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| Observation Hive at
the Horniman Museum Forest Hill SE23
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EDITORIAL
Writing this on the longest day, I am reminded
of how swiftly the year has gone by so far. Now as the full summer
begins and the days draw in, I have to start thinking about firewood,
drainage levies, frost lagging (-13C here last winter), and the
state of the track from town. This makes me feel guilty when
I'm swigging some tinto over a hot barbecue in the even hotter
sun, because I know I should be doing something about it. I look
forward to the shortest day, always the best in my calendar.
From then on, things are on the up.
GMO's again
In this issue of Apis UK, we take another lengthy look at the
GMO scene. I am well aware that this newsletter is not a crusading
vehicle either for the use of GM technology, or against it,
and you may think that in this issue, the subject is somewhat
overdone, but as beekeepers, we are caught up in the middle
of the controversy willingly or unwillingly simply because
our livestock are at the heart of the matter. I am certain
that the more we know about this complex subject the better
we will be able to ensure that informed opinion is directed
at those who can make decisions and laws. Our MP's. It is
some months since we last brushed on
this subject and it appears that much has happened. A national
debate has begun with recriminations already flying
around in all directions; one report (see below) states that
GMO's are a good thing and should be given a chance and another
says quite opposite and in the middle of it all, the public
are given their say. And after all this, who can you believe.
I think it probably depends upon what you thought in the first
place. There appear to be enough arguments both for and against,
to sustain your own point of view. Perhaps the point made
by the independent panel of scientists about sustainable
agriculture reported on in the articles section below
is a telling one. I was fairly upset to read though that
monosodium glutamate was off the menu as far as organic agriculture
was concerned. Try having a decent Chinese meal without it!
Read the report and let us know what you think. My only comment
so far would be to ask the question; who defines who is
independent and who isn't?
Talking of letting us know what
you think, I get letters on all sorts of subjects from readers
who don't want them to be published. For instance I got three
emails concerning John Yate's article on the state of British
beekeeping, all of them agreeing with him. Another reminded
me that solitary bees and bumble bees were not Apis species
and so why was I mentioning them in Apis UK. (I do so again
below). So if you have a point of view, be bold. Get your letters
published, and let the rest of us share your thoughts and damn
us if we don't agree.
As new beekeepers take up the hobby
(and there are some), it is with increasing frustration that
I hear them trot out the old statements about acarine, nosema,
dysentery etc, all of it from old texts (actually some fairly
new texts as well) and some of it from more experienced beekeepers
at lectures and on courses. Surely, in the 21st century we
are knowledgeable enough as beekeepers to be able to keep up
with the essential basic knowledge of the craft and science
of the subject. Beekeeping isn't just a quaint, old fashioned
hobby for old timers. It's a dynamic and highly skilled form
of livestock husbandry, essential to the well being of any
agricultural nation, (why else does DEFRA spend good money
on bee disease inspectors) and it is incumbent upon all of
us to keep abreast as best we can of new knowledge and findings.
The short articles on 'fact or fiction' have been a small attempt
to lay to rest some of the myths and these return this month
with a short brief on nosema and dysentery. For most of you,
(I hope), this will be old hat, but bear with us; some will
be enlightened.
We welcome Matt Allen back in the articles section and of course
we keep you up to date with all events associated with the world
of beekeeping. So, as the shortest day approaches, I hope that you
enjoy this issue of Apis UK. Keep in touch.
David Cramp. Editor.
NEWS
QUEENS BIRTHDAY HONOURS
Congratulations to John Douglas Wilson of Popes
Lane, Ealing W5. John has been awarded an MBE for services to beekeeping
in
the Queens Birthday Honours. John has been a beekeeper since 1947 and apiarist
to
Ealing
Beekeepers Association and serves on the committees of the Central Association & National
Honey Show.
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John Douglas Wilson |
MORE BAD MITES
Pyrethroid resistant mites have now been confirmed to the east of Exeter and
in the area of Haverfordwest in South Wales. Both these areas are a considerable
distance from the Cornwall/North Devon outbreak. There is strong
evidence that the appearance of these new cases is due to the
movement of bees by beekeepers and not new resistance development.
The heather
season on Dartmoor and Exmoor is very close. There is no official
standstill order but members are strongly advised to think very
carefully about moving bees to these heather areas this year.
The progress of PR Varroa through the country is inevitable.
However the actions of beekeepers can control the rate of spread.
The slower the mite moves around the country the more time we
have to be prepared and the more chance that a reliable and effective
alternative treatment will be registered in time.
Everyone should
carry out at one or two resistance tests this year in every apiary
and certainly do so if there is any anxiety on mite population
levels or there is a chance of contact with PR colonies during
the last two years. For support and reassurance contact your
local bee inspector to discuss your concerns. Glyn
Davies BBKA Chairman 24 June 2003.
THE NATIONAL DEBATE ON GM CROPS
As the respected independent think tank the Nuffield
council on Bio Ethics reports that GM technology can contribute
substantially to improving agriculture in developing countries
and can improve
the livelihoods of poor people, the UK public is now being given
the chance to debate genetically modified (GM) food and crops.
The first of a series of meetings on the issue took place in
Birmingham
with similar events at other venues in across Britain during June.
This is designed to help the government decide whether to allow
the commercial
cultivation of GM crops. The Six month Nuffield study, mentioned
earlier and carried out by senior scientists and economists has
concluded that the technology has the potential to substantially
improve the
lives of the worlds poorest people, and should be given a chance.
As the public are aware, GM crops have attracted widespread opposition.
The public debate on genetically modified food and crops will take
its place among a bewildering variety of reports and inquiries
coming up in the next few months, all of which will to some degree inform
the government's decisions.
Current trials of GM crops are nearing completion, and the results
should be known by September, and are being conducted as the result
of a voluntary moratorium agreed by the biotechnology industry, which
agreed to hold off submitting its applications to grow GM crops until
their potential impact on the UK environment was studied. But
the trials themselves have only been looking into part of the question,
leaving many other questions unanswered. For instance, it will not
touch the question of whether genetically modified food poses a
risk
to health. (Fairly important? Ed.).
BUMBLEBEES IN DANGER
In the last issue, we mentioned the danger to bumblebees in the UK. Figures now
out show that the large garden bumblebee has suffered a decline of 95% since
the 1960s as a result of the reduction in wild flowers, and is now on the
verge of extinction. That is a staggering statistic. Two types are now extinct.
