Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Bee Nutrition
The nutritional status of the bees was sampled, and the results found were no better.
The migratory nature of the affected bees means they moved from one monofloral
source of food to another: citrus in Florida, clover in the Midwest, cotton in the South-
east, apples in the Northeast, and almonds in California. The bees had severe dietary
shortages in essential foods.
It soon became apparent that no single cause of CCD would be found, but rather, a
network of problems was at the core. In addition, a new variant of nosema came about
too often to be ignored. All were implicated, associated, involved, but not the answer.
Unknown Variables
Two unknowns in all this were the roles of varroa mites and viruses. Varroa were
often associated with virus infections, either as direct carriers, or as the instrument of
invasion. Even though beekeepers were controlling varroa populations in their colonies,
earlier varroa infestations could exacerbate virus outbreaks. The virus could be trans-
mitted from bee to bee long after the varroa were gone.
Meanwhile, beekeepers took action, without a definitive prescription. The migratory
operations avoided areas with heavy use of agricultural pesticides and sought areas with
more diverse crops. They used new varroa controls, and removed old, contaminated
wax in their hives.
During the second winter of Colony Collapse Disorder, losses to CCD were reduced.
By the third winter most beekeepers were following the CCD-prevention methods
agreed upon by the industry. Bees and beekeepers were in recovery mode, though pro-
gress was slow.
Lesson Learned: CCD Prevention
The valuable lessons learned from CCD transcend the commercial operations and
easily filter down to anyone who keeps bees.
• Control varroa with resistant bees or safe chemicals.
• Maintain good bee nutrition all year long.
• Avoid monocrop sources of food.
• Avoid agricultural pesticides.
• Keep the inside of a hive as clean as your home: safe from chemical residue and
danger.
