FLOWERS, POLLEN AND NECTAR HONEYBEE ON OREGANO HONEYBEE WITH FULL POLLEN SACK.
Honeybee Research Report 1995-1997 - Agrifutures Australia · was a collection of final report...
Transcript of Honeybee Research Report 1995-1997 - Agrifutures Australia · was a collection of final report...
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Honeybee
Research Report
1995-1997
Research completed and in progress
for the Honeybee R & D Program
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
July 1997
RIRDC Research Paper No. 97/58
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1997 Rural Industries and Development Corporation All rights reserved ISBN 0 642 246793 ISSN 1321-3733 “Honeybee Research Report 1995-1997” The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author/s and not necessarily those of persons consulted or the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole, or in part, on the contents of this report unless authorised in writing by the Managing Director of RIRDC. This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research, study, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without the prior written permission from the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be directed to the Managing Director.
RIRDC Contact details: Rural Industries and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street, BARTON ACT 2600 Australia
Postal address: PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Telephone: (06) 272 4539 Facsimile: (06) 272 5877 Email: [email protected] Home page: http://www.dpie.gov.au/rirdc Published in July 1997 Printed by DPIE Copyshop
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FOREWORD
On 1 July 1995 the former Honeybee Research and Development Council became a committee of
the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.
This publication, Honeybee Research Report 1995-1997, provides details of honeybee research
from July 1995 until June 1997 and lists projects commencing in the 1997-98 financial year. It
follows the the Honeybee Research and Development Council Research Report 1980-1995 which
was a collection of final report summaries of levy funded honeybee research until June 1995.
This report provides information to help apiarists and others access research recommendations
and research in progress, together with researcher contact details, in a simple, easy to read format.
Peter Core
Managing Director
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
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CONTENTS
DISEASES AND PESTS
Final report summaries
Production of a video on chalkbrood disease ________________________________________ 1
Production of a video on external exotic honeybee parasites ___________________________ 3
Hygienic behaviour in relation to American foulbrood and chalkbrood __________________ 5
Continuing projects
Oxytetracycline sensitivity, diversity and study of M.pluton (European foulbrood) _________ 6
Investigations into disappearing disorder __________________________________________ 9
Investigations into disappearing disorder - a problem of honeybees in south east Queensland 11
Heat treatment to kill American foulbrood (Bacillus larvae) spores in beekeeping equipment 13
HIVE HUSBANDRY AND MANAGEMENT
Final report summary
Using swarming acoustics of honey bees to clear honey supers of honey bees ____________ 15
Continuing projects
Development of remote sensing, beehive production status monitoring system ___________ 17
Testing an electronic device that emits queen piping sounds to find a queen bee in a colony 19
Identification and application of the aggregation pheromone of Apis cerana _____________ 21
NUTRITION
Continuing projects
Crude protein and amino acid levels of pollens collected by bees in southern NSW ________ 23
Export package bees - evaluating a lupin based feed for increased live bee production _____ 25
POLLINATION
Final report summary
Pollination of faba beans ______________________________________________________ 27
Continuing project
Developing a communications and marketing strategy for honeybee crop pollination services 29
MARKETING
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Final report summaries
Australian honey in dry food mixes ______________________________________________ 31
Antimicrobial properties of Australian honey ______________________________________ 32
Introduced honeys - quality survey _______________________________________________ 34
Continuing projects
Australian liquid honey in commercial bakery products _____________________________ 36
Bulk honey containers ________________________________________________________ 38
BREEDING AND GENETICS
Final report summary
Evaluation of honeybees for hygienic behaviour ___________________________________ 40
Continuing project
Breeding hygienic disease resistant bees __________________________________________ 42
RESOURCES
Final report summaries
Impact of commercially managed honeybees on the flora and fauna of banksia heathland in
Ngarkat Conservation Park ____________________________________________________ 44
The benefits to the beekeeping industry and society from secure access to public lands and
their melliferous resources _____________________________________________________ 47
Introduction and evaluation of replacement species for blackberry in Tasmania __________ 49
Pilot study of natural resources database for the NSW apiary industry __________________ 51
Continuing projects
Floral resource database for NSW apiary industry __________________________________ 53
The development of a natural resource database for the Queensland apiary industry ______ 54
A comprehensive study of beekeepers' use of honey and pollen flora resource in Victoria __ 56
Natural resource database for the South Australian apiary industry ____________________ 58
Promotion of native bees in the Torres Strait ______________________________________ 59
NEW PROJECTS - 1997-98 ____________________________________________________ 61
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Production of a video on chalkbrood disease
Objectives
To produce a video on Chalkbrood disease. The approach is considered to be an ideal method of
transferring information on symptoms of the disease and control methods beekeepers in Australia
can consider, to reduce the impact of this disease on their apiary businesses.
Background
Chalkbrood was discovered in Australia in January 1993. It was vital beekeepers be ,given
information on video about this disease so they could recognise the symptoms and take measures
to reduce the impact.
Research
The video was produced in the Central West of NSW with the cooperation of a commercial
beekeeper. The script by NSW Agriculture in consultation with other states CSIRO and the
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. Production was by NSW Agriculture's video
production unit.
Outcomes
This video enables beekeepers to identify the symptoms of Chalkbrood
Transfers knowledge of the disease to beekeepers
The video outlines measures beekeepers can take to reduce the impact of this disease
Outlines the epidemiology of this disease and how to correctly examine hives to detect this
disease
Implications
Beekeepers viewing the video will be able to identify chalkbrood and understand this
disease.
Publications
This video is available from NSW Agriculture, Locked Bag 21 ORANGE NSW 2800
Phone (063) 91 3433, or 1800 028 374.
The video runs for ten minutes at a cost of $25.00, post paid.
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Project Details
Project No: DAN-21H
Researchers: Bruce White
Phillip McLellan
Dr Michael Hornitzky
Organisation: NSW Agriculture
Locked Bag 11
WINDSOR NSW 2756
Phone: (045) 770 600
Fax: (045) 770 650
Email: whitebr@ agric.NSW.gov.au
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Production of a video on external exotic honeybee parasites
Objectives
To produce an educational video which will allow external exotic parasites to be identified by
Australian beekeepers and to show the impact they would have on the Australian apiculture
industry.
Background
The Australian beekeeping industry is dependent on disease freedom so certification
requirements imposed by the states and overseas countries can be met.
The serious threat facing the industry are exotic parasites of honey bee Varroa jacobsoni ,
Tropilaelaps clareae and trachael mites.
Furthermore control measures should the parasites enter Australia, would require the use of
miticides that if misused could contaminate hive products.
Exotic races of bees can also carry the parasites.
The production of an educational video will allow beekeepers to recognise the parasites so
eradication may be possible. The video will also enable beekeepers to recognise exotic races
of bees likely to carry parasites.
Research
The video production team travelled to Thailand to video footage of exotic parasites and races of
bees with the cooperation of Dr Michael Burgett an expert on mites from America and staff at the
University of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. The video script was written by all State
Departments of Agriculture, CSIRO, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Dr Michael
Burgett and the Honeybee Research and Development Committee. Production was by NSW
Agriculture Video production unit.
Outcomes
The video will enable beekeepers to identify the honeybee parasites.
Varroa (Varroa jacobsoni)
Trachael Mites (Acarapis woodi intemo)
Tropilaelaps (Tropilaelaps clareae)
Exotic Races of Bees
Asian Honeybee (Apis cerana)
Giant Honeybee (Apis dorsata)
Dwarf Honeybee (Apis florea)
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For each parasite the video shows the relationship of the parasite with various races of bees
and the parasites world distribution.
Biology of the parasites on European honeybees, how to inspect hives, how they spread and
control measures should they enter Australia.
The video outlines the strict quarantine surveillance at points of entry and the use of detector
dogs.
A section also covers how with approval from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection
Service honeybees can be legally imported into Australia.
The video runs for twenty minutes but a section can be played on each parasite.
Implications
Beekeepers viewing the video will be able to identify the exotic parasites and races of bees and be
able to contact the right authorities should they see them in Australia quick detection gives a
better chance of eradication.
Publications
The video is available from NSW Agriculture, Locked Bag 21 ORANGE NSW 2800
Phone (063) 913 433, or 1800 028 374. Time 20 minutes. Cost $30.00, post paid.
Project Details
Project No: DAN-139A
Researchers: Phillip McLellan
Bruce White
Dr Michael Hornitzky
Organisation: NSW Agriculture
Locked Bag 11
WINDSOR NSW 2756
Phone: (045) 770 600
Fax: (045) 770 650
Email: whitebr@ agric.NSW.gov.au
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Hygienic behaviour in relation to American foulbrood and chalkbrood
Objective
To assist in bringing Dr Marla Spivak, expert on chalkbrood disease and honeybee hygienic
behaviour, to Australia for the Victorian and Queensland annual conferences.
Background
The industry was formulating strategies to minimise bee diseases and wished to examine the role
and potential of hygienic behaviour within the program.
Research
Previous studies on the various mechanisms that may contribute to disease resistance and current
research at the University of Minnesota were the subject of the addresses by Dr Spivak to the
1995 annual Apiarists' Conferences in Victoria and Queensland and the University of Sydney.
Progress/Outcomes
Research project ULA-2H which examined the occurrence of nest cleaning genes in Australian
stock.
Publications
Spivak, M. (1996) Hygienic behaviour in relation to American Foulbrood and Chalkbrood
- Australasian Beekeeper 98 (7): 292, 294
- Australian Bee Journal 74 (9): 12-16
Further Information
Researcher: Dr Marla Spivak
Department of Entomology
University of Minnesota 55104
USA
Organisation: Federal Council of Australian Apiarists' Associations
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Oxytetracycline sensitivity, diversity and study of M.pluton (European
foulbrood)
Objectives
1. To determine the oxytetracycline hydrochloride sensitivity of Australian Melissococcus
pluton isolates.