Cullem's Bumblebee was last seen in 1941 and Bombus subteraneous, the short
haired bumblebee was last seen in 1999. Of the 21 species of native bumblebee
and 6 species of cuckoo bee, 5 types are in serious decline and 6 are still
widespread. The director of the national trust has said that the 15 million
gardens across the UK could make an enormous difference to the bumblebee
if the right plants are grown and is encouraging the use of nectar giving
plants - lavender, rosemary, geraniums (not pelargoniums), and to avoid the
planting of such plants as petunias, Mexican salvias and pansies which have
little or no nectar. This is an area where all beekeepers with gardens should
be able to help.
DO YOU ALREADY WORK IN A HIVE?
A UK architect Francis Duffy has
suggested that workplaces can be divided into 4 main types namely
Hives and Cells, dens and clubs. He suggests that hives are
aptly named because they are full of busy workers characterised
by individual, routine process work with low levels of interaction
and low autonomy. These workers would be telesales staff, data
entry, routine banking, financial and admin services, and basic
information services. So do you already work in a hive?
NEW SOFTWARE FOR BEEKEEPERS
Pro-Bee 2000 is a new Windows compatible
software package for beekeepers for recording and organising records on up to
200 bee stocks. The package comprises 2 main parts.
An
input module comprising seven sections covering stock locations
and crops; queen and hive details; swarm activity;
honey yield
records; inspection & disease treatment observations and feed
totals. Information is entered by reference to colony ID numbers
assigned to each stock either individually or en-bloc. All of the
input sections feature multi-selection tickbox options and include
provision for written notes & observations. The input
module also incorporates some user-defined inputs, facilities
to set
inspection intervals and report form printout options.
The
output module displays information, in a separate window,
using a variety of tables, pop-up displays and bar-charts.
Output displays
are arranged to show, at a glance, both broad
sweep information (current stock distributions; honey yields;
inspection/treatment status etc.) on a site by site and colony
by colony basis. Colour
coded bar-charts make it possible to review the general performance
of up to seven queen types (bloodlines)
with respect
to productivity; tendency to swarm, disease tolerance and
feed totals on a site by site basis. Bar-chart representations
and
sort facilities also make it possible to display relationships
between
individual stocks and identify trends and common characteristics
under 23 separate heading (e.g. group honey yields by queen/hive
type or queen age or swarm activity etc). The
output module also incorporates a comprehensive range of
printout facilities including inspection/treatment schedules
and honey extraction
records & batch codes.
Future developments
Include an “add-on” scanner interface module intended
to further simplify record input by making it possible to use a
flat bed scanner to read-in “hand compiled” records.
A
version of the software for professional beekeepers (with
up to 650 stocks) is currently under test (Pro-Bee Plus)
and a “Pro-Bee
Lite” version, more suited to the needs hobby beekeeper,
is under development.
Full details about Pro Bee 2000 and on-going developments
are available on www.Pro-Bee.com For
further information please contact: Brian
Lovell 34, Saffron Gardens, Wethersfield, Braintree, Essex.
CM7 4 BL Tel: 01371 850596 E-mail: Brian@Pro-Bee.com
NEW WEBSITE WHICH GIVES AN OVERVIEW OF "NEW
BEEKEEPING IN A LONG DEEP HIVE" - PIONEERED BY ROBIN DARTINGTON
Robin Dartington has kept bees for over 25 years in both rooftop
urban settings and more relaxed country apiaries. He has made a
close study of the biology and ecology of the honey bee and from
this has developed an innovative approach to practical management
which reduces swarming to an absolute minimum. As a professional
engineer he has designed the Long Deep Hive (LDH) from first principles
- starting with the ergonomics and safety of lifting weights. The
maximum weight anyone ever has to lift in normal honey-box manipulations
is about 16 lbs (8 kilos).
Robin is emphatic that there is nothing 'new' about the Long Deep
Hive - he has merely brought together some very ancient principles
of hive construction and produced a new synthesis - based on a
profound understanding of the normal development of a bee colony
over the year.
The site includes details of the numerous books and publications
Robin has produced relating to the Lond Deep Hive. There is also
an extensive photo-gallery which records my own DIY construction
project to build my own first LDH. As someone who has both British
National Hives and Langstroth Hives - I can only say that the Dartington
Hive has transformed my beekeeping. It is MUCH easier to use; the
bees are much LESS disturbed by inspections and it is all just
more enjoyable.
I would stress that the Dartington Hive has been designed with
the home-hobbyist in mind - it is not a commercial hive. However,
there are more than 5 variations on the design including specialist
hives for queen rearing; migratory beekeeping; back garden town
apiary; country apiary and so on.
This is the 'unofficial' site - Robin will be putting
and official site together in the coming months. I just wanted
to help out in
the interim and to document the DIY building of my own Long Deep
Hive - which has transformed my enjoyment of beekeeping. Graham
White Tel: 01890 882 713 Email:gw@broxmouth.freeserve.co.uk URL: http://mysite.freeserve.com/longdeephive/
BBKA WEBSITE NEWS
The British Beekeepers Association website has moved to a new
web host. The
old
site will remain in service and maintained while a completely new
site is designed. The new site will have more automated features
and searchable databases. If you would like to influence the shape
of the new site or would like to provide articles especially those
aimed at new beekeepers contact the webmaster via the BBKA website. http://www.bbka.org.uk
BRITISH BEEKEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION RESULTS
FOR WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS HELD ON 22ND MARCH 2003
Module 1 Honeybee Management
Christopher James Adam Cymer (Afan), Port Talbot, West Glamorgan.
Credit Richard Anthony Bache Badgers Cross, Somerton, Somerset.
Credit
Robert Keith Hogben Dorchester, Dorset Credit
Kenneth Mark Hoult St. Stephens, Launceston, Cornwall. Credit
Christopher Charles Lavis Brynmenyn, Bridgend, West Glamorgan.
Stephen Philip Lines Birchington, Kent. Credit
Suzan Malcolm Saltash, Cornwall. Credit
David George Mcintosh Penzance, Cornwall. Distinction
Brahim Meraga Rackenford, Tiverton, Devon. Credit
Geoffrey Richard Pears Colchester, Essex
Thomas Michael Joseph Ryder The Park, Nottingham.
Megan Jo Seymour Wells, Somerset. Distinction
Ian Arthur Watkinson Norwich, Norfolk.
Roy William White Kingsbury Episcopi Martock, Somerset.
Module 2 Honeybee Products and Forage
Christopher James Adam Cymer (Afan), Port Talbot, West Glamorgan.
