevalence and impact on apiary health are little known. Therefore, in this study, quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based methods were developed for their rapid detection directly in hive matrices. The newly developed qPCR assays were targeted at the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for the M. scalaris and the cytochrome B (cytB) gene for the S. tricuspis. The tests were preliminarily applied to 64 samples of adult honeybees and hive debris collected in the Abruzzo and Molise regions, Central Italy, and the Republic of Kosovo showing that both flies occur in the two countries and more frequently in Italy. The positive apiaries in Italy were re-sampled by capturing viable forager bees and isolating emerging flies to carry out the genotyping and analyses aimed at defining if these flies can transmit honeybee pathogens. Genotyping based on the COI and cytB gene sequencing for M. scalaris and S. tricuspis, respectively, identified one S. tricuspis genotype and diverse genotypes of M. scalaris highly similar to those from distant countries. Some fly isolates harbored the DNA or RNA of honeybee microbial pathogens Paenibacillus larvae, deformed wing viruses A and B (DWVA and B), black queen cell virus (BQCV), chronic paralysis virus (CBPV), and Nosema ceranae. The results indicated that these parasites should be efficiently controlled in apiaries by using rapid detection methods to facilitate the large screening studies and early detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apiculture has presented significant growth in the last decades in Europe and worldwide. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), there were 25.1 million bee colonies in Europe in 2021, with most of them being located in the southeastern countries. Smart technologies have invaded almost every pillar of agriculture, including apiculture. Modern apiculture is rather more nomadic than sedentary. Nomadism in beekeeping requires monitoring the settlement of bee colonies, in more than one place per year, in order to select more honey and pollen and contribute to the overall growth of the bees. To this scope, it is efficient to monitor and have wide control of bees remotely, in parallel with other smart applications, in order to prevent crises that would affect bee survival and/or yield production. The objectives of this paper are to outline a series of automation systems in apiculture used as a means towards the optimization of bee apiary management processes. Four beekeepers' case studies were used to demonstrate how sensors and communication means transfer multiple bee-related data from various bee apiary locations to a single control system. The methodology was based on input/output data evaluation, risk prioritization based on real data, and feedback to the beekeeper based on the potential risks. Based on the results, the most significant risks are related to bad weather conditions, varroa mites, and bee colony health. Furthermore, the beekeeper is able to optimize the whole management, operations, and strategic planning throughout the year. Last, it should be noted that the presented remote monitoring system will never substitute the necessity of traditional beekeeper visits, but it contributes to minimizing them based on the monitored daily data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic, a product of industrialization, has become an integral part of human life since its inception. Its extensive usage has led to a drastic increase in production, resulting in the widespread accumulation of plastic waste at various levels. Improper disposal practices have compounded this issue, transforming plastic waste into a significant environmental concern. Factors such as the sheer volume of plastic generated, inadequate management, persistent accumulation, and fragmentation exacerbate this problem. Of particular concern is the prevalence of microplastics, tiny particles measuring less than 5mm, which have permeated various natural ecosystems and have been detected within living organisms. For example, bees, due to their foraging activities, inadvertently carry microplastics and associated contaminants on their bodies. This study aims to investigate the presence of microplastics in bees (Apis mellifera), utilizing them as indicators of microplastic pollution. Additionally, it seeks to determine whether there is a correlation between proximity to urban centers and the abundance of microplastics in bees sampled from selected apiaries. Employing fluorescence microscopy and FTIR Spectroscopy, the study analyzed a total of 54 samples collected from 9 participating apiaries within the designated area. Statistical analyses revealed that Gualaceo is not immune to microplastic contamination, with fibers and synthetic fragments detected in bee specimens. Furthermore, the study found an inverse relationship between distance from urban centers and the concentration of microplastics within beehives. To advance knowledge in this field, future research could explore the extent to which microplastics are integrated into bee products and their potential impact on living organisms. These findings underscore the urgent need for a shift in attitudes and actions at both individual and institutional levels, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement in formulating and implementing effective environmental policies and engineering solutions.

This work aimed to adapt a methodological tool capable of improving the way to obtain the Innovation Adoption Index in the Puebla beekeeping system. A questionnaire was designed and applied to a sample of 62 beekeepers, from which information was obtained on the use of management, genetics, food, and health innovations, from which 32 original variables and seven innovation categories were defined. The Innovation Adoption Index (InAI) was redesigned and adapted using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), which made it easier to identify social aspects of beekeepers and innovations that contribute to improving honey productivity. The results show that the innovations that contribute the most to production are those contained in the categories of apiary location and health. On the other hand, the InAIalt evaluation proved to be a pertinent alternative for the explanation of the behavior of the yield per hive in addition to showing the specific contribution percentages on the innovations assessed, which can be used to calculate estimates that are more precise and consistent with the expected yields of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey is one of the products with huge benefits to mankind for medication and, a source of income and also serves as a food in many parts of the world, however, they had been affected by many pests. Therefore, the present research aimed to identify the honeybees’ visitors to modern apiaries in Sokoto State, Nigeria. A mixed design methodology involving experimental and ethnographic research methods was employed for the study, samples were collected using snowball purposive sampling techniques were employed, meanwhile 30 hives were used as a sample size from Madorawa, Kware and Duhuwa Locations. The hives were divided into two to detect the level of occurrences of the visitors to the colony. Both the hives were given proper inspection every two weeks to detect the condition of the colonies. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and Chi-Square was used to identify significant association at P < 0.05. The results indicate that, the total pest frequency in the study area is 574, Duhuwa had the highest percentage (39.89%), significant associations of 0.002 and 0.000 were observed between the frequency of the pest at Madorawa and More sites respectively. In conclusion, it was observed that three (3) different classes of pests namely insects, mammals, and reptiles were the visitors of honeybees in modern apiaries of Sokoto State, therefore, it was recommended that, appropriate control and preventive measures should be considered for better production of honey in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SHILAP Revista de Lepidopterologia is the property of Sociedad Hispano-Luso-Americana de Lepidopterologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Coronaviruses (CoVs), a subfamily of Orthocoronavirinae, are viruses that sometimes present a zoonotic character. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the recent outbreak of COVID-19, which, since its outbreak in 2019, has caused about 774,593,066 confirmed cases and 7,028,881 deaths. Aereosols are the main route of transmission among people; however, viral droplets can contaminate surfaces and fomites as well as particulate matter (PM) in suspensions of natural and human origin. Honey bees are well known bioindicators of the presence of pollutants and PMs in the environment as they can collect a great variety of substances during their foraging activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of honey bees as bioindicators of the prevalence SARS-CoV-2. In this regard, 91 samples of honey bees and 6 of honey were collected from different apiaries of Campania region (Southern Italy) in four time periods from September 2020 to June 2022 and were analyzed with Droplet Digital RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 target genes Orf1b and N. The screening revealed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in 12/91 in honey bee samples and in 2/6 honey samples. These results suggest that honey bees could also be used as indicators of outbreaks of airborne pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managed honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies in North America and Europe have experienced high losses in recent years, which have been linked to weather conditions, lack of quality forage, and high parasite loads, particularly the obligate brood parasite, Varroa destructor. These factors may interact at various scales to have compounding effects on honey bee health, but few studies have been able to simultaneously investigate the effects of weather conditions, landscape factors, and management of parasites. We analyzed a dataset of 3,210 survey responses from beekeepers in Pennsylvania from 2017 to 2022 and combined these with remotely sensed weather variables and novel datasets about seasonal forage availability into a Random Forest model to investigate drivers of winter loss. We found that beekeepers who used treatment against Varroa had higher colony survival than those who did not treat. Moreover, beekeepers who used multiple types of Varroa treatment had higher colony survival rates than those who used 1 type of treatment. Our models found weather conditions are strongly associated with survival, but multiple-treatment type colonies had higher survival across a broader range of climate conditions. These findings suggest that the integrated pest management approach of combining treatment types can potentially buffer managed honey bee colonies from adverse weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of pathogen distribution may result in a new threat to the host. The braconid Syntretomorpha szaboi Papp is an obligate parasite that targets Apis cerana, the Eastern honeybee, engaging in endoparasitism by ovipositing eggs inside the host bee. Although S. szaboi has been documented in India and in various regions across China, its epidemiological data are notably lacking. In this study, we summarized the distribution of S. szaboi based on the available literature and described the symptoms of infested honeybee workers. We also investigated the infestation rate in 36 apiaries in Zhejiang Province, China, after a new occurrence of the parasite was reported in these regions in 2020. A rapid increase in infestation rate was found from the year 2021 to 2022, reaching 53.88% at the colony level of the sampled colonies in the Jinhua and Wenzhou apiaries. The infestation rate at an individual level in positive colonies reached an average of 26%. A monthly survey showed high seasonal variation in S. szaboi infestation, with the peak occurring from May to August. These results suggest that S. szaboi poses a great threat to A. cerana. Further research is needed to elucidate its epidemiology and pathology and to develop disease prevention and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lotmaria passim (L. passim) is a single-celled flagellate which colonises the bee gastrointestinal tract and is highly prevalent in honey bees. This parasite is associated with colony losses. Honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies were sampled from five apiaries in the north-eastern part of Poland for the phylogenetic analysis of L. passim. Each apiary consisted of approximately 60 bee colonies, of which 20 were randomly selected. Samples of 60 differently aged worker bees were collected from each colony and pooled. A total of 100 bee colonies from five apiaries were examined. Protozoa of the Trypanosomatidae family were identified by PCR. L. passim was detected in 47 (47%) of the samples. The 18S ribosomal (r) RNA amplicons of L. passim were sequenced by a commercial service. Their sequences were analysed with BLASTN and noted to be compatible with the GenBank sequences of this region of the organism's genome. A sequence analysis was performed using the BioEdit Sequence Alignment Editor and Clustal W software. The amplicon sequences of L. passim were 100% homologous with the sequences deposited in GenBank under accession numbers KM066243.1., KJ684964.1 and KM980181.1. This is the first study to perform a phylogenetic analysis of L. passim in Polish honey bees. The analysis demonstrated high levels of genetic similarity between isolates of L. passim colonising apiaries in the north-eastern region of Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, honey bee colony losses in the Republic of Kosovo remained largely unknown. From 2019 to 2021, 81 apiaries with different disease suspicions were investigated in the framework of honey bee disease passive surveillance. Fifty-nine of the eighty-one apiaries were tested for Vairimorpha ceranae, Vairimorpha apis, trypanosomatids Lotmaria passim, and Crithidia mellificae. All samples were positive for V. ceranae (100%) whereas L. passim was found with a lower frequency (11.9%). V. apis and C. mellificae were not found. Thirteen of the eighty-one apiaries were tested for seven viruses (ABPV, CBPV, DWV, BQCV, SBV, IAPV, KBV) and five of them were found (ABPV, CBPV, DWV, BQCV, SBV). The most frequently detected viruses in honey bees and Varroa mites were DWV (100%) followed by BQCV, ABPV, SBV, and CBPV (92.3%, 69.2%, 30.8%, and 7.7%, respectively). Varroa mite samples had different degrees of co-infection by viruses. Nine of the eighty-one apiaries consisted of brood combs with larvae, eight of them were AFB positive, ERIC I genotype, and one EFB positive. This paper represents the first molecular investigation (PCR) and detection of the honey bee viruses ABPV, CBPV, DWV, BQCV, and SBV as well as V. ceranae, L. passim, and M. plutonius in the Republic of Kosovo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the objective of evaluating the morphology of pollen in honey species from the tropical dry forest of the Quimis enclosure, five apiaries distributed in said plant formation were selected, the pollen loads obtained directly from the apiaries were collected and the bee flora was recorded according to the flowering time. The results revealed 21 honey species belonging to 13 families and 21 genera, being Convolvulus arvensis, Eriotheca ruizii, Ceiba trischistandra and Prosopis pallida the most common species and the most abundant family was Fabaceae. In relation to the pollen units, 0.95 % corresponds to the monad type and referring to symmetry, 0.67 % is characterized by being of the radiosymmetric type, while 0.48 % has tricolporate openings. Regarding the shape of the exine, 0.43% exhibited a psyllate shape, and 0.38 % showed a