2. To determine the diversity of Australian M. pluton isolates.
3. To determine whether M. pluton isolates contain plasmids (antibiotic resistance transfer
vectors).
Industry Significance
European foulbrood (EFB) is a major cause of production losses to the beekeeping industry in
Australia. The widespread nature of the disease in all States except Western Australia necessitated
the introduction of antibiotic treatment in 1976 using oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC). OTC is
the only antibiotic recommended for EFB treatment and although in place 21 years little is known
regarding the current sensitivity of M. pluton to this antibiotic. There is, however, anecdotal
evidence that OTC treatment is not always effective. This indicates that there is a need to determine
the sensitivity of M. pluton so that beekeepers can be confident that treatment protocols are
effective. If resistance of M. pluton to OTC has developed alternative control measures can then be
pursued without unnecessary delay.
The eradication of EFB is unlikely due to its widespread nature and its ability to exist as a latent
infection in hives. Hence, investigations of the organism to better understand its ability to develop
resistance and to characterise isolates in terms of DNA profiles will provide State Departments of
Agriculture and Industry with useful information which will guide them in future control strategy
development.
A literature search conducted by the library at this Institute has demonstrated that information in this
area is lacking.
Background
EFB is endemic in all Australian States except for Western Australia. The impact of this disease
necessitated the introduction of antibiotic therapy using OTC. Hence, its control is dependent on the
effectiveness of OTC against M. pluton for which there is no current published data. An
investigation to determine the sensitivity of M. pluton is needed to determine whether resistance to
OTC is occurring and if so, where this is occurring so that alternative steps can be taken to control
this disease.
In studies carried out in the early 1960s strains of M. pluton were determined to be closely related to
each other in spite of their widely separate geographical origins. In recent years molecular typing
technologies have advanced the capability of differentiating bacterial, viral and parasite isolates
within the same species or genus. The DNA analysis of M. pluton isolates will be useful in
determining whether the isolates from areas where EFB appears to more severe than in other areas
have different DNA profiles. If severity of disease can be associated to a particular DNA profile it
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may be possible to predict increases in disease severity if more virulent strains are detected in areas
where they had previously not been recognised. It would also be useful to know whether there is a
correlation between certain DNA types and antibiotic resistance (if it exists) as this information may
identify M. pluton isolates "susceptible" to accepting resistance factors and identify areas where
resistant may develop.
Research Proposal Summary
Each State Department of Agriculture (except Western Australia and the Northern Territory) will be
requested to send at least 20 brood samples, each infected with EFB, from various areas within each
State. The principal investigators will also collect samples as required. M. pluton will be cultured
from these samples and the minimum inhibitory concentration of OTC will be determined by
incorporating OTC at various concentrations in the prescribed medium. The technique employed
will be based on that described by Hornitzky (1985) which reflects standard procedures for this type
of work.
DNA restriction endonuclease profiles and typing of geographically diverse M. pluton isolates and
their plasmid content will be determined using methodologies based on the work described in our
previous project. This section of the project will provide information regarding the diversity of M.
pluton in Australia and whether M. pluton has the ability to develop resistance via plasmids.
Outcomes
This three year project is only in its second year. However, considerable work has been carried out
to fulfil the objectives listed above. Eighty four M. pluton isolates have been cultured primarily from
brood submitted from various States. A bulked honey culture procedure for the isolation of M.
pluton has also been developed. Its use has provided a number of isolates for the project.
Antibiotic sensitivity testing of M. pluton isolates indicates that all 48 isolates tested to date are all
sensitive to low concentrations of OTC. Initial DNA analyses of M. pluton isolates from various
States have demonstrated that they are indistinguishable from each other.
The project is proceeding as proposed and should be completed on schedule.
Implications
To be provided when project is completed.
Publications
Two publications are in preparation at this stage.
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Project details
Project No: DAN-136A
Researchers: Dr Michael Hornitzky
Dr Stephen Djordjevic
Organisation: Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute
Regional Veterinary Laboratory
Woodbridge Rd
MENANGLE NSW 2568
Phone: (046) 29 3333
Fax: (046) 29 3400
Email: [email protected]
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Investigations into disappearing disorder
Objectives
To describe the symptoms of the disorder and attempt to show the causative agent.
Background
Disappearing disorder is a honey bee brood disorder that has long been reported from colonies in
north east NSW and south-east Queensland. Although occurring locally, the disorder can lead to
significant losses.
Research
During 1994, three outbreaks of the disorder were examined in south-east Queensland, the first
during early October in the Cunningham's Gap region, the second in late November early
December in the same region, and the third in late December in the ranges west of Caboolture.
During each reported outbreak, symptoms were noted and samples of brood, pollen and honey
were collected for laboratory analysis.
Outcomes
The symptoms of disappearing disorder were observed and clearly described. They were similar
to those typically associated with European brood disorder, caused by Melissococcus pluton.
No specific pollen type was found to be consistently collected by colonies affected by the disorder
and affected colonies in different localities were reported foraging on completely different floral
sources. Even though some known pathogenic microorganisms were isolated from a number of
affected larvae, no microorganisms were detected in the majority of affected larvae and no
particular micrograms was consistently present in affected larvae collected during different
outbreaks. Nectar samples collected from colonies affected by the disorder in October 1994 and
pollen samples collected from affected colonies during each reported outbreak at Caboolture in
December 1994 showed significantly higher levels of trace elements, particularly zinc, than were
detected in nectar and pollen samples collected from healthy unaffected ‘control' colonies near
Canberra. These level of elements was particularly high in the pollen samples collected in
December 1994 from Caboolture. These results suggest that disappearing disorder may result
from unusually high levels of trace elements in pollen and nectar collected by colonies in the
affected areas. Further studies are needed however to determine which trace elements might be
responsible
Implications
These results suggest that trace elements should be considered in future studies on bee nutrition.
The results are also relevant to the areas of human health and honey and pollen quality assurance.
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Project information
Project No: CSE-4H
Researchers: Dr Denis Anderson
Nicole Gibson
Organisation: CSIRO Division of Entomology
GPO Box 1700
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Phone: (06) 246 4111
Fax: (06) 246 4173
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Investigations into disappearing disorder - a problem of honeybees in
south east Queensland
Objectives
To investigate disappearing disorder in south east Queensland, gather epidemiological data and
identify the cause and origin of the problem.
Background
A condition in larval honeybees, similar to European foulbrood, has long been reported during
spring and early summer from apiaries in coastal southeast Queensland. While numerous
observations have been reported, limited investigations have failed to reveal the cause of the
problem. Severe acute loss of brood can have a serious effect on the strength of the hive.
Research
The following avenues of research have been pursued.
Feed pollen collected at the time of outbreak back to unaffected hives.
Examine pollen from affected larvae and hives to identify a common pollen type.
Test affected larvae and hive samples for heavy metals.
Conduct a feeding trial with Cat's claw creeper, a suspected cause of the disorder.
Attempt transmission with a frame of affected larvae.
Feed back heavy metals to normal hives.
Gather epidemiological information from field outbreaks.
Outcomes
No common pollen has been identified from affected samples collected during field outbreaks of
disappearing disorder, and no unique floral species implicated. Transmission trials and feeding
experiments have proven negative. Elevated levels of aluminium and zinc have been detected in
pollens, but feeding of aluminium and zinc to normal hives has not been conclusive.
Implications
Further in depth work is required before the disappearing disorder is finally resolved.
Publications
Nil
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Project Details
Project No: DAQ-205A
Researchers: Fraser Trueman
Hamish Lamb
Wendy Ward
Hugh Mawhimey
Organisation: Department of Primary Industries
Animal Research Institute
Locked Mail Bag No 4
MOOROOKA QLD 4105
Phone: (07) 3362 9484
Fax: (07) 3362 9440
Email: [email protected]
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Heat treatment to kill American foulbrood (Bacillus larvae) spores in
beekeeping equipment
Objectives
To determine if heat treatment can be used to sterilise beekeeping equipment that has been
infected with American foulbrood (AFB) spores.
Background
At present, the only proven method of sterilising beekeeping equipment contaminated with AFB
is by irradiation. However, there are only two sterilising plants in Australia. These are located in
Sydney and Melbourne. The cost of sterilising and associated travel costs for beekeepers who do
not live near these lead to attempts to look at other methods of sterilisation. As an alternative to
irradiation, sterilisation of beekeeping equipment using heat was proposed.
Research
Initial laboratory work was carried out, followed by work in an experimental timber drying kiln,
followed by a commercial timber drying kiln run, followed by more laboratory work.
Outcomes
Laboratory and timber kiln trials using heat to sterilise bee boxes infected with American
foulbrood (Paenibacillus larvae) were carried out. In the laboratory trials, the spores were
destroyed at 100, 110 and 120 degrees centigrade. In an experimental kiln held at 110 degrees
centigrade for 5 hours, all the seeded sites returned negative cultures for P. larvae. A commercial
kiln run at 110 degrees centigrade killed only 90% of the seeded sites. Further laboratory work
using a longer culture time for testing the spores showed viable spores at 110 degrees centigrade.
Implications
Further work is proposed to see if these viable spores are virulent and also, if raising the
temperature to 130 degrees centigrade, will kill the spores in a commercial situation without
physically degrading the bee boxes.
Publications
To date, there have been no publications. A report with recommendations for further work is
presently being prepared and will be with HBRDC shortly. Verbal reports have been given to
various beekeeping groups.
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Project details
Project No: QBA-1A
Researchers: Trevor Weatherhead (Project leader)
Fraser Trueman
Wendy Ward
Brian Spillane
Hamish Lamb
Organisation: Queensland Beekeepers Association Inc.