Credit
Keith Andrew Bartlem Brompton-on Swale, North Yorkshire. Credit
Donald Bealing Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire. Credit
Rebecca Mary Champion Hurst Green, Etchingham, East Sussex. Distinction
Margaret Lucy Cowley Quarnden, Derbyshire. Distinction
Timothy J. Daley Fivehead, Taunton, Somerset.
Richard James Eades Petersfield, Hampshire. Credit
Francis Richard Ellis Shadwell, Leeds, Yorkshire. Credit
Judith Mary Hart Brearton, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Distinction
Robert Keith Hogben Dorchester, Dorset.
John Bateman Hunt Steyning, West Sussex Distinction
Christopher Charles Lavis Brynmenyn, Bridgend, West Glamorgan.
Suzan Malcolm Saltash, Cornwall.
Margaret Elisabeth Anne Mccord Stanwick St. John, Richmond, North
Yorkshire. Distinction
Jeremy Denis Quinlan Dallinghoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk. Credit
David Souter Rennison West End, Ampleforth, North Yorkshire. Credit
Thomas Michael Joseph Ryder The Park, Nottingham.
Megan Jo Seymour Wells, Somerset. Distinction
Catherine Turner Timble, Otley, North Yorkshire. Credit
Ian Arthur Watkinson Norwich, Norfolk.
Roy William White Kingsbury Episcopi Martock, Somerset. Credit
Module 3 Diseases, Pests and Poisoning
Paul Abigail Warminster, Wiltshire. Credit Keith Andrew Bartlem
Brompton-on Swale, North Yorkshire. Donald Bealing Scotgate, Pateley
Bridge, North Yorkshire.
John Stuart Ching Porchester, Nottingham.
Timothy James Daplyn Temple Cloud, Somerset.
Moyra Anne Davidson Godalming, Surrey. Credit
Peter John Durston Sudbury, Suffolk.
Judith Mary Hart Brearton, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Distinction
Malcolm Haynes Gatley, Stockport, Cheshire. Credit
Sarah Catherine Hepher Frating, Colchester, Essex. Credit
Alan Johnston Wheldrake, York.
Graham James Loveridge Pontypool, Torfaen. Credit
Margaret Elisabeth Anne Mccord Stanwick St. John, Richmond, North
Yorkshire. Distinction
Eunice Anne Nahmmacher London.
Sheila Owden Stones Green, Harwich, Essex.
Hilary Janette Parkes London. Credit
Geoffrey Richard Pears Colchester, Essex.
David Souter Rennison West End, Ampleforth, North Yorkshire. Credit
Julian Dudley Routh Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. Credit
Catherine Turner Timble, Otley, North Yorkshire.
Caroline Susan Washington London.
Roy William White Kingsbury Episcopi Martock, Somerset.
Module 4 Intermediate Honeybee Biology
Moyra Anne Davidson Godalming, Surrey. Credit
Malcolm Haynes Gatley, Stockport, Cheshire. Credit
Margaret Linda Holland Silverstone, Towcester, Northamptonshire.
Distinction
Ruth Margaret Homer Litton Cheney, Dorchester, Dorset. Credit
Ian Richard Homer Litton Cheney, Dorchester, Dorset.
Lesley Ann Morris Liphook, Hampshire. Credit
J. Margaret Woodhouse New Tredegar, Mid Glamorgan. Credit
Module 5 Honeybee Biology
Michael Sinclair Bain Weston under Redcastle, Shrewsbury. Shropshire.
Distinction Stewart Bruce Beattie Stainton With Adgarley, Barrow
In Furness, Cumbria. Credit John Stuart Ching Porchester, Nottingham.
Michael Costello Leyland, Lancashire. Credit
Glyn David Flowerdew Newstead Abbey Park, Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire.
Distinction
John Penrose Gowar Hagley, Stourbridge, West Midlands. Distinctio
Christopher Roderick Harries Cardiff, South Wales. Distinction
Mary Elizabeth Jenkins Comberton, Cambridge. Credit
Carol Lesley Jones Mollington, Cheshire.
Alan John Henry Kime Uxbridge, Middlesex.
Jane Alison Medwell Eathorpe, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.
Thomas Nisbet Coed-Y-Glyn, Wrexham, Clwyd. Distinction
Joyce Irene Nisbet Coed-Y-Glyn, Wrexham, Clwyd. Distinction
Robert Proffitt Mollington, Cheshire. Credit
David Purchase Oakley, Basingstoke, Hampshire.
Francis Russell Ide, Exeter, Devon. Credit
Michael Szilagyi South Croydon, Surrey.
Ian Arthur Watkinson Norwich, Norfolk. Credit
Module 6 Honeybee Behaviour
Michael Sinclair Bain Weston under Redcastle, Shrewsbury. Shropshire.
Credit
Michael Costello Leyland, Lancashire. Credit
George Eames Belmont, Durham. Credit
Glyn David Flowerdew Newstead Abbey Park, Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire.
Distinction
Francis Gellatly Caio, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire. Credit
John Penrose Gowar Hagley, Stourbridge, West Midlands. Credit
Mary Elizabeth Jenkins Comberton, Cambridge. Credit
Paul Yenan Key Rhydlewis, Llandysul, Ceredigion. Credit
Alan John Henry Kime Uxbridge, Middlesex. Credit
Jane Alison Medwell Eathorpe, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. Distinction
Thomas Nisbet Coed-Y-Glyn, Wrexham, Clwyd. Credit
Gia Pendred Shalford, Guildford, Surrey. Distinction
Marshall Pugh Tattenhall, Chester, Cheshire. Credit
David Purchase Oakley, Basingstoke, Hampshire. Credit
Francis Russell Ide, Exeter, Devon. Credit
Robert Spencer Heswall, Wirral. Credit
Susan Jane onelli Irby, Wirral. Credit
Margaret Ann Watson Egremont, Wallasey, Merseyside. Credit
Roy William White Kingsbury Episcopi Martock, Somerset. Credit
The following have gained their Intermediate Certificate
John Stuart Ching Porchester, Nottingham. Credit Michael Costello
Leyland, Lancashire. Credit Glyn David Flowerdew Newstead Abbey
Park, Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire. Distinction
Moyra Anne Davidson Godalming, Surrey. Credit Christopher Roderick
Harries Cardiff, South Wales. Distinction
Judith Mary Hart Brearton, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Distinction
Malcolm Haynes Gatley, Stockport, Cheshire. Credit
Ian Richard Homer Litton Cheney, Dorchester, Dorset.
Ruth Margaret Homer Litton Cheney, Dorchester, Dorset.