spheroidal shape. The months of greatest flowering coincided with June, July and August, which correspond to the dry season. The vast majority of nectariferous and polliniferous species were dominant, with the exception of Bonellia sprucei, Caesalpinia paipai and Trema micrantha, Muntingia calabura, Cojoba arborea, Sarcomphalus thyrsiflorus, Bursera graveolens, which only provide pollen and Cordia lutea and Cynophalla sclerophylla, which are nectar producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors propose system dynamics modelling as a new direction in Precision Beekeeping. By modeling the production process in beekeeping, it is possible to forecast the potential production capacity before the season, using the resources available to the beekeeper. The model included in this article reflects one specialisation of beekeeping - queen bee rearing, from the process of queen bee breeding up to the sale of queen bees throughout the entire season. The model helps beekeepers make decisions about the workforce needed to maintain the desired production volume, expected income and costs and resource allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern beekeeping uses various technological solutions to control and manage apiaries, but many need help with problems related to energy consumption and the inability to adapt to changing conditions. This article presents the development of the conceptual model of hardware-software complex architecture, focusing on the modularity and flexibility of the system. The main idea is to use a universal programmable logic controller with a modular architecture, which allows users to quickly adapt the system to new tasks by adding or replacing sensors and control mechanisms. The proposed approach considers minimizing energy consumption using energy-efficient LoRa technology for data transmission. Such a system's main advantages and potential risks are considered, and formulas for calculating energy consumption during data transmission are presented. The article can serve as a guide for specialists in the field of beekeeping and developers of automation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Zoologica Lilloana is the property of Fundacion Miguel Lillo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences is the property of Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nest defense in the honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a complex collective behavior modulated by various interacting social, environmental, and genetic factors. Scutellata-hybrid ("Africanized") honey bees are usually considered to be far more defensive than European honey bees which are therefore preferred for commercial and hobbyist beekeeping. In the most recent zone of scutellata hybridization, the southern USA, the degree to which this defensiveness differs among current strains, and the extent to which defensiveness varies across a season has not been measured. We quantified the levels of A. m. scutellata ancestry in colonies and conducted a seasonal assessment (May through November) of colony nest defensiveness in feral scutellata-hybrid and a popular lineage of European honey bee commonly used in managed environments (sold as A. mellifera ligustica) hives at two apiaries in Southern California. Standard measures of defensiveness were low in both scutellata-hybrid and European colonies during May. Defensiveness increased during the later months of the study in scutellata-hybrid colonies. Most measures of defensiveness did not increase in managed colonies. Defensiveness in the scutellata-hybrids appears lower than what has been previously documented in Brazil and Mexico, possibly due to their lower proportion of A. m. scutellata ancestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The greater wax moth (GWM), Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a major bee pest that causes significant damage to beehives and results in economic losses. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) appears as a potential sustainable solution to control this pest. Here, we develop a novel Bt strain (designated BiotGm) that exhibits insecticidal activity against GWM larvae with a LC50 value lower than 2 μg/g, and low toxicity levels to honey bee with a LC50 = 20598.78 μg/mL for larvae and no observed adverse effect concentration = 100 μg/mL for adults. We design an entrapment method consisting of a lure for GWM larvae, BiotGm, and a trapping device that prevents bees from contacting the lure. We find that this method reduces the population of GWM larvae in both laboratory and field trials. Overall, these results provide a promising direction for the application of Bt-based biological control of GWM in beehives, although further optimization remain necessary. The greater wax moth (GWM) is a major bee pest. Here, the authors show how a pest control method that combines a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis and a lure-based entrapment can help to control GWM using lab experiments and field beehives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive host–pathogen interactions is critical for combating epidemics and conserving species. The Varroa destructor mite and deformed wing virus (DWV) are two synergistic threats to Western honeybee (Apis mellifera) populations across the globe. Distinct honeybee populations have been found to self-sustain despite Varroa infestations, including colonies within the Arnot Forest outside Ithaca, NY, USA. We hypothesized that in these bee populations, DWV has been selected to produce an avirulent infection phenotype, allowing for the persistence of both host and disease-causing agents. To investigate this, we assessed the titre of viruses in bees from the Arnot Forest and managed apiaries, and assessed genomic variation and virulence differences between DWV isolates. Across groups, we found viral abundance was similar, but DWV genotypes were distinct. We also found that infections with isolates from the Arnot Forest resulted in higher survival and lower rates of symptomatic deformed wings, compared to analogous isolates from managed colonies, providing preliminary evidence to support the hypothesis of adaptive decreased viral virulence. Overall, this multi-level investigation of virus genotype and phenotype indicates that host ecological context can be a significant driver of viral evolution and host–pathogen interactions in honeybees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nosemosis is a microsporidian disease caused by Nosema ceranae and N. apis and transmitted via oral-fecal and oral-oral routes. It is globally distributed among adult bees in honeybee colonies. Considering the health importance of nosemosis in honeybees, the study aims to determine the frequency of Nosema spp. infection in migratory apiaries in Hormozgan province by microscopic and molecular methods. In the present study, 20 bees from ten randomly selected hives in 84 migratory apiaries were collected. In the laboratory, the abdomen of the bees was separated from the rest of the body with entomological tweezers and scissors and then ground up in a mortar containing saline serum. The prepared suspension was filtered by passing through a sieve, then the prepared suspension was transferred to test tubes and centrifuged. The pellets were repeatedly washed by saline solution and centrifuged. Finally, the pellets were examined for spores of Nosema spp. by light microscopy and conventional PCR. In microscopy, 38.2 % of apiaries were positive for Nosema spp. spores. By PCR however, DNA of N. ceranae was detected in 39.2. % of apiaries with no samples positive for N. apis. Due to the considerable frequency of infection in migratory apiaries in Hormozgan province, it is necessary to carry out appropriate health measures such as screening of apiaries with appropriate diagnostic methods and training of beekeepers to disinfect hives in order to control Nosema infection in Iranian apiaries by the veterinary health