MS 461
KALBAR QLD 4309
Phone (07) 5467 2135
Fax (07) 5467 2265
Email [email protected]
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Using swarming acoustics of honey bees to clear honey supers of
honey bees
Objectives
1. Construct an electronic acoustic device to imitate the 'buzz run', 'whirring run' or
'schwirrlauf' effect of honey bee swarming behaviour.
2. Test the device in an observation chamber.
3. Test the device in the apiary.
The bulk of the time of this project was allocated to Curtin University of Technology
researchers to design, construct and laboratory test a device that mimics the swarming
frequencies of honey bees.
Background
Chemical repellents such as Phenol (Carbolic Acid) and Benzaldehyde, were used by
beekeepers to assist in the removal of honey from beehives. This practice was not
recommended by the Western Australian Department of Agriculture in February 1993 due to
risks of contamination. The Honey Corporation of Australia had also issued a notice to all
its members that no chemical of any nature is to be used to clear honey supers after April
1993. The Honey Packers and Marketers Association of Australia (along with most other
packers) also requested their members to move in the same direction. Subsequently,
beekeepers had to resort to using clearer boards which had been around for a number of
years and hand brushing bees off honey combs. At the same time electric air blowers were
available and with a little modification have also become part of the process of removing
honey from beehives.
Each of these three methods consume more of beekeepers time than the previous chemical
method. Another method described below may offer a new way of clearing the bees from
supers. The process involves simulating swarming behaviour in honey bees and when used
within the honey super may encourage honey bees to vacate the super.
Research
The project differed from most other published research by attempting to use acoustics to
control honey bee behaviour rather than just analysing and interpreting the acoustics of
honey bees.
Curtin University of Technology was successful in developing a device that could imitate
any sound that a honey bee(s) made during swarming or during any other behavioural
response. The device used the latest computer technology and software available. The
project identified that honey bees are able to generate sounds up to 11 Khz at -60 dB which
is much greater than the 5 Khz previously published by other researchers. Experiments
indicated that the behaviour of honey bees could be controlled, but not by acoustics alone,
though a combination of acoustics, queen bee (presence or pheromone) and air movement
seem to be useful components in future research.
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Outcomes
The status of the current project was such that the development of the equipment was able to
technically fulfil the objectives of the project but not, as yet, repeat the biological aspects as
was hoped for. As an extension of our findings, further experimental work is planned.
It is probably a 'first' in honey bee acoustic research that the latest computer technologies
have been used, certainly nothing in the latest published research indicates the use of such
equipment as was used in this project. The technology has the potential of advancing the
research into acoustics of honey bee swarming behaviour.
Implications
There is potential to further develop the use of this new computer technology as it relates to
honey bee acoustics. Further research would probably require some 'pure' science which
also, unfortunately, comes with protracted hours of research and the 'best' place for further
development would be at honours, Masters or PhD student level at Universities.
Publications
Eren, H., Whiffler, L and Manning R. (1997) Electronic sensing and identification of queen
bees in honeybee colonies. IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Technology
Conference, Ottawa, Canada.
Project Details
Project No: DAW-69A
Researchers: Robert Manning
Dr Halit Eren
Dr Stephen Ho
Dr Lynne Whiffler PhD
Organisation: Agriculture Western Australia
3 Baron-Hay Court
SOUTH PERTH WA 6151
Phone: (08) 9368 3567
Fax: (08) 9474 2479
Email: [email protected]
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Development of remote sensing, beehive production status
monitoring system
Objectives
To develop a remote sensing computer system, for the apiary industry, to determine hive status
without visiting the apiary.
Background
The monitoring of beehives for honey surplus or for failure of the potential crop, takes up a large
part of a beekeepers time and resources. A remote sensing system would allow for appropriate
allocation of time and resources to production tasks and not monitoring tasks.
Research
The research was carried out on the North Coast of NSW where the researchers adapted remote
sensing systems to monitor and record bee hive weights. This was achieved by the use of load
cells and a data logger. Using the modem linked phone system the information is transferred to a
computer for the beekeeper to access.
Outcomes
Data is collected using a micro processor. This enables daily weights of hives on a
load cell (weighing platform) to be recorded.
Data hive weights are retrieved from the monitoring site using modem linked cellular phone
technology either a land line or mobile phone via the public telephone system.
Special computer software allows the beekeeper to retrieve the hive weights.
The software was developed to stand alone with ease of use.
Software allows for the viewing of data in both text and graphical format.
Cost including computer about $ 7,000 to weigh 5 hives (1997).
Implications
Very positive in that this research project now allows a beekeeper to access hive weights without
visiting the site. To obtain the results either a land line phone or mobile phone can be used in
conjunction with a weighing platform and the developed hardware and computer. Visiting apiary
sites to check on hive conditions can be very expensive. This research reduces the number of
visits a beekeeper will have to make to apiaries.
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Publications
Final report being prepared.
Project Details
Project No: DAN-135A
Researchers: Dr Robert Hannah
Col Peak
Peter Stace
Bruce White
Organisation: NSW Agriculture
Locked Bag 11
WINDSOR NSW 2756
Phone: (045) 77 0600
Fax: (045) 77 0650
Email: whitebr@ agric.NSW.gov.au
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Testing an electronic device that emits queen piping sounds to find a
queen bee in a colony
Objectives
The aim of this project is to develop an electronic device that beekeepers can use for identifying a
queen in a colony. At present, our aim is to determine the sections of recorded piping sounds that
a queen is likely to respond to both in a laboratory environment or in a field colony.
Background
At present, beekeepers physically search for the queen when requeening a honeybee colony, a task
that is extremely time consuming. Queen piping sounds (tooting and quacking) are currently been
investigated to determine whether a queen from a colony is attracted to the sounds of piping
queens. If the queen is attracted to a queen piping sound or part thereof (first and second
syllables), then an electronic device may be developed that emits the sound. The device may be
placed in or on a frame to attract the queen of the colony to the source of the sound.
Research
On several occasions between October 1996-March 1997, queen cells have been reared to record
the tooting and quacking sounds of queens that are ready to emerge. As yet, no sounds have been
captured using this method. However, tooting (piping) sounds have been recorded from young
queens in a queen bank. The response of queens to the various parts (syllables) of piping sounds
have been investigated in laboratory and fields.
In some tests queens in the laboratory cages responded strongly mainly to the first syllables of the
piping sound. In two colonies (n=4), the queens piped in response. A similar result was observed
when the queens were exposed to two first syllable followed by a number of second syllable
sound. One queen responded by piping when only the second syllable sounds were played.
Nevertheless, when field colonies were exposed to the piping sounds, very little or no response
observed.
Outcomes
Further experiments are planned to determine whether the first syllable sound is more effective
than the second syllables. In future experiments, smaller speakers will be used to insert them fully
in the hives. Once the sounds that are most attractive to the queens, then an electronic device will
be developed.
Implications
It seems unlikely that the sounds alone themselves are going to be attractive to queens. The
possibility of using pheromone as well as sounds are considered in future tests.
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Publications
H. Eren, L. Whiffler and R. Manning (1997) Electronic sensing and identification of queen bees
in honeybee colonies, IEEE IMTC'97 Conference, Ottawa, pp. 1052-1055.
Project details
Project No: CUT-4A
Researchers: Dr Halit Eren
Dr Lynne Whiffler
Organisation: Curtin University of Technology
School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Kent Street
BENTLEY WA 6102
Phone: (08) 9266 7903
Fax: (08) 9266 2584
Email: [email protected]
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Identification and application of the aggregation pheromone of Apis cerana
Objectives
To isolate and identify the constituents of the aggregation pheromone of the Asian hive bee A.
cerana javana and thereby to develop a blend of synthetic chemical analogues that will attract
this exotic pest.
Background
The worker honey bee of A. mellifera secretes a volatile aggregation pheromone from its Nasonov
gland. Artificial nest cavities baited with synthetic blends of this pheromone have been shown to
attract feral swarms of A. mellifera. Thus, the identification of the aggregation pheromone for A.
cerana javana will enable the development of a species-specific lure for feral swarms and will
facilitate detection and protective monitoring of this potentially serious threat.
Research
Our research focused initially on the chemical analyses of Nasonov glands dissected from worker
bees of A. cerana javana that were collected from the Torres Strait and preserved at -80oC. The
most abundant of the volatile constituents have now been identified but terpenoid compounds
were barely evident, in complete contrast to A. mellifera and A. cerana indica but analogous to
very recent studies in Japan of A. cerana japonica. A different strategy has therefore been
developed to recover pheromone exclusively from fanning bees and extracts have been obtained
in this manner from A. cerana javana in PNG. Even though the quantities recovered are
thousands of times less than those from A. mellifera, trace amounts of terpene have now been
identified for the first time as possible components of the pheromone blend.
Outcomes
The outcomes of this research will be an increase in the effectiveness of protective monitoring
measures and the safeguard of the Australian honey bee industry against this serious competitor.
Implications
A. cerana javana has spread throughout Irian Jaya and Papua New Guinea. If it reaches the
Australian mainland, it will damage the honey industry by competing aggressively with A.
mellifera and will disrupt pollination worth over 1 billion dollars per annum to the economy. It
will also introduce the ectoparasitic mites Varroa jacobsoni and V. underwoodi and threaten the
survival of native bee populations.
Publications
None to date.
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Project Details
Project No: CSE-74A
Researcher: Dr Michael Lacey
Organisation: CSIRO Entomology
GPO Box 1700
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Phone: (06) 246 4021
Fax: (06) 246 4000
Email: [email protected]
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Crude protein and amino acid levels of pollens collected by bees in
southern NSW
Objectives
To collect and test the various pollens for crude protein and amino acid levels originating from
southern NSW.
To measure any yearly variation in the levels of crude protein and amino acids from the one
species.
To utilise this information to inform beekeepers of appropriate management strategies.