Margaret Elisabeth Anne Mccord Stanwick St. John, Richmond, North
Yorkshire. Credit
David Souter Rennison West End, Ampleforth, North Yorkshire. Credit
Julian Dudley Routh Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. Credit
Roy William White Kingsbury Episcopi Martock, Somerset.
The following have gained their Senior Theory Certificate
Michael Sinclair Bain Weston under Redcastle, Shrewsbury. Shropshire.
Credit
Paul Yenan Key Rhydlewis, Llandysul, Ceredigion. Credit
Jane Alison Medwell Eathorpe, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.
Thomas Nisbet Coed-Y-Glyn, Wrexham, Clwyd. Credit
David Purchase Oakley, Basingstoke, Hampshire.
John Hendrie Secretary to the Examinations Board June
2003
BEE KEEPING AND DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA
BRAIN - Bee Research Association of India is a charitable association
formed in India for the development of bee keeping and bee products.
The association
has its headquarters located at the southernmost part of India, Kerala. We are
trying to educate, promote, help and motivate the people of India in the field
of bee keeping and bee products by assisting in the research of bee products,
bee rearing and connected activity. Our aim is to provide employment opportunities
for thousands. We would like to associate with leading bee research associations'
world wide who may be interested in such a noble cause. We request you to kindly
help us in such an activity. Thanking you, Yours faithfully, S/d Govindan President,
BRAIN. Bee Research Association of India (BRAIN) Kallanchira,
Kanhangad P.O. Ph: 91-4997 204276/201810 Kasaargod Dt. PIN 671315 Fax 04997 204650
Kerala. India Email: brain_spin@rediffmail.com
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APIMONDIA 2003 - LATEST NEWS
So far over 1000 participants have registered for the congress, which thus promises
to go down in history as one of the biggest APIMONDIA congresses. All the participants
are kindly requested to register as soon as possible and thus secure their
post at the congress.
Final congress programme
The final programme of the congress including all the details with a possibility
of alphabetical search for authors will be available on our webpage on
July 30, 2003.
Exhibition
The public interest in the API-EXPO exhibition has surpassed all our expectations.
All the exhibitors who wish to register for the API-EXPO should kindly
note that only the applications received by 30th July 2003 will be considered.
Beekeper's day
On the 22nd June, Slovenian bee-keepers celebrated their bee-keeping day. This
first-time event was so successful that they decided to make it a traditional
movable feast which will be celebrated every year on the Sunday nearest
to 20th May - the birthday of the great bee-keepers' teacher Anton Jansa.
This year it took place in Brezica to honour the renewal of this great
Slovenian bee-keeper¹s bee-hive, next year it will be held in Lansprez,
where Peter Pavel Glavar, another great bee-keeper, lived and worked. On
this occasion the bee-keepers' anthem, set to music by the renowned composer
of Slovenian folk music Slavko Avsenik, was performed. This song will be
played at the opening ceremony of Apimondia 2003 we will thus introduce
it to the global audience of bee-keepers. We intend to suggest to Apimondia
council this song for the official anthem of the bee-keepers' organisation
and the 20th May for the International Bee-keepers' day.
Accomodation
As the capacity of hotel accommodation in Ljubljana is limited, you are kindly
requested to register as soon as possible. For further information on less
expensive hotel rates in Ljubljana and its surroundings please contact
the tourist company Kompas d.d.
Post
During the congress a post office, organised by the Slovenian Post, will be
operating in the reception area. The beekeepers will have the opportunity
to purchase, besides the customary post and bank services, the postcards
celebrating the occasion and have them marked with a special seal. This
will be of special interest to all the bee-keepers philatelists.
Register as soon as possible
It seems that the congress in Ljubljana will be one of the most significant
ones therefore make sure you register as soon as possible and ensure your
attendance at the congress.
Photogallery
Kindly invited to visit the APIMONDIA photogallery and marvel at the beauties
of Slovenia. More information: APIMONDIA SECRETERIAT CANKARJEV DOM, Kulturni
in kongresni center Pres ernova 10, SI-1000 Ljubljana Tel.: +386-1-241-7134,241-7364;
241-7141 Faks: +386-1-241-7296 E-mail: gorazd.cad@cd-cc.si http://www.apimondia2003.com
THE BEE PRESS
BEECRAFT
Beecraft June 2003 Volume 85 Number 6
The latest issue of Bee Craft offers a wealth of
information, advice and items of interest for all beekeepers
in
its monthly columns. http://www.bee-craft.com/
The following is its contents list: Editorial, Raising new queens
David Aston, PhD, NDB; Getting started: the first harvest Margaret
Thomas, NDB; Foundation course Tony Burton; Heather going Michael
Badger, MBE; Population control Celia Davis, NDB; Herbs for bees
and beekeepers: rosemary Alison Mouser; "Mellonex":biological
control of wax moth Simon Gisler; In the Apiary:children's bee
books (1912-1945)
Karl Showler; Ask Dr Drone; Letters to the Editor; Around the colony;
The 'B' Kids; Classified advertisements; Calendar; Obituary Robin
Hooper. COVER: Successful queen-rearing nuclei (photo: Claire Waring)
THE BEEKEEPERS QUARTERLY
Editor John Phipps Neochori, 24024 Agios Nikolaos, Mesknias, Greece
tel: 00 30 27210 78089 email: jdphipps@otenet.gr http://www.beedata.com/bbq.htm
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EDITORIAL Using queen excluders,
yellow-eyed drone, the price of beekeeping equipment, record-keeping,
the flight
paths of bees, Kythira, the Mani LETTERS
TO THE EDITOR NEWSROUND Key GM crop experiment
'lacks statistical power'; Agency seeks comments
on draft Honey (England) Regulations 2003; EU backs poor farmers'
seed use; New biological wax moth control using Mellonex@; Field
Study to Assess the Efficiency on Varroa Mites and Safety On
Honeybees of Apiguard; What Honeybees of Apiguard; What Future
for European Beekeeping? - November Conference in Belgium FIRST
AID Dealing with anaphalaxis John Yates NDB ALL
ABOUT QUEEN EXCLUDERS David Cushman reviews the types available DIY.