officials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apiculture plays a vital role in maintaining a genetically diverse ecosystem and is an economic activity that contributes to the development of rural communities, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of beekeepers. However, despite the presence of over forty thousand beekeepers in Peru, there is currently no cartographic information available on optimal areas for the development of apiculture. Our study focused on assessing the suitability of land for apiculture development in rural and indigenous communities within the Amazonas Department in northwest Peru. We integrated biophysical and socioeconomic criteria using the Multiple Criteria Evaluation (MCE) technique, in conjunction with state-of-the-art geoinformation and earth observation techniques, to model and validate land suitability for supporting apiculture. It was identified that suitability is influenced by biophysical criteria (65%) and socioeconomic criteria (35%), resulting in highly suitable areas covering 315.6 km2 within the territory of peasant communities, 128.4 km2 within native communities, and an additional 41.4 km2 within conserved areas. Furthermore, to validate our results, we combined the use of high-resolution satellite imagery and visits to artisanal producers. This research provides valuable insights for spatiotemporal land use planning, emphasizing apicultural activity as a driver of rural development and biodiversity conservation. Consequently, this study contributes as a management tool to promote apicultural activities as support for rural development and in local-level decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bee products from urban apiaries are increasingly used. They are mainly used to promote local apiaries and cities in which they are located. The aim of the study was to compare the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of propolis from 6 Polish apiaries located in cities (Legionowo, Torun, Cracow, Warsaw, Katowice, Lodz). The chemical composition was analyzed using liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) and the analysis of antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals (ABTS and DPPH) and FRAP. The obtained results showed the presence of 24 phenolic compounds in propolis extracts. The tested samples showed differentiation in terms of the content of individual chemical components, however, cinnamic acid and its derivatives were dominant. High antioxidant activity of the tested extracts was demonstrated (ABTS was in the range of 16.80–51.53 mg Te/mL, DPPH was in the range of 7.54–22.13 mg Te/mL, while FRAP reduction was in the range of 10.93–29.55 mg Te/mL). The obtained results compared with literature data on propolis from agricultural areas allow to conclude that propolis samples from both Poland types of areas are similar and can be classified as poplar propolis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apis mellifera pomonella is one of two subspecies that represent the eastern limits of honey bee (Apis mellifera) distribution, and it is important to understand its biogeography and evolution. Despite this, A. m. pomonella was not investigated after its discovery 20 years ago. In particular, it is not known if it was hybridized or not with exotic subspecies introduced by beekeepers. In this study, we analysed the variation in honey bee forewing shape in Kazakhstan. Bees were collected from apiaries, where the origin of the queens was not controlled by beekeepers; they formed a group called "local bees", and apiaries where queens declared as either A. m. carnica or A. m. mellifera were obtained from queen breeders. The two later groups were called "exotic bees". We showed that local bees are still distinct from exotic ones. However, some samples showed signs of introgression with exotic subspecies from lineage C. In terms of wing shape, the local bees were most similar to lineage O. We concluded that the local bees most likely represented A. m. pomonella. We provided wing images and identification data, which can help to identify A. m. pomonella and protect it in the future. It is interesting that the nearby honey bee population sourced from China, which is not separated by any clear barrier to gene flow, belonged to lineage M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios is the property of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A continuing trend in precision apiculture is to use computer vision methods to quantify characteristics of bee traffic in managed colonies at the hive's entrance. Since traffic at the hive's entrance is a contributing factor to the hive's productivity and health, we assessed the potential of three open-source convolutional network models, YOLOv3, YOLOv4-tiny, and YOLOv7-tiny, to quantify omnidirectional traffic in videos from on-hive video loggers on regular, unmodified one- and two-super Langstroth hives and compared their accuracies, energy efficacies, and operational energy footprints. We trained and tested the models with a 70/30 split on a dataset of 23,173 flying bees manually labeled in 5819 images from 10 randomly selected videos and manually evaluated the trained models on 3600 images from 120 randomly selected videos from different apiaries, years, and queen races. We designed a new energy efficacy metric as a ratio of performance units per energy unit required to make a model operational in a continuous hive monitoring data pipeline. In terms of accuracy, YOLOv3 was first, YOLOv7-tiny—second, and YOLOv4-tiny—third. All models underestimated the true amount of traffic due to false negatives. YOLOv3 was the only model with no false positives, but had the lowest energy efficacy and highest operational energy footprint in a deployed hive monitoring data pipeline. YOLOv7-tiny had the highest energy efficacy and the lowest operational energy footprint in the same pipeline. Consequently, YOLOv7-tiny is a model worth considering for training on larger bee datasets if a primary objective is the discovery of non-invasive computer vision models of traffic quantification with higher energy efficacies and lower operational energy footprints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrary to popular belief, beekeeping, which dates back to prehistoric times and is one of the most important plant and animal production branches today, is not an innocent profession in terms of occupational health and safety. In this study, in order to determine the occupational health and safety risk factors in the beekeeping profession, Interviews with beekeepers were conducted in 10 apiaries operating in Bayburt, where especially wandering beekeeping is practiced. In light of the data obtained from the danger hunt applied by the occupational health and safety specialist, ergonomic, physical, biological, and chemical risks were revealed using the FMEA risk analysis method. The effect, probability, and detection values were found for each failure mode, and then Risk Priority Number values were calculated. As a result of the study, for the five basic stages of beekeeping, 15 processes, 39 failure modes, 72 potential effects, and 39 failure causes were determined. Failure modes with a Risk Priority Number value of 100 and above were evaluated as “situations where urgent action and axiom should be taken,” and preventive axioms were proposed for each relevant failure mode. The number of studies on the risk factors in the beekeeping profession is very limited in the literature. For this reason, it is predicted that this study will fill an important gap in the related field and make significant contributions to the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Since the accidental introduction of the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) at the beginning of 21st century in Europe, it has become a threat to many pollinators, including domestic bees. After its arrival in France in 2004, it quickly spread across the continent, reaching Gipuzkoa (Basque Country) in 2010, where