Background
Many experienced beekeepers are aware of the approximate value of pollens to them in their
management strategies. A detailed knowledge of the true nutritional value of available pollens
would enable beekeepers to make more precise management decisions in relation to pollination,
honey production and live bee production.
The ability to target specific floral sources prior to an anticipated honey flow that will be detrimental
to hive nutrition will be an invaluable management tool. Some beekeepers have been trapping and
feeding back pollen, information from this study would give them more of a basis to select
appropriate floral sources.
Good nutrition is said to have a bearing on reducing disease incidence. The greater level of
information available on nutrition, then the more informed decision making process can be to
maintain and reduce disease levels.
Research
Pollen samples will be collected from a range of species found in southern NSW. Thirty beekeepers
are involved directly in the project in trapping pollen. Pollen and flower parts are frozen. The
pollen source and thus species, is identified.
The pollen is then tested for crude protein using the Macro Kjeldahl method. Amino acids, using
high pressure liquid chromatography and fat using extraction with petroleum spirits.
The variation of the quality of pollen from the one site will also be investigated. It would seem as
though pollen from the same species, but from different geographic sources varies in the crude
protein and amino acid levels. Pollen will be trapped from one or more sites over the flowering
period of Patersons curse over a three year period. This would then give a guide to the potential
variations in crude protein that may occur in this species.
Outcomes
This research is still in progress. A variation in crude protein levels of 5% was noted for 28 samples
of Patersons curse pollen collected in 1995. The range was 28% to 33%.
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Implications
Research is still in progress. There would seem to be a significant variation in protein and some
amino acid levels of pollen from the same species. This would make recommendations for bee
management based on one or two samples of pollen from the one species tenuous.
Publications
Somerville, DC; Peasley, W (1996) (In press). Eucalyptus Pollens & Their Value to Honey Bee
Nutrition. Paper delivered to the 3rd Asian Apicultural Conference, Hanoi, Vietnam - October
1996.
Somerville, D (1995). Pollen Quality, Woollybutt (Eucalyptus longifolia). Bee Briefs - Vol 12,
No 2 - November 1995. NSW Agriculture, Tamworth.
Somerville, D (1996). Pollen Quality, Lupins (Lupinus angustifolius) . Bee Briefs - Vol 12, No
3 - February 1996. NSW Agriculture, Tamworth.
Somerville, D (1996). Willow - Pollen Quality Salix Species. Bee Briefs - Vol 13, No 1 -
November 1996. NSW Agriculture, Windsor.
Somerville, D (1996). Pollen Quality, Black Thistle or Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare). Bee
Briefs - Vol 13, No 2 - December 1996. NSW Agriculture, Windsor.
Project Details
Project No: DAN-134A
Researcher: Doug Somerville
Organisation: NSW Agriculture
PO Box 389
GOULBURN NSW 2580
Phone: (048) 230 619
Fax: (048) 223 261
Email: [email protected]
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Export package bees - evaluating a lupin based feed for increased live
bee production
Objectives
1. Develop a lupin flour feed that is as palatable as expeller soyflour and/or torula yeast.
2. To enhance live bee production by developing a lupin based feed that is cost effective in
comparison to other high protein feeds.
Background
Lupin as an additive to supplementary feed is said not to have the balance of amino acids that
would make it attractive to honey bees. Most beekeepers and commercial producers use soy
flour mixed with a yeast (torula or brewers). Most of these ingredients have to be imported
into Australia None of the Australian feeds have been tested experimentally or compared with
each other in the context of live bee production. Live bees supply the package bee market
which is currently valued at about $3-4 million. The supplementary feeding of beehives used
in pollination services and between nectar flows would also be of considerable value to
beekeepers.
Western Australia supports a huge lupin growing industry (>80% of Australia's production)
and lupin flour should therefore be more cost effective than soyflour which has to be
imported. Lupin flour has 40 % protein which is less than that of torula yeast but higher than
expeller press soyflour protein. Anecdotal evidence from cattle feed lots in WA suggest lupin
flour or 'dust' as its known is highly attractive to honey bees. Lupin has smaller amounts of
Histidine, Phenylalanine, Threonine and Methionine amino acids when compared to Marri (E.
calophylla) pollen, torula yeast or soyflour. The addition of amino acids would be part of the
treatments of the experiment. Lupin flour is approximately half the cost of the imported
soyflour.
If a lupin based diet is successful, the benefit to the Australian beekeeper could be twofold: a
more profitable enterprise through increased live bee production from beehives and by
decreasing the input costs associated with the increased productivity.
Research methodology
The experimental design has been substantially altered to that initially outlined in project
proposal to RIRDC in 1996. This has largely occurred after discussions with biometricians
about the data and their statistical analyses. Ten months, commencing May 1997, will be
allocated to test feedstuffs.
The experiment compares 49 different feed mixes. Part of the experimental design follows
Stace's (1994) methodology.
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References
Stace, P. (1994) Palatability of five protein feedstuffs by honey bees (Apis mellifera). The
Australasian Beekeeper 96(1): 23-25.
Project Details
Project No: DAW-75A
Researchers: Robert Manning
Tiffany Bates
Organisation: Agriculture Western Australia
3 Baron-Hay Court
SOUTH PERTH WA 6151
Phone: (08) 9368 3567
Fax: (08) 9474 2479
Email: [email protected]
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Pollination of faba beans
Objectives
To measure the seed/yield increase in faba beans by the controlled use of honey bees.
To evaluate the value of faba bean pollen to the nutritional requirements of honey bees.
Background
This project was instigated due to the lack of knowledge of the pollination requirements of faba
beans grown under Australian conditions. There was a certain amount of conflicting information
available to both growers and beekeepers in as much as do managed honey bees benefit crop yields
via increased pollination.
The previous research in Australia was not primarily aimed at this question. A significant amount
of research overseas indicates the value of honey bees in faba bean pollination.
This project was therefore designed to determine whether honey bees were beneficial in growing
faba bean crops under Australian conditions, and at the same time to ascertain the impact of the crop
on the management of commercial bees.
Research
The trial was conducted between August and November 1993 at Darlington Point in the Riverina
region of NSW on a 32.5 ha crop of faba beans of the variety Fiord. Four treatments replicated five
times. The treatments were as follows:
Treatment 1: Random plot in crop (control). Open to bees (uncaged control).
Treatment 2: Cage with bees enclosed.
Treatment 3: Cage without bees (no bee access).
Treatment 4: Cage with shade effect only open sides to access to honey bees.
The cages measured 3m by 3m by 2m high and were made from a very light green knitted
shadecloth with approximately 30% shade. The cages fitted over two rows of faba beans.
Thirty two 10-frame strong double hives were placed alongside the crop on 28 August, 1993 when
approximately 5% of flowers were open. At the same time, a nucleus colony was placed inside each
of the five designated cages (treatment 2). These nucleus colonies were given a supply of water for
the duration of the trial.
Harvesting of plots took place from 13-17 December 1993. This was done by randomly selecting a
2m length of one row 1m wide within each cage, removing the plants. The stalks and pods of each
plant were counted and the beans were shelled and weighed.
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Outcomes
The results indicated that insect activity on the flowering plant increased yields. Under the
conditions of this trial, yield was increased by 24%. This supports many of the research findings in
other countries. Also, pods were set the full length of the plant in cages with bees, in contrast to
pods set only towards the top half of the plant in cages without bees.
The results on honey bee nutrition were encouraging because the nutrition levels of the bee collected
pollen were at a desirable level to supply to colonies requirements. The colonies built up and
expanded quite rapidly in the early half of the trial, without any detrimental impact on the crude
body protein levels of adult bees.
The main drawback with honey bees working this crop is the lack of available nectar in the faba
bean flower because of the shape of the flower.
Implications
To guarantee that pollinating insects are not a yield limiting factor when growing faba beans, it
is strongly recommended that managed bee hives are moved into the crop when in flower.
Management of colonies for swarming should be a priority when honey bees are working faba
beans in the early spring, due to the low nectar availability and reasonable quality pollen
encouraging rapid build up.
Beekeepers should be aware of any chemicals applied to the crop while the faba beans are in
flower and take the necessary steps to reduce any risk to honey bee colonies.
Publications
Somerville, D (1995). Pollination of Faba Beans. Final Report. DAN 19H. May 1995.
Somerville, D (1994). Honey Bees in Faba Bean Pollination. Agnote Reg 4/72. NSW
Agriculture. August.
Somerville, D (1996). Faba Beans. Proceedings of 4th Annual Conference, Crop Pollination
Association. Horsham. 3rd August.
Project Details
Project No: DAN-19H
Researcher: Doug Somerville
Organisation: NSW Agriculture
PO Box 389
GOULBURN NSW 2580
Phone: (048) 230 619
Fax: (048) 223 261
Email: [email protected]
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Developing a communications and marketing strategy for honeybee
crop pollination services
Objective
To improve and promote an effective honeybee crop pollination service by developing a national
marketing and communications strategy and a technology transfer resource package designed to
enhance the delivery and use of commercial honeybee crop pollination services.
Background
Recent surveys have indicated that a number of growers did not have adequate information about
honeybee crop pollination services and consequently did not use bees. There was also a need for
apiarists to improve communication and marketing skills as some growers were unable to contact
apiarists for pollination services. The project will develop packages that will assist the flow of
information and improve communication between apiarist and grower.
Research
In collaboration with apiarists, crop pollination associations and grower organisations, detailed
guidelines and procedures for the effective delivery and use of pollination services for the pome,
stone, berry, cucurbit and seed crop industries are being developed. A marketing strategy
including a data base of apiarist and grower associations is also being prepared.
Outcomes
In addition to the business and marketing strategy, guidelines for growers of pome and berry
(rubus) berries have been completed. The national data base is nearing completion.