MAKE A SIMPLE SOLAR WAX MELTER ASSOCIATION
NEWS West Sussex BKA - A new kind of honey
show; BBKA - Fellowship Certificates to Professor Ingrid Williams
and Brenda Ball; WBKA - Moratorium on GM Moratorium on GM Crops
in Wales; New IBRA Editor Appointed; Bees for Development BOOKSHELF ISENRING'S
VARROA KILLER Walter Isenring has developed a safe and easy way
of controlling varroa with oxalic acid. (translated by Ronald
Cocker) ENVIRONMENT Geoff
Hopkinson NDB Using bees in the 'war against terrorists'; Sustainable
energy sources; GM Crops; Killer bees - again!; & Bees in the
curriculum? CONSERVATION Honey badgers v.
Beekeepers in South Africa: resolving the conflict Colleen and
Keith Begg THE ART OF COARSE BEEKEEPING David
Leigh's light hearted look at one man's approach to beekeepin FROM
OUR CORRESPONDENTS England, Nigel Payne;
Scotland, Nigel Hurst; Ireland, Phillip McCabe; USA, Other hive
products are they good, sale items? Ann Harman; Portugal, Beekeeping
in Angola during colonial days, Antonio Pouseiro; The Netherlands,
Ko Zoet; Brittanyj Job Pichon; Lithuania, Rimantas ZugusI- rlands,
Ko Zoet; Brittanyj Job Pichon; Lithuania, Rimantas ZugusI Canada,
he price of beekeeping equipment, David Dawson; Australia, Drought
and the small hive beetle, Geoff Manning. SCIENCE
REVIEW Janet Dowling FRES Variation in composition
of beeswax produced by different colonies; New combs for old? COMMENT
Will beekeeping in the UK die a natural death during this century?
John
Yates BREEDING MATTERS Natural mating or
II & Records
for a race-survival system John Atkinson COLLECTORS
CORNER Geoff Hopkinson NDB makes a remarkable find in a set of
teaching books.
The July Issue of Bee Culture is due this
week...here's a sample of what's inside, complied by Malcolm
Sanford.
GLEANINGS FROM THE JULY BEE CULTURE
Drone
management is critical in a bee breeding program but it’s
not easy concludes Larry Connor in his series on the male honey
bee. He describes that the best management is through drone saturation
coupled with drone congregation areas, something the small-scale
beekeeper really can’t control and should not be concerned
with. For further information, see http://apis.ifas.ufl.edu/apis92/apsep92.htm#2
Medhat Nasr reflects on the ongoing debate about
tracheal mites. Bringing a long history of research in this are
to the table, he
concludes that although southern bees survive infestations, their
production suffers. He says beekeepers should ask their suppliers
about tracheal-resistant stock. I would be interested to hear what
some answers might be http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/Entomology/entfacts/misc/ef012.htm
A. Gary Shilling discusses large-scale production
of screened bottom boards and Ron Rudiak provides an overview
of their worth
to his operation http://website.lineone.net/~d.cushman/t124.html.
Patrick Driscoll suggests, "If you have a well made solid
basket and center shaft, you can add a motor to it. It is not worth
adding mechanization to a poorly designed or cheap or excessively
heavy old fashioned basket assembly." He provides an in-depth
discussion of motorizing your extractor given the above conditions.
Jim Tew reviews the tools of the one-minute beekeeper. He suggests
you read an article in a bee magazine as one of these. Hmm! I am
gratified he doesn’t suggest it only takes a minute to write
one.
Joe Traynor has a new book entitled Honey: The
Gourmet Medicine. “The
drug industry spends billions on advertising and promotion$7 billion
on sales representatives alone (The New Republic, December 16,
2002), billions more on print and TV ads. In contrast, the total
sales of honey in the U.S. are minisculewell under a billion dollars.
The drug industry has a powerful lobby in Washington D.C., the
honey industry has none. The “side effects” portion
of drug information often runs into thousands of words; there are
no side effects for honey. The advertising budget for honey is
next to nothing. The positive results of clinical studies on honey
are truly amazingif drug companies had results like this you'd
be bombarded with the data.” All this for only $9.95 plus
$3 shipping http://www.beeculture.com.
Wyatt Mangum describes the first bellowed smoker produced by A.I.
Root. Serendipitously he has one in his collection. Look for this
smoker to transform in subsequent articles in ways you may be surprised
to see.
Kim Flottum Editor, Bee Culture Magazine
ARTICLES
NATURAL WAYS OF IMPROVING VARROA CONTAINMENT
(PART 1)
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SHAPE AND THE POSITION OF THE BROOD-NEST
The brood-nest of a colony, when contained by queen excluder, and housed in a
conventional hive, will be oval in shape with the major axis horizontal.
Feral colonies however build natural comb to the limits of the cavity they have
chosen for their home. The comb shape, and in consequence the brood-nest shape,
will vary considerably from that imposed upon them by beekeepers, and in some
cases, in a feral colony, the brood-nest may be found to be oval, but with the
major axis vertical.
This at first glance would not suggest a situation that was detrimental to the
reproduction of varroa, but let us consider the matter further.
It is an accepted fact that bees will groom varroa to some degree, although the
apparent effectiveness of this ability is dependent upon the position of the
entrance relative to the floor, the type of floor in use, and the space available
beneath the underside of the comb.
The degree of grooming experienced by varroa is proportional to the distance
they travel away from future suitable nest sites before their desire to recommence
reproduction occurs.
Any increase therefore in this distance would be of benefit to the bee and of
detriment to the varroa.
Such increase may be accomplished in three ways -
(1). By the change of brood-nest shape from circular to oval.
(2). By the orientation of the oval brood-nest from major axis horizontal to
major axis vertical.
(3). By positioning of the vertical oval brood-nest in such a way as to maximize
the distance between storage comb and the brood comb.
Ian Rumsey -to be continued next month-
THE INDEPENDENT SCIENCE
PANEL ON GM FINAL REPORT
Dozens of prominent scientists from
seven countries, spanning the disciplines of agroecology, agronomy,
biomathematics, botany, chemical medicine, ecology, histopathology,
microbial ecology, moolecular genetics, nutritional biochemistry,
physiology, toxicology and virology, joined forces to launch themselves
as an Independent science Panel on GM at a public conference, attended
by the UK (now Ex) environment minister Michael Meacher and 200
other participants, in London on 10 May 2003.
The conference coincided with the publication of a draft report, 'The Case
for a GM-free Sustainable World', calling for a ban on GM crops to make way
for all forms of sustainable agriculture. This authoritative report, billed
as "the strongest, most complete dossier of evidence" ever compiled
on the problems and hazards of GM crops as well as the manifold benefits of
sustainable agriculture, was being finalised for release 15 June 2003.
