Nov 4, 2022BoardMeeting
BoardResearch Subcommittee Meeting
The Research Subcommittee meeting focused on the WSU Bee Program, specifically discussing promising results from oxalic acid and glycerin treatments for varroa mite control amidst increasing amitraz resistance. The committee reviewed significant honey bee losses associated with blueberry pollination in Washington, British Columbia, and Michigan, and analyzed the high pesticide loads, particularly captan, found in commercial hives. Researchers explored the impact of stock rates, nutrition, and synergistic pesticide effects, noting that supplemental pollen feeding did not mitigate these issues. Additionally, the committee discussed ongoing varroa mite treatments and received an update on the digitization of Washington bee specimens.