Implications
Growers will have accessible and user friendly information that is targeted to their specific
crop(s) and which can be incorporated into quality assurance manuals presently being developed
for a number of horticultural industries. The national data base will assist development of
improved communication between apiarists and growers and enable apiarists to market
pollination services in an efficient and professional manner.
Project Details
Project No: DAV-119A
Researchers: Russell Goodman
Patrick Ulloa
Peter Kaczynski
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Organisation: Department of Natural Resources and Environment
Institute for Horticultural Development
Private Bag 15
SOUTH-EAST MAIL CENTRE VIC 3176
Phone: (03) 9210 9222
Fax: (03) 9800 3521
Email: [email protected]
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Australian honey in dry food mixes
Objectives
The aim of the study detailed in this report was to determine if honey had a potential role in the
retardation of the staling process.
Research
The performance of honey as a retarding agent in a white pan bread formation was compared to a
commercial sugar syrup, dried honey and a no sugar, no honey control. The honey and sugar
syrup were added at various levels.
The level and rate of staling during storage was determined both by objective texture
measurements and by sensory evaluation using taste panels.
Outcomes
The trial described in this report was unable to determine definitely one way or the other whether
honey retarded the staling process under the conditions of the study. However, the results for the
addition of 3% honey are very encouraging.
Another important result from this study is the strong correlation between taster score and texture
measurement of the bread over storage time. That is, the panellists were able to detect the
physical changes (as measured by texture analysis) in term of the eating qualities of the loaf. This
demonstrates that sensory evaluation is a reliable analytical tool when used to study changes in
the texture of a bread loaf during the staling process. A poster presentation entitled The use of
sensory evaluation to determine changes in bread texture during the staling process was presented
at an international sensory science seminar entitled Sensory Science Meeting Industry Needs held
in Sydney on 11-12 November 1996.
The project is continuing as part of a PhD study. A further trial has been recently been
completed. This trial is a repeat of the study in this report but with less treatments to reduce the
complexity and to aid the statistical determination of significant difference. The results of this
trial will determine the future direction of the project.
Project Details
Project No: UQ-54A
Researcher: Nola Caffin
Organisation: Department of Food Science & Technology
University of Queensland, Gatton College
LAWES QLD 4343
Phone: (076) 60 1177
Fax: (076) 60 1171
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Antimicrobial properties of Australian honeys
Objectives
1. To carry out a preliminary assessment of the antimicrobial potential of Australian honeys.
2. To develop a rapid and inexpensive system for the routine screening of honey for antimicrobial
properties
Background
Two major agents have been shown to be responsible for the anti-microbial activity in honey -
hydrogen peroxide (from the bee) and uncharacterised chemical substances (from the floral source).
Manuka honey from New Zealand is collected by bees from the flowers of a particular species of
Leptospermum tree and has been described as "the best natural antibiotic in the world". Previous
research has shown that Australian honeys possess anti-bacterial activity.
Research
Some 400 honeys were sourced from around Australia and screened against several reference micro-
organisms to determine anti-microbial activity. Research recently completed at the Centre for Food
Technology has shown that Australian honeys possess similar properties to Manuka honey. Honeys
were screened using agar diffusion assays and microtitre turbidity assay systems.
Outcomes
The potency of Australian honey is at least on a par with New Zealand Manuka honey. Chemical
comparison using GC-MS has shown that the New Zealand Manuka and the Australian Jelly Bush
honeys are very similar. This is not very surprising since both honeys are derived from
Leptospermum trees.
Implications
It is known that the Egyptians used honey as a therapeutic agent. This project has shown that the
potential exists to value-add to the existing honey resource by developing products with therapeutic
benefit. The potential use of these novel honeys in the treatment and management of moist wounds
(eg. burns and ulcers) will require further research.
Publications
None to date
Project details
Project No: DAQ-204A
Researcher: Dr Craig Davis
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Organisation: Centre for Food Technology
Queensland Department of Primary Industries
19 Hercules Street
HAMILTON QLD 4007
Phone: (07) 3406 8611
Fax Number: (07) 3406 8677
Email: [email protected]
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Introduced honeys - quality survey
Objectives
To examine some international honeys for the presence of chemical residues, honeybee disease
agents and gather preliminary information on the microbiological quality of international honeys.
Background
The continued viability of the Australian honeybee industry depends upon a strong domestic
market, and the ability to export high quality honey. Imports of cheap honey of unknown quality
would have significant effects throughout the industry, and may introduce disease agents which
the Australian industry is attempting to control.
Research
Forty-two honey samples representing 19 countries were selected from honeys collected at the
Brisbane International Airport by AQIS staff. The samples were tested for residues, honeybee
disease agents and microbial flora.
Outcomes
Seventy-six percent of the 42 international honeys screened either contained honeybee disease
agents (American foulbrood, Chalkbrood), greater than recommended numbers of
microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, moulds) or detectable chemical residues (phenol, antibiotics).
This supports the AQIS policy in confiscating honey entering Australia-
Implications
A benchmark has been established against which the quality of Australian honeys can be
compared. Further work appears required to implement standard techniques for the enumeration
of microbiological flora in honey.
Publications
Trueman K F, Ward W and Mawhinney H (1996). International Honeys - A Quality Survey.
Final report to RIRDC. Department of Primary Industries, Qld.
Project Details
Project No: DAQ-202A
Researchers: Fraser Trueman
Wendy Ward
Hugh Mawhinney
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Organisation: Department of Primary Industries
Animal Research Institute
Locked Mail Bag No 4
MOOROOKA QLD 4105
Phone: (07) 3362 9484
Fax: (07) 3362 9440
Email: [email protected]
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Australian liquid honey in commercial bakery products
Objectives
To determine the effect of adding honey to the rheology and gelatinisation of bread doughs
Background
Dough Rheology: In the production of breads, it is essential that the bread dough is fully
developed during the mixing process. When honey is added to dough, the system exhibits
different molecular and physical properties. To a bread manufacturer, the addition of honey
ideally should not increase the time to reach peak dough development, and should still produce a
strong and stable dough matrix once the dough has reached peak development.
Gelatinisation of bread doughs: In the production of breads, it is important that gelatinisation is
not adversely affected. Too great an increase in the gelatinisation temperature may yield a bread
that is not
fully baked in a standard oven, although, a small increase in gelatinisation temperature is thought
to slow the rate of staling.
Research
Dough Rheology: Bread doughs were formulated using honey added at varying levels. Dough
development was measured using a National Mixograph, and the peak development time, dough
strength and dough stability were determine. Doughs with added honey were compared against
doughs formulated using a sugar solution of fructose, glucose, sucrose and maltose, and control
with no honey or sugar.
Gelatinisation of bread doughs: Bread doughs were formulated using honey added at varying
levels. Gelatinisation was then measured using a differential scanning calorimeter, and the
gelatinisation temperature and gelatinisation energy determined. Doughs with added honey were
compared against doughs formulated using a sugar solution of fructose, glucose, sucrose and
maltose, and a control with no honey or sugar.
Outcomes
Dough Rheology: Using honey at 6% addition through to the 10%, the mixing time was very
significantly shorter than the sugar solution and the same concentration. At all levels of addition,
there was no difference in the mixing times from that of the control. Honey did not effect dough
strength compared to the control. Doughs using a model sugar solution at 6%, 8% and 9% levels
had significantly lower dough strengths than a dough formulated using a 3% model sugar
solution. No dough formulated using a model sugar was significantly weaker or stronger than the
control sample. Dough stability, in general, was not effected by the addition of honey. Also, the
model sugar solution produced doughs less stable than the control and honey added at the same
concentration for the 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, and 10% levels.
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Gelatinisation of bread doughs: There was no difference in the gelatinisation temperature between
dough using honey or a model sugar solution at the same concentration. Additionally, honey
added at 4% and 6%, and the model sugar solution added at 6% produced higher onset
temperatures than for the control. No other differences were found. The gelatinisation energies
for honey added at 6% and 8% were significantly lower than the control. Further, the
gelatinisation energies for the 6% and 8% honey levels were also significantly lower than the 6%
and 8% levels of the model sugar, respectively. No other differences were found.
Implications
Dough Rheology: These results are important since the addition of honey did not significantly
lengthen the mixing time or decrease the dough strength relative to dough without added honey.
However, adding honey at higher levels appears to increase dough stability. Thus, this study
suggests that honey at >6% addition levels produces a shorter dough mixing time and more stable
dough than that of a comparable mixed sugar solution, should various sugars be contemplated for
addition. In conclusion, if sugars (eg. a high fructose syrup) are to be added to bread for shelf-life
improvement or for some other reason, then honey would clearly be a better ingredient.
Gelatinisation of bread doughs: Although the addition of any sugar mixture yields higher
gelatinisation than the control, the addition of honey does not produce significantly higher
gelatinisation temperatures that the addition of a model sugar mixture. Conversely, adding honey
reduces the energy required for gelatinisation than using the same level of a model sugar solution.
This means that adding honey yields faster baking times than using a sugar mixture of fructose,
glucose, sucrose and maltose. Currently, when manufacturers increase the baking temperature,
baking times are not necessarily reduced, but these results suggest that the addition of honey
would reduce the baking time as less energy is required for the dough to gelatinise.
Publications
Mackay, D.C. (presenting author), D'Arcy, B.R. and Caffin, N. 1996. 'The Rheology of Bread
Doughs Using Honey as an Ingredient'. Abstract of paper to be presented at the 1996 Australian
Institute of Food Science and Technology, Gold Coast, 5th - 8th May, 1996. (presented 7th May
1996).
Project Details
Project No.: UQ-50A
Researchers: Dr Bruce D’Arcy
Nola Caffin
Darren Mackay
Organisation: University of Queensland, Gatton College
LAWES QLD 4345
Phone: (07) 5460 1384
Fax: (07) 5460 1171
Email: [email protected]
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Bulk honey containers
Objective
To assist honey to maintain its image as a quality natural product by identifying those
areas of production that may adversely affect quality assurance accreditation.