The Independent Science Panel is pleased to provide a four-page summary as
its contribution to the National GM Debate in the UK. It is a challenge to
the proponents of GM to answer the case presented, rather than having to argue
against the case for GM crops, which has yet to be made.
For a list of the members of this panel which includes
many well known and eminent scientists, please click here: Members
of the independent panel
The Independent Science Panel Report was released 15 June 2003 and below is their
official summary of this report.
The Case for a GM-Free Sustainable World. A Summary.
Why GM-Free?
GM crops failed to deliver promised benefits, no increase
in yields or significant reduction in herbicide and pesticide use.
The
United States lost an estimated $12 billion over GM crops amid worldwide
rejection.
Massive
crop failures of up to 100% reported in India.
High risk future for agbiotech: "Monsanto could be another disaster
waiting to happen for investors".
GM crops posing escalating
problems on the farm.
Transgenic lines unstable: "most cases
of transgene inactivation never reach the literature" Triple
herbicide-tolerant volunteers and weeds emerged in North America.
Glyphosate-tolerant
weeds plague GM cotton and soya fields, atrazine back in use.
Bt biopesticide
traits threatening to create superweeds and bt-resistant pests.
Extensive
transgenic contamination unavoidable. Extensive transgenic contamination
found in maize landraces in remote regions of Mexico.
32 out of 33
commercial seed stocks found contaminated in Canada.
Pollen remains
airborne for hours, and a 35 mile per hour wind speed is unexceptional.
There can be no co-existence of GM and non-GM crops.
GM crops not
safe
GM crops have not been proven safe: regulation was fatally
flawed from the start. The principle of substantial equivalence,
vague and
ill defined, gave companies complete licence in claiming GM products
substantially equivalent to non-GM, and hence safe.
GM food raises
serious safety concerns
Despite the paucity of credible studies, existing indings raise serious
safety concerns.
Growth-factor-like effects in the stomach and small
intestine of young rats were attributed to the transgenic process
or the transgenic construct, and may hence be general to all GM food.
Dangerous
gene products are incorporated into food crops
Bt proteins, incorporated
into 25% of all GM crops worldwide, are harmful to many non target
insects, and some are potent immunogens and allergens for humans
and other mammals.
Food crops are increasingly used to produce pharmaceuticals
and drugs, including cytokines known to suppress the immune system,
or linked to dementia, neurotoxicity and mood and cognitive side
effects; vaccines and viral sequences such as the spike protein gene
of the pig coronavirus, in the same family as the SARS virus linked
to the current epidemic; and glycoprotein gene gp120 of the AIDS
virus that could interfere with the immune system and recombine with
viruses and bacteria to generate new and unpredictable pathogens.
Terminator
crops spread male sterility
Crops engineered with suicide genes
for male sterility, promoted as a means of preventing the spread
of transgenes, actually spread both male sterility and herbicide
tolerance traits via pollen.
Broad-spectrum herbicides highly toxic
to humans and other species
Glufosinate ammonium and glyphosate used
with herbicide tolerant GM crops that currently account for 75% of
all GM crops worldwide, are both systemic metabolic poisons.
Glufosinate ammonium is linked to neurological, respiratory, gastrointestinal
and haematological toxicities, and birth defects in humans and mammals;
also toxic to butterflies and a number of beneficial insects, to
larvae of clams and oysters, Daphnia and some freshwater fish, especially
the rainbow trout; it inhibits beneficial soil bacteria and fungi,
especially those that fix nitrogen. Glyphosate is the most frequent
cause of complaints and poisoning in the UK, and disturbances to
many body functions have been reported after exposures at normal
use levels; glyphosate exposure nearly doubled the risk of late spontaneous
abortion, and children born to users of glyphosate had elevated neurobehavioral
defects; glyphosate retards development of the foetal skeleton in
laboratory rats, inhibits the synthesis of steroids, and is genotoxic
in mammals, fish and frogs; field dose exposure of earthworms caused
at least 50 percent mortality and significant intestinal damage among
surviving worms; Roundup (Monsanto's formulation of glyphosate) caused
cell division dysfunction that may be linked to human cancers.
Genetic engineering creates super-viruses
The most insidious dangers of genetic engineering are inherent to
the process; it greatly enhances the scope and probability of horizontal
gene transfer and recombination, the main route to creating viruses
and bacteria that cause disease epidemics.
Newer techniques, such as DNA shuffling, allow geneticists to create
in a matter of minutes in the laboratory millions of recombinant
viruses that have never existed in billions of years of evolution.
Disease causing viruses and bacteria and their genetic material are
the predominant materials and tools of genetic engineering, as much
as for the intentional creation of bio-weapons.
Transgenic DNA in food taken up by bacteria in human gut
Transgenic DNA from plants has been taken up by bacteria both
in the soil and in the gut of human volunteers; antibiotic resistance
marker genes can spread from transgenic food to pathogenic bacteria,
making infections very difficult to treat.
Transgenic DNA and cancer
Transgenic DNA known to survive digestion in the gut and to jump
into the genome of mammalian cells, raising the possibility for triggering
cancer.
Feeding GM products such as maize to animals may carry risks, not
just for the animals but also for human beings consuming the animal
products. CaMV 35S promoter increases horizontal gene transfer. Evidence
suggests that transgenic constructs with the CaMV 35S promoter could
be especially unstable and prone to horizontal gene transfer and
recombination, with all the attendant hazards: gene mutations due
to random insertion, cancer, re-activation of dormant viruses and
generation of new viruses.
A history of misrepresentation and suppression
of scientific evidence
There has been a history of misrepresentation and suppression of
scientific evidence, especially on horizontal gene transfer. Key
experiments failed to be performed, or were performed badly and then
misrepresented. Many experiments were not followed up, including
investigations on whether the CaMV 35S promoter is responsible for
the ‘growth-factor-like’ effects observed
in young rats fed GM potatoes.
GM crops have failed to deliver the
promised benefits and are posing escalating problems on the farm
Transgenic contamination is now widely acknowledged to be unavoidable,
and hence there can be no co existence of GM and non-GM agriculture.
Most important of all, GM crops have not been proven safe. On the
contrary, sufficient evidence has emerged to raise serious safety
concerns, that if ignored could result in irreversible damage to
health and the environment. GM crops should therefore be firmly
rejected now.
Why Sustainable Agriculture?