it poses a serious problem for beekeeping. To reduce this problem, various control strategies have been developed, such as the removal of nests or the capture of founder queens in spring. However, these methods have not been effective in reducing the impact of hornets on beekeeping. The use of protein baits with biocides has shown to be an effective method to control invasive wasp populations in natural environments, however, they have not been used to control V. velutina. This study evaluated the efficacy of these baits in reducing the impact of hornets in apiaries. The results have shown that when the presence of hornets in apiaries is high, high-bait consumption is produced, leading to a significant reduction in the number of hornets within 48 h. This reduction lasts for at least two weeks after baiting and allows the honey bees to recover and return to their normal activity. The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax), outside its natural range, has become a major threat to domestic bees. Several control methods have been used to fight against V. velutina, but the results achieved are not satisfactory. The use of protein baits with biocides has shown to be an effective method to control invasive wasp populations, but they have not been used to control V. velutina. Thus, the efficacy of protein baits containing fipronil to reduce the presence of hornets in apiaries was evaluated in this study. After laboratory determination of the optimal efficacy of a protein bait at a 0.01% concentration of fipronil, field trials were conducted involving 222 beekeepers. The data reported by the 90 beekeepers who completed the requested questionnaire demonstrated that in the groups of apiaries with the highest pressure of hornets (groups with 10–30 and >30 hornets), there was a significant decrease in the presence of V. velutina, lasting at least two weeks. The reduction in the number of hornets was positively correlated with bait consumption, and bait consumption was positively correlated with the number of hornets present at the time of treatment. Although the method used has shown good efficacy and the concentration of fipronil used was very low; possible negative effects on the environment should also be evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beekeepers around the world try their best to find the convenient geographical and economical races for pollinating and highly amount of honeybee products. However, from all known geographical races, Carniolan and Italian and other developed genotypes such as Buckfast and Cordovan bees are widely use by beekeepers in the most of countries. Nicot Cupkit apparatus system for queen rearing used in this study to compare and evaluate the Carniolan, Italian, Buckfast, and Cordovan bees’ activity in the queen cells acceptance. In general, Cordovan genotype recorded the highest level of the percentage of queen cells acceptance followed by Buckfast, Italian, and Carniolan bees under the Egyptian environmental conditions. The highest queen cells acceptance percentage in general was in April, May, and July for all examined races and genotypes. In addition to, Buckfast bees recorded the highest rate of virgin queens’ weight followed by Carniolan bees, whereas Cordovan bees recorded regular rate of the virgin queens’ weight with no significant differences between the different study months. Furthermore, Carniolan and Buckfast bees had the best rate in virgin queens’ weight during the period from February to July with preference of virgin queens emerged in May and June. This study provides a firm basis for future research to better understand the biological and genetic differences between the examined honeybee races and genotypes and their roles in adaptation to the environmental conditions in Egyptian apiaries of bee breeding in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The paper presents some practical aspects, useful in building a photovoltaic system for supplying electricity to an isolated apiary, existing in the Reşiţa area. Considering the specific mode of operation, distributed throughout the year, of electrical machines with relatively high energy consumption in the apiary, considerations are presented for an efficient technical-economical design of the photovoltaic system for the indicated apiary. Also presented are some of the simulations carried out with the PVGIS program for the design of the photovoltaic system in the existing apiary and a concrete solution to optimally design this photovoltaic system in terms of the electrical power provided by the system, without affecting the results of the work obtained in the apiary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to investigate the honey yield obtained from bee colonies with naturally and instrumentally inseminated queen bees during two honey production seasons 2021 and 2022. The experiment was conducted at three apiaries 1, 2 and 3, located in the Veliko Tarnovo region. Two queen bee lines from each apiary participated in the experiment – Line 1 (LM-20) and Line 2 (LM45). Two groups of bee colonies were formed from each line. Each group consisted of 6 bee colonies with instrumentally inseminated queen bees and 6 bee colonies with naturally inseminated queen bees. Queen bees from the group of instrumentally inseminated bee colonies were inseminated once with 10 µl of semen at the age of 8 days from their hatching. In the first year of the queen bees (2021), a higher honey yield was found in bee colonies with instrumentally inseminated queens in the both lines, in the three apiaries. In the second year of the queen bees (2022), the honey yield of bee colonies with naturally and instrumentally inseminated queen bees was similar in the three apiaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pollens being the primary source of protein, lipids, vitamins, and minerals are vital for bee development and reproduction. A major issue confronting beekeeping is developing strong and healthy honey bee colonies. The possibility of prosperous honey bee colonies depends on an effective pollen substitute especially when pollen supply is scarce during the dearth period. Many beekeepers feed their bees different pollen substitutes with sufficient nutrition throughout the period of inadequate pollen quantity or quality. We delivered four different pollen substitutes (chickpea, maize, sorghum, and wheat flour) and natural pollen to honey bee colonies for comparison. Each flour was mixed with a small quantity of cinnamon powder, turmeric powder, and both powders. Further, to investigate the preferred pollen foraging distance from the hives, the best performing pollen substitutes were placed at various distances of 10, 25, and 50 m from the apiary. Chickpea flour (comparatively rich in protein content) located very close to the apiary was the best pollen substitute among the tested flours. This study is very helpful for beekeepers in supplementing their bee colonies when there is a shortage or unavailability of pollens, and it is much better to keep the food source near the apiary. The availability of floral resources is crucial for honey bee colonies because it allows them to obtain protein from pollen and carbohydrates from nectar; typically, they consume these nutrients in the form of bee bread, which has undergone fermentation. However, the intensification of agriculture, urbanization, changes to the topography, and harsh environmental conditions are currently impacting foraging sites due to habitat loss and scarcity of food resources. Thus, this study aimed to assess honey bee preference for various pollen substitute diet compositions. Bee colonies perform poorly because of specific environmental problems, which ultimately result in pollen scarcity. Pollen substitutes located at various distance from the bee hive were also investigated in addition to determining the preferences of honey bees for various pollen substitute diets. The local honey bee (Apis mellifera jemenitica) colonies and different diets (four main treatments, namely, chickpea flour, maize flour, sorghum flour, wheat flour; each flour was further mixed with cinnamon powder, turmeric powder, flour only, flour mixed with both cinnamon and turmeric powder) were used. Bee pollen was used as a control. The best performing pollen substitutes were further placed at 10, 25, and 50 m distances from the apiary. Maximum bee visits were observed on bee pollen (210 ± 25.96) followed by chickpea flour only (205 ± 19.32). However, there was variability in the bee visits to the different diets (F (16,34) = 17.91; p < 0.01). In addition, a significant difference in diet consumption was observed in control (576 ± 58.85 g) followed by chickpea flour only (463.33 ± 42.84 g), compared to rest of the diets (F (16,34) = 29.75; p < 0.01). Similarly, foraging efforts differed significantly (p < 0.01) at the observed time of 7–8 A.M., 11–12 A.M., and 4–5 P.M. at the distance of 10, 25, and 50 m away from the apiary. Honey bees preferred to visit the food source that was closest to the hive. This study should be very helpful for beekeepers in supplementing their bee colonies when there is a shortage or unavailability of pollens, and it is much better to keep the food source near the apiary. Future research needs to highlight the effect of these diets on bee health and colony development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents, based on the study and the experience of the authors in the field, some considerations, especially from an application aspect, useful in building a photovoltaic system for supplying electricity to an isolated apiary, as well as simulations for such a system, made with the PVGIS program . The main highperforming electric machines of today with relatively high energy consumption from an isolated beehive are identified, as well as their specific mode of use, during a calendar year, an essential factor for establishing the installed power of such a photovoltaic system and a its effective technical-economic design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aimed to determine the: level of knowledge and practices of the respondents in relation to beekeeping, honey production, its uses, and marketing, relationship between the level of their knowledge and practices and the independent variables studied, and to identify the most important problems facing them in the field of beekeeping, and their proposals to solve these problems. The research was conducted in Qena Governorate, as it is one of the governorates that is famous for beekeeping and the spread of flowering plants. There are 9 administrative districts in the governorate, and the number of apiaries at the governorate level is 449. Three districts (Qena, Qus, and Naqada) were chosen randomly. The number of apiaries in the selected districts reached 264, representing 58.8% of the total number of apiaries at the governorate level.The research included 149 respondents in the selected districts, and the number of respondents in the research sample was 108. Data were collected through a personal interview using by questionnaire, data were collected during the month of November 2022, frequencies, percentage, arithmetic mean, Pearson's simple correlation coefficient, and Chi-square were used to present and analyze the data. The most important results were the following: - % 26.9 of the respondents fell into the high level of knowledge category. - % 43.5 of the respondents fell into the category of low level practices. -There is a significant relationship between the level of knowledge of the respondents and each of: the number of years of formal education, the number of apiaries owned by the respondent, the number of training courses, the degree of benefit from training, and the basic profession. -There is a significant relationship between the level of the respondents' practices and each of: age, number of years of formal education, number of years of experience in the field of beekeeping, number of apiaries owned by the respondent, number of hives, degree of membership in associations, number of training courses, degree of benefit from it, and basic profession, movement of the apiary, and ownership of the apiary. - 64.8% of the respondents mentioned the existence of problems, and 25.7% of them indicated that the most important of them is spraying crops with insecticides that affect bees. - 60.2% of the respondents mentioned proposals to solve problems, and 21.5% of them indicated that the most important of them is providing pesticides that do not affect bees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical model has been developed to assess the digitization of the beekeeping sector. For this purpose, the summarized results of questionnaire surveys of 37 apiaries located in the regions of Plovdiv and Pleven municipalities in Bulgaria were used. For evaluation on the degree of digitization of the apiaries we took under consideration only what software and hardware products are used. The results showed a low degree of digitization of the studied apiaries - in 27 out of 37 studied apiaries there were no data about the use of software and hardware applications, and the average level of digitization for the studied apiaries according to the model we developed was within 8-9 %. A survey on the awareness of those employed in the beekeeping about some basic digital products for collecting, storing and distributing information and their willingness to use them in the future was also conducted. It was found that between 21% and 35% of the respondents were not familiar with the basic digital products. Far more worrying was that between 50 % and 70% of respondents stated that they were familiar with the listed digital products, but did not intend to use them in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Apiculture plays a vital role in maintaining a genetically diverse ecosystem and is an economic activity that contributes to the development of rural communities, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of beekeepers. However, despite the presence of over forty thousand beekeepers in Peru, there is currently no cartographic information available on optimal areas for the development of apiculture. Our study focused on assessing the suitability of land for apiculture development in rural and indigenous communities within the Amazonas Department in northwest Peru. We integrated biophysical and socioeconomic criteria using the Multiple Criteria Evaluation (MCE) technique, in conjunction with state-of-the-art geoinformation and earth observation techniques, to model and validate land suitability for supporting apiculture. It was identified that suitability is influenced by biophysical criteria (65%) and socioeconomic criteria (35%), resulting in highly suitable areas covering 315.6 km2 within the territory of peasant communities, 128.4 km2 within native communities, and an additional 41.4 km2 within conserved areas. Furthermore, to validate our results, we combined the use of high-resolution satellite imagery and visits to artisanal producers. This research provides valuable insights for spatiotemporal land use planning, emphasizing apicultural activity as a driver of rural development and biodiversity conservation. Consequently, this study contributes as a management tool to promote apicultural activities as support for rural development and in local-level decision making.

Beginning with November 2016 beekeepers from Timiș county reported bee colonies losses. During the winter months the situation became more the situation has become more severe, increasing losses of bee families. From November 2016, untill February 2017 were been received samples of dead bees from 23 different apiaries in Timiș county. The dead honey bees were analized in the way to discover what kind of causes produced all these losses. Was also proceeded to analyze the bacterial flora from bees intestine. Bacteriological examination of bees intestine and the cultivation on special medium of culture emphasized rich cultures of Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae (Bacillus larvae), etiologic agent for American foulbrood. These bacteria were been isolated from bee intestine in samples provided from 18 apiaries (78.26%). There are many causes of high degree of bee mortality in winter 2016-2017 but the isolation of Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae maybe was one of them.