Background
Little is known of the influence of management procedures on metal levels in honey and beeswax
and the effect they may have on quality accreditation. Current bulk honey containers were
introduced 30 years ago, and whilst extraction plants have been upgraded the original bulk
containers are still in use. Their metal related suitability was compared to alternative containers.
Research
During honey extraction eleven apiarists collected random comb and settling tank samples before
filling washed waxed, unwashed waxed, washed galvanised, unwashed galvanised and 316, 304
and 430 grade stainless steel drums. The drums were sampled on arrival at the packing plant,
stored for 3-6 months, heated, rolled and resampled. This honey and beeswax and specific and
spot samples from an additional eight Apiarists was analysed using the ICP - MS4 method for
aluminium, chromium, nickel, zinc, copper, lead, cadmium, iron, mercury, arsenic and selenium.
Progress/Outcomes
Honey mean metal levels were below the Australian maximum permitted concentrations
(MPC)
Levels of known dangerous metals were very low and often below the level of detection.
Zinc, iron and aluminium below MPC but warrant industry attention.
Aluminium was associated with unsatisfactory fumigation procedures. The current move to
alternative comb storage eg. coldrooms removes any health implications associated with
fumigation.
Zinc results do not support the continued use of galvanised drums and whilst beeswax lining
reduced zinc levels in year 1, it is considered a possible interim measure only pending
determination of the future direction of bulk containers.
Suppliers' newsletters from two packing houses confirm action was taken following the
interim reports to minimise possible metal effects on honey quality.
Beeswax contained higher levels of metals, some as a result of old processing procedures.
Modern wax processing plant and moulds should be installed to minimise wax metal levels.
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Publications
Kleinschmidt GJ. (1996) 'Keeping Apiary products natural'
- Australian Beekeeper 98 (1): 18,25
- Australian Bee Journal 77 (7): 16 - 18
Further information
Project No: GK-1A
Researcher: Graham Kleinschmidt
Research participants from QLD, NSW, VIC, SA
Organisation: PO Box 109
MOFFAT BEACH QLD 4551
Phone: (07) 5491 8389
Fax: (07) 5491 9062
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Evaluation of honeybees for hygienic behaviour
Objectives
To speed the development of hygienic honey bee genotypes and adoption of these genotypes into
the commercial bee population. By this means, the research aimed to minimise the effects of
chalkbrood disease on the honey and queen breeding industries. In particular, the research
determined, under standardised conditions, the level of genetic variance in hygienic behaviour in
Australian honey bees.
Background
Chalkbrood is a disease of honey bees that introduced to Australia in 1993. The objective of this
experiment was to determine whether Australian commercial bees showed the ability to
efficiently clean out dead brood. Work in the United States has shown that colonies that clean out
dead brood within 24 hours never show symptoms of chalk brood.
Research
Ten untested queen bees were purchased from queen producers and beekeepers in NSW,
Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria. (Queens could not be purchased from
Queensland because of quarantine restrictions). Ten strains were tested. Queens were introduced
standardised colonies. On three occasions, a square of freeze-killed brood containing 100 cells
was introduced to all colonies. The number of dead pupae removed by the bees was counted after
48 hours, 5 days and 7 days from the time the dead brood was introduced.
Outcomes
The results showed a huge variation in the speed with which Australian bees cleaned out dead
brood. Three strains were somewhat hygienic, while most were not sufficiently hygienic to
prevent disease. The same three strains were hygienic in tests conducted in early summer, mid
summer and autumn, despite very different honey flow conditions.
Implications
The results mean that if hygienic breeding stock is used by queen producers, untested daughters
will be sufficiently hygienic to prevent chalk brood. Queen producers should be encouraged to
identify hygienic bees for breeding stock.
Publications
Oldroyd, B.P. (1996) Evaluation of Australian commercial honey bees for hygienic behaviour, a
critical character for tolerance to chalk brood. Aust. J. Exp. Agric. 36: 625-629.
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Project details
Project No: ULA-2H
Researcher: Dr Ben Oldroyd
Organisation: LaTrobe University
Current address: School of Biological Sciences
University of Sydney NSW 2006
Phone: (02) 9351 7501
Fax: (02) 9351 4771
Email: [email protected]
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Breeding hygienic disease resistant bees
Objectives
To develop DNA markers for hygienic behaviour so that hygienic stock can be rapidly and
cheaply identified.
To develop protocols for molecular analysis of other economic traits.
Background
Chalkbrood disease causes losses to production which may be as much as 5-10%. Best prospects
for control are the use of resistant bees and good beekeeping practice. Recently, a very large
number of genetic markers have been developed for honey bees. This project will identify genetic
markers close to those genes which control hygienic behaviour. By this means, we will develop
markers that may be used diagnostically by queen breeders to identify hygienic stock. If all
commercial bees were hygienic, potential savings to the industry would be $1m/pa.
Research
A cross between pure breeding hygienic and non-hygienic lines has been produced and
backcrossed to the hygienic parent. Backcross colonies will be of a range of phenotypes, Genetic
markers which are associated with hygienic behavioural morphs in the back cross will be field
tested as candidate markers for hygienic behaviour.
Outcomes
Placing genes that control hygienic behaviour on the honeybee genetic map.
Greater understanding of the genetics of hygienic behaviour.
Implications
Direct application of research results will allow queen breeders to cheaply identify hygienic stock.
By this means, all commercial colonies in Australia could potentially be converted to hygienic
genotypes at moderate cost paid for by the queen breeders who have queens tested. On an
assumption that chalkbrood and other brood diseases depress production and increase costs of
production by 5%, use of hygienic bees may raise production by a similar amount, with potential
savings of around $1 million per annum. Queen breeders might also benefit by gaining a greater
share of international markets. At the conclusion of this research we hope that a genome testing
service will be established for the industry at moderate cost.
Publications
Nil to date.
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Project Details
Project No: US-39A
Researchers: Dr. Ben Oldroyd
Keryn Wilkes
Kieren Sunderland
Kerrie Parker
Organisation: School of Biological Sciences,
University of Sydney
Macleay Building, AI2
University of Sydney NSW 2006
Phone: (02) 9351 7501 (02) 9351 4487
Fax: (02) 9351 4771
Email: [email protected]
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Impact of commercially managed honeybees on the flora and fauna of
banksia heathland in Ngarkat Conservation Park
Objectives
To measure the impact of commercially managed honeybees on selected native flora and fauna in
Ngarkat Conservation Park during winter which will assist in formulating management strategies
that will allow continued use of natural resources by honeybees while maximising the
conservation of the natural system.
Background
The continued use of floral resources by commercial apiarists in reserves conflicts with the
primary purpose of those reserves - the conservation of endemic wildlife. Land managers
continually review their policies on access for beekeepers to conserved lands, because of a
concern that continued presence of honeybees may be detrimental. There are limited data on
which sensible decisions can be made. In South Australia, Ngarkat Conservation Park is an
important over-wintering site for honeybees. This project aimed to measure the responses of
native flora and fauna to experimental introductions of beehives to remote parts of Ngarkat
Conservation Park during winter when Banksia ornata was flowering.
Research
The research involved selecting 15 sites (each at least 3 km away from any other site) within the
central part of Ngarkat Conservation Park. Most of this area had had no previous history of
commercially-managed honeybees and densities of feral colonies were negligible (0.001
colonies/ha). Some of the sites and not others then received commercial loads of honeybees in
one or more seasons and the responses of native biota to those manipulations measured. Amongst
the taxa considered were nectar-feeding birds, small mammals, native bees and several other
groups of flower-visiting insects, including ants and staphylinid beetles. The research also
involved measuring the production and availability of floral resources and seed production by the
plants.
Outcome
Although the presence of honeybees reduced the quantities of nectar available at Banksia
inflorescences, particularly near apiaries, there were still considerable quantities of nectar
remaining at the end of the day when honeybee foraging had ceased. The quantities left over
often exceeded 0.5g of sugar/inflorescence even within 100m of an apiary. These quantities were
more than adequate to satisfy the energy requirements of native fauna. Tawny-crowned
Honeyeaters, the most abundant honeyeater in the area, needs only about 5 g of sugar per day to
satisfy its energy requirements which can be obtained by visiting just 10 inflorescences at the end
of the day. Around 1,000 inflorescences/ha are typically in bloom at one time. Pollen availability
was more conspicuously reduced at sites stocked with honeybees, particularly near apiaries and
the extent that pollen resources were reduced was related to the size of the apiary. At sites
stocked with 40-50 hives pollen availability was only reduced significantly for the first few
hundred metres but for large apiaries (>100 hives) significant reductions in pollen availability
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were evident even at distances of 1 km from the apiary. This reduction in pollen availability is
the major impact that honeybees have on floral resources in Ngarkat Conservation Park during
winter. Nevertheless there is still unexploited pollen present at inflorescences and the amounts
present appear more than adequate to satisfy the needs of extant native fauna.
Consistent with this surfeit of food there were no significant differences in the numbers of
honeyeaters counted at sites stocked and not stocked with honeybees. Nor were there any
significant differences between sites with and without honeybees in (i) the numbers of small-
nectar feeding mammals caught in pitfalls, (ii) the numbers of mammal faecal deposits left on
inflorescences, or (iii) the invertebrates counted on inflorescences.
At sites without honeybees, seed production by Banksia ornata ranged from 3.7 to 7.3 seeds per
inflorescence over three years. Seed production at sites stocked with honeybees, however, was
significantly higher ranging from 8.3 to 10.9 seeds per inflorescence over the same period. These
data indicate that honeybees enhanced seed production of Banksia ornata. Pollination trials
revealed that at sites without honeybees Banksia ornata was severely pollinator limited, while at
sites stocked with honeybees seed production could not be enhanced further by adding pollen to
inflorescences.