Higher productivity and yields especially in the Third World 8.98
million farmers adopted sustainable agriculture practices on 28.92
million hectares in Asia, Latin America and Africa; reliable data
from 89 projects show higher productivity and yields: 50-100% increase
in yield for rainfed crops, and 5-10% for irrigated crops; top successes
include Burkina Faso, which turned a cereal deficit of 644 kg per
year to an annual surplus of 153 kg, Ethiopia, where 12 500 households
enjoyed 60% increase in crop yields, and Honduras and Guatemala,
where 45000 families increased yields from 400-600 kg/ha to 2,000-2,500
kg/ha.
Long-term studies in industrialised countries show yields
for organic comparable to conventional agriculture, and often higher.
Better soils
Sustainable agricultural practices reduce soil erosion, improve soil
physical structure and water-holding capacity, which are crucial
in averting crop failures during periods of drought.
Soil fertility
maintained or increased by various sustainable agriculture practices
Biological activity higher in organic soils: more earthworms, arthropods,
mycorrhizal and other fungi, and micro-organisms, all beneficial
for nutrient recycling and suppression of disease.
Cleaner environment
Little or no polluting chemical inputs with sustainable agriculture.
Less nitrate and phosphorus leached to groundwater from organic soils.
Better water infiltration rates in organic systems, therefore less
prone to erosion and less likely to contribute to water pollution
from surface runoff.
Reduced pesticides and no increase in pests
Integrated pest management cut the number of pesticide sprays in
Vietnam from 3.4 to one per season, in Sri Lanka from 2.9 to 0.5
per season, and in Indonesia from 2.9 to 1.1 per season.
No increase in crop losses due to pest damage resulted from withdrawal
of synthetic insecticides in Californian tomato production.
Pest control
achievable without pesticides, reversing crop losses, as for example,
by using trap crops to attract stem borer, a major pest in East Africa.
Supporting biodiversity and using diversity
Sustainable agriculture promotes agricultural biodiversity, which
is crucial for food security; organic farming can support much greater
biodiversity, benefiting species that have significantly declined.
Integrated farming systems in Cuba are 1.45 to 2.82 times more productive
than monocultures.
Thousands of Chinese rice farmers doubled yields and nearly eliminated
the most devastating disease simply by mixed planting of two varieties.
Soil biodiversity enhanced by organic practices, bringing beneficial
effects such as recovery and rehabilitation of degraded soils, improved
soil structure and water infiltration.
Environmentally and economically sustainable
Research on apple production systems ranked the organic system first
in environmental and economic sustainability, the integrated system
second and the conventional system last; organic apples were most
profitable due to price premiums, quicker investment return, and
fast recovery of costs
A Europe-wide study showed that organic farming performs better than
conventional farming in the majority of environmental indicators.
A review by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) concluded that well-managed organic agriculture leads to more
favourable conditions at all environmental levels.
Ameliorating climate
change by reducing direct and indirect energy use
Organic agriculture uses energy much more
efficiently and greatly reduces CO2 emissions compared with conventional
agriculture, both
with respect to direct energy consumption in fuel and oil and indirect
consumption in synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Sustainable agriculture restores soil organic matter content, increasing
carbon sequestration below ground, thereby recovering an important
carbon sink.
Organic agriculture is likely to emit less nitrous dioxide (N2O),
another important greenhouse gas and also a cause of stratospheric
ozone depletion.
Efficient, profitable production
Any yield reduction in organic agriculture more than offset
by ecological and efficiency gains. Smaller farms produce far
more per unit area than larger farms characteristic of conventional
farming.
Production costs for organic farming are often lower than conventional
farming, bringing equivalent or higher net returns even without
organic price premiums; when price premiums are factored in, organic
systems are almost always more profitable Improved food security
and benefits to local communities.
A review of sustainable agriculture
projects showed that average food production per household increased
by 1.71 tonnes per year (up 73%) for 4.42 million farmers on 3.58
million hectares, bringing food security and health benefits to
local communities.
Increasing productivity increases food supplies and raises incomes,
thereby reducing poverty, increasing access to food, reducing malnutrition
and improving health and livelihoods.
Sustainable agricultural
approaches draw extensively on traditional and indigenous knowledge,
and place emphasis on the farmers' experience and innovation, thereby
improving their status and autonomy, enhancing social and cultural
relations within local communities.
For every 1 monetary unit spent at an organic box scheme from Cusgarne
Organics (UK), 2.59 is generated for the local economy; but for
every 1 monetary unit spent at a supermarket, only 1.40 is generated
for the local economy.
Better food quality for health
Organic food is safer, as organic farming prohibits pesticide use,
so harmful chemical residues are rarely found.
Organic production
bans the use of artificial food additives, such as hydrogenated
fats, phosphoric acid, aspartame and monosodium glutamate, which
have been linked to health problems as diverse as heart disease,
osteoporosis, migraines and hyperactivity.
Studies have shown that on average, organic food has higher vitamin
C, higher mineral levels and higher plant phenolics, plant compounds
that can fight cancer and heart disease, and combat age-related
neurological dysfunctions and significantly less nitrates, a toxic
compound.Sustainable agricultural practices have proven beneficial
in all aspects relevant to health and the environment. In addition,
they bring food security and social and cultural well being to
local communities everywhere. There is an urgent need for a
comprehensive global shift to all forms of sustainable agriculture.
This article is in the June issue of Apis UK is credited to: The
Institute of Science in Society, PO Box 32097, London NW1 OXR.
Telephone:[44 20 8643 0681][44 20 7383 3376][44 20 7272 5636] Web
Site: http://www.i-sis.org.uk/
STEVEN TURNER'S SNEAK PREVIEW OF THE OBSERVATION HIVE
AT THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM FOREST HILL, LONDON SE23
 |
Perplex
Hive Entrance Tunnel |
The front cover photograph of this months issue
of Apis-UK shows the observation hive recently re-installed at
the Horniman Museum. Bromley branch members Peter Springall designed
and built this hive to be fully sustainable throughout the
year. When the hive was installed next to the wall, an obstruction
prevented the entrance pipe from going directly outside, the
pipe was given two 90° bends and extended a few extra feet.
Children will enjoy watching the bees walking up and down the
pipe. My visit to the museum was made even more interesting when
the observation hive swarmed I looked for queen cells and was
unable to see any, (picture below showing the captured swarm).
The
observation hive is situated in part of the museum still under
construction
so
it's
not open to the public at the moment. Watch the Horniman
Museum website for announcements. The museum
and gardens are well worth a visit URL: http://www.horniman.ac.uk/
 |
Peter
Springall Bromley Branch |
MATT ALLEN REFLECTS ON FORAGING AND POLLINATION
Wet
and mild, wet and mild. That seems to be the pattern for our
winters now. The front page articles in the newspapers
over the
new year have been looking at climate change; the apparently astonishing
fact that pollen from genetically modified crops spreads into wild
plants; the grubbing up of half of all English orchards in the
last ten years because it’s cheaper to grow apples in China
and South America and ship them around the globe; and floods, floods,
floods. Do you detect a theme?