Nosemosis is the most common disease in honey bee Apis mellifera L., and is a major issue related to bee health worldwide. Therefore, the purpose of this research study was to determine prevalence of microsporidia parasitic infection of the genus Nosema spp. in East Kazakhstan Region (EKR). In the years of 2018 -2021, 394 honey bee samples were collected at 30 apiaries located in four districts of East Kazakhstan Region (Katon-Karagay, Urzhar, Borodulikhinsky, and Shemonaikhinsky). In order to determine the level of infestation, firstly, the presence of Nosema spp. spores was detected using optical microscopy, and then the average amount of spores per bee was counted using a hemocytometer. The degree of nosemosis prevalence was determined in points by means of a semi-quantitative method, and as a percentage from the total of samples and of the amount of positive tests. At the outcome of the study, microsporidia of the genus Nosema spp. were detected in 23.3% of cases (92 samples). Prevalence at its low degree was found in six samples (1.5%), at an average degree in 55 samples (14%), and at a high one in 31 samples (7.9%). This research study proved that microsporidia of the genus Nosema spp. are widely spread at the apiaries of East Kazakhstan Region in different orographic and climatic conditions. Notwithstanding that it was impossible to statistically determine any significant differences between the dependence of nosemosis prevalence and the apiary location, this indicator is actually higher in the mountainous regions than in the steppe. Concurrently, a close inverse correlation was recognized between the amount of spores in one bee and the level of infestation in bee families from the duration of the vegetation season at the apiary location. This gives grounds to assert that the environmental factors have an impact on formation and development of nosemosis. The results of the research presented in the article indicate the need for further research aimed at increasing the number of studied apiaries, and above all the use of molecular biology methods to distinguish the species that cause nosemosis infection (PCR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nosemosis is an important bee disease that is caused by microsporidia fungi of the Nosema genus, whose main etiological agents are Nosema apis and N. ceranae, both of which are found worldwide. In Brazil, the disease has been reported in several states but little is known about its occurrence and distribution in Bahia. This study identified the occurrence and distribution of nosemosis and its agents, N. apis and N. ceranae, in Apis mellifera L. bees collected from apiaries in the state of Bahia, Brazil. A total of 154 bee samples were collected and analyzed from 20 apiaries in six regions of the state. The hives sampled were evaluated for signs of the disease from December 2015 to July 2018. Molecular diagnosis was made using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No signs of nosemosis were observed in the sampled apiaries, but from 154 samples analyzed via PCR, 96 were infected with N. ceranae. This pathogen was reported in samples from all six regions evaluated, and its occurrence in important apiculture regions of Bahia State is discussed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global demand for safe, effective and natural products has been increasing in parallel with consumers' concerns about personal and environmental health. Propolis, a traditional and potentially medicinal product with several health benefits, is a beehive product with a worldwide reputation. However, despite the bioactivities reported, the low productivity and high chemical heterogeneity have been extensively hampering broader industrial uses. To assist in overcoming some of these problems, we prepared and characterized mixtures of ethanol extracts of a heterogeneous propolis sample (Pereiro) collected over a five-year period (2011–2015) and, additionally, we mixed two different propolis samples from distinct regions of Portugal (Pereiro and Gerês), also harvested at different times. An investigation of the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, as well as characterization of the chemical composition of the eleven propolis blends were performed in this work. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of such blends of propolis samples, either from different localities and/or different years, were maintained, or even enhanced, when a comparison of the individual extracts was conducted. The differences in the chemical composition of the original propolis samples were also diluted in the mixtures. The results reemphasize the great potential of propolis and suggest that mixing different samples, regardless of provenance or harvesting date, can contribute to propolis standardization while simultaneously increasing its availability and adding value to this beehive byproduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bio-grafía. Escritos Sobre la Biología y su Enseñanza is the property of Universidad Pedaggica Nacional and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Korean beekeeping industry is continuously declining owing to the aging worker population and a lack of automation. To solve the problem of manual transportation and low automation of transportation tools in Korean apiculture, a multifunctional beekeeping transport loading box was developed by modifying a tracked vehicle developed in previous studies. To ensure the safety of the modified beekeeping vehicle in an apiary, a dynamic analysis of the vehicle in virtual simulation conditions and a field test inside an actual apiary were conducted. Firstly, the TRACK_LM module in multibody dynamics software RecurDyn was used to model the vehicle. Then, the model was analyzed in two use cases (bee frame loading and beehive loading), three geological conditions (clayey soil, dry sand, and upland sandy loam), and two types of terrain (s-turn and 8° slope). Meanwhile, tests under similar conditions were conducted in an actual apiary. The simulation results indicated that the modified beekeeping vehicle operated stably in the simulated agricultural apiary ground (clayey soil and upland sandy loam). The maximum pitch angles in the clayey soil and upland sandy loam conditions were 11.77° and 12.74°, respectively. However, the vehicle cannot operate under dry sand conditions on a slope because it exceeded the calculated maximum angle (34°) during operation. The maximum pitch angle of only 8.8° in the apiary transport experiment proved that the modified beekeeping vehicle could be driven safely in actual apiaries. Moreover, a comparison of the field test results with the simulation results revealed that the field test further verifies the reference value and correctness of the simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we conducted a six-month survey to evaluate the current status of three common honey bee viruses (black queen cell virus [BQCV], acute bee paralysis virus [ABPV], and sacbrood virus [SBV]) in Turkey's Bingöl region and revealed their phylogenetic relationships with the same types of viruses in other parts of the world. We randomly sampled 384 worker honey bees from a total of 128 apiaries from different locations of this region. Molecular tests confirmed the presence of SBV and BQCV, with infection rates of 7.03% and 11.7%, respectively, but ABPV could not be detected in any of the surveyed apiaries. In addition, double infection was detected in an apiary with an infection rate of 0.78%. The sequences of a partial polyprotein gene region of a randomly selected