In summary, in most winters there was surplus nectar being produced by Banksia ornata in
Ngarkat Conservation Park and surplus pollen, and the explanation for this was that there were
insufficient native fauna present in the reserve to exploit all the resources. The introduction of
commercial loads of honeybees into the reserve did not affect the numbers of native fauna living
in the reserve during winter but did result in a substantial increase in seed production for Banksia
ornata. Excluding honeybees from this reserve might now be detrimental to the long term
survival of Banksia ornata, which reproduces after fire only by seed. Plans to exclude
beekeeping from this reserve might be inappropriate. Nevertheless the above results should not
be blindly extrapolated to other sites. All that has been demonstrated is that there is no
detrimental impact of honeybees on the flora and fauna of Ngarkat Conservation Park during the
2-3 month winter period when Banksia ornata blooms and when apiarists need access. Simple
techniques were developed during this study to assess the availability of floral resources at
Banksia inflorescences and the results of this study may also apply to other areas dominated by
winter-flowering Banksias. In general, extrapolation to other areas outside the winter period
should be done with caution.
Publications
Paton, D.C. 1995. Impact of honeybees on the flora and fauna of Banksia heathlands in Ngarkat
Conservation Park. SASTA Journal 95: 3-1 1.
Paton, D.C. 1996. Overview of the impacts of feral and managed honeybees in Australia:
distribution, abundance, extent of interactions with native biota, evidence of impacts and future
research. Aust. Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra. 71 pp.
Paton, D.C. 1997. Honey bees Apis mellifera and the disruption of plant-pollinator systems in
Australia. Vic. Nat. 114: 23- 29
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Further information
Project No: UA-IH
Researcher: Dr David Paton
Organisation: Department of Zoology
University of Adelaide
ADELAIDE SA 5005
Phone: (08) 8228 4742
Fax: (08) 8223 5817
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The benefits to the beekeeping industry and society from secure
access to public lands and their melliferous resources
Objective
To provide an objective assessment of the implications to the beekeeping industry and society of
non-secure access to conserved lands and of those policy processes that have been applied to
consider this issue to date. A major objective is to specify an objective and ‘holistic’ approach to
developing beekeeper access policy that will provide a balance accounting of interrelated ecological,
economic and societal considerations.
Background
Security of access for beekeepers to conserved lands (national parks and state forests) is the single
most important issue facing the beekeeping industry at the moment. The recent trend is for access to
be denied or to be phased out with existing generation of beekeepers; motivated almost entirely by
concerns over the perceived adverse impacts of beekeeping activity on the ecosystems involved.
The scientific community has devoted considerable attention to documenting the possible impacts of
apiary activity on natural ecosystems in recent years. The results have been almost invariably
inconclusive. The major problems have been to do with the variable and complex nature of those
ecosystems and in isolating the specific impacts of managed honeybees. It is likely that further
‘partial’ scientific investigation on the same issue will be similarly inconclusive, and is, therefore, of
questionable value to the general community. If further research is to be considered, it would be
much more valuable to consider the issue from a broader perspective combining scientific,
community and economic considerations through a single cooperative investigative venture.
Research
The first part of the project involved an extensive review of recent scientific and economic research
on the implications of beekeeping activity on the ecological integrity and economic value of
conserved lands (National Parks and other public natural reserves). Of equal importance, was a
review of policy processes that have been applied to decide on beekeeper access arrangements.
Considerable attention was devoted to building an understanding of the motivations and ‘theories’
underlying these research and policy activities. The final report was highly critical of current
methods for dealing with the access issue. Considerable space was devoted to specifying a revised
process for developing more ‘holistically’ considerable policy with a strong foundation on
community and industry participation and consultation. The recommended policy process was
demonstrated through detailed examples. In terms of methods, the key elements included the
application of a highly user friendly and participation orientated ‘modelling’ approach known as
system dynamics and a theoretical basis in the territories of learning organisations and ecological
economics. In contrast to conventional policy practice, the recommended process involves a higher
degree of community and industry empowerment and is orientated to all around communication and
learning between diverse stakeholder interest groups.
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Outcomes
Complex ecological economic problems require an innovative rethink of traditional policy
approach. The key observation from this research is that more is unknown about the problem than
known. There is no unequivocal scientific evidence to support or reject claims of adverse ecological
impact from beekeeping activity on public lands. The economic evidence is similarly limited. The
economic consequences of policies designed to restrict access are likely to be very large and severe,
largely described in terms of ‘secondary’ impacts on related agricultural activities with a high degree
of dependence on effective honeybee pollination. In this environment of poor information, a
stakeholder driven approach is required to support the consideration of policy/management
alternatives. The detailed project outlines an appropriate stakeholder driven mechanism for the joint
consideration of key policy operatives and industry interests. It is noted the recommended process
will probably involve a considerable reorientation of thinking in many of those organisations
currently managing beekeeper access arrangements. That can be facilitated through carefully
managed industry and community pressure. The lessons presented by those industry organisations
which have had some success in the negotiation of reasoned access arrangements are a valuable
input in this regard.
Implications
Those public agencies intent on removing beekeeper access to conserved public land would be hard
pressed to justify their decision on the sole basis of prevailing scientific evidence. That evidence is
inconsistent and highly location/condition specific. In addition, there is economic evidence to
suggest a complex and extensive flow of consequences that will reduce the welfare of the general
community if access is to be permanently removed. The major need is for a more consultative and
community empowered approach to policy decision making in this regard. An appropriate process
is specified in the final report for this project. The prevailing trend to remove beekeeper access is
probably the most significant contemporary threat to the continued viability of the Australian
beekeeping industry: an industry which creates much more in the way of unpriced benefits to
pollination dependant agricultural industries and their related service sectors and support
communities that the value of its primary honey product.
Project Details:
Project No: UNE-46A
Researcher: Dr Roderic Gill
Organisation: Resource Systems Management Consulting
“Camusfearna”
Chandler Road
ARMIDALE NSW 2350
Phone: (067) 75 1709
Fax: (067) 75 1710
Email: [email protected]
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Introduction and evaluation of replacement species for blackberry in
Tasmania
Objective
To introduce and evaluate a range of perennial legumes that have potential as honey producers
and may be considered as a replacement for blackberry in Tasmania.
Background
European blackberry is an important resource in the production of Tasmania's white honey.
White honey consists of clover and blackberry flora. If blackberry was lost from the industry, 15
out of the 235 beekeepers that use blackberry would absorb 97% of the industry's financial loss.
If blackberry was completely removed, the industry would suffer a loss of $277,000 and five full-
time beekeepers who work in the major would suffer individual income losses of between $4,000
and $88,000.
Research
Perennials: From mid 1991 through to January 1993 a range of perennial legumes known to
have potential as honey bee plants were introduced into Australia, principally form southern
Europe and western North America. As the amount of seed per accession was very small (often
less than 10 seeds) the plants were first established in small pots until they had attained sufficient
size to be transplanted into the field. This occurred during February/March 1993 and growth has
been monitored since then.
Annuals: The Crops branch, DPIF, forage legume introduction program provided the
majority of the species tested. From March 1993 until March 1994 a collection of 137 Lathyrus,
Lupinus and Vicia species were grown in 5m rows at the Mt Pleasant Laboratories. During this
time the plants were examined during the flowering period to establish the number of bees
actively foraging.
Details of the accessions are detailed in the final report.
Progress/Outcomes
A total of 103 perennial and 137 annual legumes have been assembled and evaluated for
attractiveness to honey bees.
Four species have been selected for further evaluation, namely Dorycnium hirsutum, D.
pentaphyllum, Vicia cracca and V. villosa.
Drought conditions during 1993 and 1994 greatly reduced the amount of seed produced.
Vicia cracca is currently being evaluated for honey production by the Wynyard High School
and the NW Tasmanian Beekeepers’ Association and by a professional beekeeper near
Deloraine.
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Half (0.5) a hectare of Vicia villosa was grown and the result indicates that commercial
quantities of a high quality, distinctive flavoured, fight honey can be produced from broad
acreage sowing of Vicia villosa.
Dorycnium spp. have been planted in a trial block near Swansea on Tasmania's East Coast.
Extension includes meetings with the Tasmanian Beekeeping Association (TBA), North West
TBA, interviews on ABC Country Program and television and a jointly managed site of 1,000
plants involving the Wynyard High School, North West beekeepers and Forestry Commission.
Further information
Project No: DAT 2H
Researcher: Robert Reid
Organisation: Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research
PO Box 46
KINGS MEADOWS TAS 7249
Phone: (03) 6336 5449
Fax: (03) 6344 4961
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Pilot study of natural resources database for the NSW apiary industry
Objectives
To test the methodologies of conducting a survey of NSW beekeepers to ultimately compile a floral
resource database for the NSW apiary industry.
Background
NSW comprises between 40% and 45% of the Australian beekeeping industry and its reliance on a
range of floral species is imperative for its survival. A steering committee was formed to determine
what direction this research project should take and what detail would be achievable in conducting a
statewide survey of all 450 commercial beekeepers in NSW.
Research
Twenty beekeepers were selected on the basis of their likelihood to contribute to the development of
the project, their geographic distribution and the range of operations.
These 20 beekeepers account for 13,610 hives (NSW Agriculture, Beekeeper Registration System,
June 1996).
Hive Number Distribution
Hive Number Range 200-400 401-600 601-1000 1001-1500 1501-2000
Pilot Study Beekeepers 7 3 4 5 1
This sub group also encompasses areas outside of honey production, including package bee
production, queen bee production, paid pollination and comb honey production.
Survey forms were sent to the 20 beekeepers in July 1996. Follow up occurred during August and
September. The completed survey returns were checked and coded. Each floral resource was
allocated a code prior to the Resource Information section of NSW Agriculture entering and
mapping the data.