isolate from each detected virus were collected and registered in GenBank under the accession numbers MZ357971 and MZ357972 for SBV and MZ357974 for BQCV. The nucleotide sequence similarity of Turkish BQCV and SBV isolates was 75.71–96.58% and 85.96–92.98%, respectively. A comparison of the phylogenetic tree of Bingöl honey bee viral genomes with other isolates from around the world revealed that Bingöl SBV isolates were closely related to another Turkey isolate while Bingöl BQCV isolate to France, Italy, Australia, and Brazil isolates. To our knowledge, the presence and phylogenetic affinity of SBV and BQCV viruses detected in the present study is the first recording for Turkey's Bingöl province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of American foulbrood (AFB), produces spores that may be detectable within honey. We analyzed the spore content of pooled, extracted honey from 52 large-scale (L) and 64 small-scale (S) Saskatchewan beekeepers over a two-year period (2019–2020). Our objectives were: (i) establish reliable prognostic reference ranges for spore concentrations in extracted honey to determine future AFB risk at the apiary level; (ii) identify management practices as targets for mitigation of risk. P. larvae spores were detected in 753 of 1476 samples (51%). Beekeepers were stratified into low (< 2 spores/gram), moderate (2- < 100 spores/gram), and high (≥ 100 spores/gram) risk categories. Of forty-nine L beekeepers sampled in 2019, those that reported AFB in 2020 included 0/26 low, 3/18 moderate, and 3/5 high risk. Of twenty-seven L beekeepers sampled in 2020, those that reported AFB in 2021 included 0/11 low, 2/14 moderate, and 1/2 high risk. Predictive modelling included indoor overwintering of hives, purchase of used equipment, movement of honey-producing colonies between apiaries, beekeeper demographic, and antimicrobial use as risk category predictors. Saskatchewan beekeepers with fewer than 2 spores/gram in extracted honey that avoid high risk activities may be considered at low risk of AFB the following year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various subspecies of Apis mellifera L. were introduced to Central America since colonization 500 years ago. Hybridization increased with the entrance of the Africanized bee in Nicaragua in 1984. Rustic beekeeping activities and numerous feral swarms define the genetic pattern, reflected in phenotypic heterogeneity and remarkable differences in the behaviour of the bee colonies, especially the nest defence. Due to these facts, the question emerge about the degree of Africanization of honeybee colonies in Nicaragua. In this study, we identified Africanized honeybee colonies based on the single character "mean forewing length" and we corroborated our results by determining mitotypes using mtDNA analysis. Morphometric and genetic approaches were realized in three different geographical zones of Nicaragua and related to beehive characteristics and management. Worker bee samples were taken from the inside of 146 hives from 26 apiaries. Abdominal colour as phenotypic character was the first examination, followed by measurement of 1460 right forewings to determine corresponding probability of Africanization. More than 60% of the beehives showed phenotypic heterogeneity and mean forewing length of 8.74 mm (SD 0.16 mm) indicated a high degree of Africanization. Those results provided a selection of 96 worker bees to perform PCR of two worker bees per hive. For mitochondrial DNA analysis 14 samples from sentinel apiaries were added. Three from 61 beehives presented bees with different mtDNA. Throughout, three mitotypes of the African (A) lineage were detected; one mitotype is still unidentified. Mitotype A1 A. mellifera iberiensis was represented by 88 bees and mitotype A4 A. mellifera scutellata by 21 bees. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the PCR findings. No associations were found between mitotypes, forewing length, beehive characteristics and management. A high degree of Africanization in A. mellifera colonies represented by two predominating mitotypes from the A lineage, prevail in Neotropical Nicaragua, with mitotype A4 predominating at higher altitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the global increase in honey bee colony losses, risk factors regarding beekeeping management practices and honey bee diseases have been studied intensively during the last decade. Some risk factors have been outlined, but the correlation of evidence between relevant factors coinciding with honey bee mortality still needs to be clarified. The current study used the two-year data collected in frames of the European Commission EPILOBEE project. Previously, the data from Estonian apiaries were analysed together with the data from all 17 participating European countries in the consortium. In the current study, data from Estonian apiaries were targeted separately. In total, 196 apiaries containing 2,439 colonies all over Estonia were included in this dataset. The study aimed to clarify the risk factors that would predict colony losses in Estonia. The main factors increasing colony mortality after winter were the size of the apiary, Varroa destructor mite count, infestation with Paenibacillus larvae, and lack of farmlands around the apiary. No significant risk factors in relation to honey bee summer mortality were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vespa velutina is an invasive species that is currently the main concern for beekeeping in some areas of northern Spain. The hornet hunts honeybees to feed its larvae, stressing and weakening the honeybee colonies. To avoid losses of honeybee colonies, it is essential to investigate the pressure that is exerted by the yellow-legged hornet on apiaries and its consequences. In the present study, hives were monitored in an apiary that was situated in a high-pressure area of V. velutina during the years 2020 and 2021. The monitoring of environmental conditions of the apiary, the internal conditions of the colonies, and a hunting camera were used to relate the presence of hornets in front of the hives to the weather conditions in the apiary and the consequences caused on the colonies. The relationships between weather conditions and the hornet's activity showed two types of hornet behavior. In the months of July and August, the maximum number of hornets appeared in non-central hours of the day. Meanwhile, in the months of September and October, the highest pressure in the apiary occurred in the central hours of the day, coinciding with temperatures between 15 °C and 25 °C and a relative humidity that was higher than 60%. The honeybee colony with the highest thermoregulatory capacity was the strongest and it was the key factor for the colony survival even when the hornet pressure was high too. Therefore, strengthening the hives and improving beehive health status is essential to avoid colonies decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Komunikaty Mazursko-Warminskie is the property of Komunikaty Mazursko-Warminskie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Acarapis woodi is a pathogen affecting honey bees health worldwide. Its prevalence may be underestimated due to the time-consuming traditional method for its diagnosis and the attitude in focusing the attention only onto Varroa destructor. New PCR techniques have allowed for the verification of the presence of A. woodi in 44 samples of honey bees and 11 samples of hive debris collected from 17 apiaries by the veterinary services of the Latium region (Central Italy). Overall, 9.1% of adult honey bee samples (all belonging to one apiary) and 6.3% of hive debris samples (belonging to 6 apiaries) were positive in an end point PCR and presence of the pathogen was confirmed through Sanger sequencing. Results demonstrated the potential underestimation of A. woodi occurrence in Italian apiaries and reported the first detection of A. woodi in hive debris samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]