Outcomes
The results of the pilot project were: 13 responses from 20 surveyed, although one response was
only partly completed.
Of the 13 responses, the number of species listed range from 4 to 53.
Four responses from beekeepers with 400 hives or less ranged from 4, 6 and 36 species. Six
responses from beekeepers with 500-800 hives listed 23, 34, 43, 24 and 45 species. Three responses
from beekeepers with over 1,000 hives indicated 53, 18 and 10 species.
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From the 12 responses, sites are primarily in private property. (One survey did not fill out cover
sheet.)
Beekeepers Total
Hives
State
Forest
National
Parks
Crown
Land
Rural
Lands
Private
Property
12 8400 312 21 16 137 937
Total number of sites = 1,423. A number of responses mention that sites are often used for more
than one species.
Implications
Considering this is a very small sub group of the NSW apicultural industry, it is not justified in
drawing conclusions in relation to how important various land tenures are to the industry. Lessons
learnt in the pilot survey include:
- One beekeeper did not fill in the locality section of the survey form as he and another (not
received) felt that this information took a lifetime to accumulate and did not feel it in their
best interests to divulge such information.
- Personal communication with a number of beekeepers indicated that, to fill out the survey
properly, it was taking anything from two to four hours and the level of detail required was
not clear.
- The survey of all producers in NSW will be modified as a result of this exercise.
Publications
Somerville, D (1997). A Pilot Study for Natural Resources Database for the NSW Apiary Industry.
Final Report - February 1997.
Project Details
Project No: DAN-153A
Researcher: Doug Somerville
Organisation: NSW Agriculture
PO Box 389
GOULBURN NSW 2580
Phone: (048) 23 0619
Fax: (048) 22 3261
Email: [email protected]
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Floral resource database for NSW apiary industry
Objectives
To create a database of floral resource information for the NSW apiary industry.
Background
There is little data available regarding the productivity, economic value and geographic significance
of apiary sites in NSW. This information is important to NSW apiarists in view of the ever
increasing demands being placed on land, both public and private. These changes in land usage are
having an impact on apiarists access to apiary sites.
Research
The survey will be conducted similar to project DAN 153A, with a set of survey forms to be sent to
all beekeepers with 200 hives plus, who work NSW floral resources.
The data collected will be coded and processed to be presented in a correlated format. Data will be
retrievable on specific floral types, frequency of mention, geographic distribution, flowering times,
years between flowering and level of honey and pollen values.
Outcomes
This research project is in progress, with survey forms sent to beekeepers in April/May 1997.
Implications
The final report is due in December 1998.
Publications
Not applicable at this stage of the project.
Project Details
Project No: DAN-155A
Researcher: Doug Somerville
Organisation: NSW Agriculture
PO Box 389
GOULBURN NSW 2580
Phone: (048) 23 0619
Fax: (048) 22 3261
Email: [email protected]
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The development of a natural resource database for the Queensland
apiary industry
Objectives
To document current natural resources of the Queensland apiary industry by investigating and
recording honey production, economic value and important floral species of apiary sites within
Queensland.
To identify potential bee foraging areas in Queensland not currently utilised for commercial
honey production.
Background
The beekeeping industry for a number of decades has registered concerns at the decreasing
availability of suitable bee forage areas. This has been due to clearing of native flora for grazing
and agriculture, and more recently the threat of exclusion from traditional sites through gazettal
into protected crown lands.
The lack of documented and evaluated information on melliferous resources has restricted the
apiary industry in arguing effectively to retain access to some valuable bee forage areas.
Research
Queensland beekeepers owning more than 50 hives have been surveyed and information on apiary
sites, honey production, prime flora and other relevant details entered on a computer database.
Tables and maps are being prepared to present the resources and their value. Site information
will be transposed to floristic maps in an attempt to identify potential new forage areas.
Outcomes
The apiary industry will have a sound resource database, which will assist in discussions with
land use managers to retain access to traditional bee forage sites. Potential new areas will be
identified which will support expansion of the apiary industry.
Implications
Greater security for the Queensland honeybee industry through assured access to proven valuable
flora for honeybees.
Publications
Nil.
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Project Details
Project No: DAQ-199A
Researchers: John Rhodes
Fraser Trueman
Organisation: Department of Primary Industries
Animal Research Institute
Locked Mail Bag No 4
MOOROOKA QLD 4105
Phone: (07) 3362 9484
Fax: (07) 3362 9440
Email: [email protected]
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A comprehensive study of beekeepers' use of honey and pollen flora
resource in Victoria
Objectives
1. To establish the productivity and economic value of apiary sites on public and private land in
Victoria and to catalogue the information on a data base for use by industry.
2. To establish the importance of nectar and pollen resources for beekeeping on a statewide and
regional basis and link these to the production of honey and other apiary products.
Background
The sustainability and economic viability of the apiary industry depends to a large degree on
continued access to traditional nectar and pollen flora resources. Continuing debate about
honeybees in conserved areas, creation of parks and public recreation areas, and effects of forestry
and other factors continue to affect the availability of apiary sites. The project will, for the first
time, provide valuable data on the use and economic importance of apiary sites for beekeeping
operations in Victoria.
Research
Two questionnaires, one for public land sites and the other for privately owned sites, were mailed
to twelve apiarists for trialing. In July, 1996, multiple copies of both forms were sent to 411
Victorian apiarists owning 50 or more hives. To reduce the workload, questionnaires for private
sites were withheld from apiarists known to use a large number of public land sites until they had
first responded to the public land questionnaires. Follow-up questionnaires will be mailed to
during June, 1997 to those apiarists who have not yet responded to the survey. Some apiarists are
reticent to complete the forms and steps have been taken emphasise that individuals and their
sites will not be identifiable in the final report.
Outcomes
One hundred and eleven apiarists (27%) have responded to the survey returning 590 individual
questionnaires many of which refer to multiple apiary sites. A further 5 beekeepers indicated that
they would complete the questionnaires during the 1997 winter months.
Implications
The apiary industry will have accurate and up-to-date data on the use of apiary sites in Victoria.
The data will also help industry to determine its dependence on conserved forests and its value to
the State and national economy.
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Project Details
Project No: DAV-109A
Researcher: Russell Goodman
Organisation: Department of Natural Resources and Environment
Institute for Horticultural Development
Private Bag 15
SOUTH-EAST MAIL CENTRE VIC 3176
Telephone: (03) 9210 9222
Facsimile: (03) 9800 3521
Email: [email protected]
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Natural resource database for the South Australian apiary industry
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Promotion of native bees in the Torres Strait
Objective
To prevent the movement of Tropilaelaps clarae and Varroa jacobsoni mites from Paua New
guinea to mainland Australia, via the Torres Strait islands.
Background
Both of these mites occur in Papua New Guinea, where they have had a devastating effect on the
populations of European honeybee (Apis mellifera). The Asian honeybee (Apis cerana) is the
natural host of Varroa mite. Asian honeybees and the Varroa mite have spread from Irian Jaya
into Papua New Guinea and onto three of the islands of the Torres Strait. Currently, the nearest
population of European honeybees is on Hammond Island, in the Torres Strait, about 100
kilometres to the south of these three islands.
Our best prospect of keeping mainland Australia free of these mites is to maintain this separation
of the two populations of honeybees.
However, some islanders have shown an interest in re-establishing ‘gardens’ for food cultivation
and there is a perception that honeybees are essential to the success of these crops. In fact the
bulk of traditional crops either do not require pollination agents, or are pollinated by native bees
and/or other agents.
Research
The variety of native bees occurring on the islands has been determined. Also, the variety of fruit
trees (native and introduced) that are commonly utilised has been catalogued, along with the
range of food crops currently under production in the region.
The benefits of the native bees in production of the fruits and crops have been promoted via
various booklets and promotional material.
Progress/Outcomes
An illustrated booklet outlining which of the food crops require pollination and which are
pollinated by the native bees and other insects. Two thousand of these were delivered to the
Torres Strait in January 1997 for distribution through the region.
An activity book for school children was produced. The book promoted the native honeybees
(Trigona spp and Austroplebeia spp.) as the local hero, “Trigon”, fighting off the invading
Asian honeybees, as well as other quarantine themes. Two thousand copies of these have been
distributed throughout the primary schools on the islands and in the northern peninsula area
around Bamaga.
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Heavy duty plastic baggage tags featuring the “heroic” Trigon have been produced and
distributed. Two thousand of these were produced in May 1996. The label also features the
Top Watch logo which was promoted by Mal Meninga in 1993.
Work has begun on publication of an illustrated booklet detailing the life histories of selected
native bees from the region. Line drawings have been produced and colour slides borrowed.
The text is not yet complete.
As part of the training of the indigenous Quarantine Assistants (based on the islands) a talk
was given outlining the possible effects of Varroa mite on the Australian apiculture industry
and the utility of native bees to pollination of traditional fruits grown in the region.
Project information
Project No: DAQ-203A
Researcher: Judy Grimshaw (coordinating participants within the Torres Strait)
Organisation: Queensland Department of Primary Industries
PO Box 1054
MAREEBA QLD 4880
Phone: (070) 92 8555
Fax: (070) 92 3593
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NEW PROJECTS - 1997-98
The following projects have been recommended by HBRDC for commencement in the 1997-98
year.
Non fungicidal and biological control of core rots Mr Chris Archer
in pome fruit (03) 6233 6830
A quality survey of Australian honeys Mr Fraser Trueman
(07) 3239 3499
Flavour quality assurance of Australian floral Dr Bruce D’Arcy
honeys by chemical finger printing (07) 5460 1384
The use of honey in moist wound management Dr Craig Davis
(07) 3406 8611
The use of honeybees to deliver biocontrol agents to Prof Alan Wearing
Geraldton waxflower (07) 5460 1231