I was staring at many acres of Suffolk farmland
under water, wondering about what happened to overwintering bumble
bees which had burrowed
into the ground. If a queen is hibernating, how much does she need
to breathe? Very little, I would have thought. How much cold can
she withstand? Quite a lot, I would have thought. So maybe it’s
possible that from the hedgerows that are under water now, there
will emerge healthy queens in spring. It’s in those same
hedgerows in late summer that I usually see bumble bee nests – ripped
apart by badgers who probably can’t believe their luck at
finding a complete meal, savoury and sweet in the same hole. And
yes, I’m not kidding, there is a small amount of honey, I
suppose nectar really, in the nest.
And here’s a question or two or three for readers. On December
10th I saw a bumble bee foraging on a Hebe, collecting pollen which
she was packing into substantial pollen loads. Was she a very late
survivor, or a very early worker from the new season? (She was
certainly small.) Was she a queen? Do queens collect pollen in
the middle of the winter to boost their body reserves? Or was it
evidence of brood in the nest? I don’t know any of the answers.
In fact the older I get, the more ignorant I become. I followed
her for a bit, but lost her in some gardens. I hope we have a highly
qualified entomologist reading, who will elucidate.
Now, back to the sinister and seedy. I have a very
respectable colleague whose mother suffers from multiple sclerosis.
To alleviate
her pain, my friend Mr X sallies out in Jekyll and Hyde fashion
to buy cannabis for her from the neighbourhood dealers. The relief
on the suffering lady is by all accounts marvellous. But Mr X may
be spared his criminal forays in future. I visited a horticultural
research station recently to discuss practical details of pollinating
inside glasshouses, and yes, you’ve guessed it, in one very
high-tech glasshouse, surrounded by a frightening security fence,
was a fine plantation of cannabis, ready for pharmaceutical trials
on multiple sclerosis sufferers.
Just for idle curiosity, I look up hemp in Eva
Crane’s Pollination
Directory For World Crops. The real cannabis is used as a drug,
as a fibre, and to make soap; pollination is by wind. There is
another hemp in Indonesia, which is pollinated by bats. Also Mauritius
hemp, with almost no information, and another Indian hemp grown
for green manure. So you can smoke it, wear it, wash with it, and
garden with it. Handy really. This brings me to a question for
you. What is the connection between whaling and jute? No prizes,
apart from honour, prestige and dignity.
News flash! News flash! I wrote asking the question
how can you tell the sex of a gingko tree without waiting 30
years till it
reaches puberty. I have just been called by someone who reckons
it can be done by dowsing – this is a serious proposal from
a serious scientist. Watch this space, and remember, you read it
here first. Eat your heart out, Daily Telegraph!
FACT OR FICTION
CONFUSION OVER NOSEMA AND DYSENTERY
This short fact file should I hope dispel any
confusion about nosema and dysentery. Some texts describe the symptoms
of nosema as bees crawling from the hive and suffering from dysentery.
Trembling movements characterise the bees crawling motions and the
colony becomes weak, especially in the Spring. Other texts describe
the two conditions more accurately but often leave the reader vaguely
confused about the issues. So here some basic information on the
two, which under some circumstances can be linked. There is an awful
lot to learn about Nosema and it is worth reading an authoritative
text such as Bailey and Ball, Honey Bee Pathology, Academic Press,
or Honey Bee Pests, Predators and Diseases, AI Root Co.
Nosema apis. How can you recognise it?
With difficulty. Infected bees show NO outward signs of the disease.
Bailey tells us that even the mid gut shows little evidence
of damage when infected.
What effect does it have on the colony?
Nosema infection does have a direct effect on the colony. Some
researchers have found that bees lives are shorter (between
10 and 40%), and may not fully develop their hypopharyngeal
glands. 15%of eggs in a severely infected colony will not develop
into mature larvae.
Several viruses associated with Nosema begin to multiply in affected
colonies and these may cause some of the pathological effects.
Colonies may show a slow build up in the Spring despite good conditions.
How can you determine Nosema?
If you suspect nosema, there is a field test available which is
easily carried out. This is described in: Honey Bee Pests,
Predators and Diseases, AI Root Co, and also in: The Beekeepers
Field Guide. Bassdrum Books. Also, you can carry out a microscopic
examination of the abdominal contents which under 400X magnification
will show the characteristic rice shaped grains or spores.
Nosema is less common in warm climates with mild winters. The problem
usually declines spontaneously during the summer months as bees
are able to defecate well away from the hive and new individuals
are not contaminated.
Dysentery
Dysentery is a symptom of a disease or nutritional disorder and
is easily recognised by an excess of faecal spoiling around
the entrance to the hive and even in the hive.
Dysentery can spread nosema but is not necessarily an indication
of nosema. It is caused by excessive water accumulation in the
rectum.
It appears likely that dysentery can be aggravated by nosema if
bees are already suffering from dysentery.
The cause of dysentery could be contaminated winter stores, or
unsuitable winter stores.
So there are some basic facts about the two conditions
which may be of use to beekeepers. As with all diseases of bees,
it is worth keeping up to date with new findings and as mentioned
earlier, it is well worth reading an authoritative text on the
subject. The two mentioned above are excellent. Another source
of information is the NBU which produces some first class leaflets
on bee disorders and and of course your local bee disease inspector.
BOOK
REVIEW
FORM AND FUNCTION IN THE HONEY BEE
A beekeeper's view
Last month Apis UK carried out a review of
the book 'Form and Function in the Honey Bee by Lesley Goodman,
published by the International Bee Research Association (IBRA),
this year. The review was essentially one from the scientists point
of view, but is this a book for the average beekeeper as well?
I remember when I was studying at Cardiff, the BBC were making
a short documentary on the bee brain, then of great interest to
Prof R Pickard, head of the Bee Research Unit. The documentary
was going to be titled (by the BBC), 'What has a bee got between
its ears'. Meaning I assume, the brain. Had the BBC documentary
makers had even a short glance at this book, then they would have
understood the absurdity of that title. I'm sure that most beekeepers
are interested in more than just the practical aspects of beekeeping
and if so, this book is for you. It explains exactly how these
marvelous little insects work. With superb drawings and remarkable
photographs, the book demonstrates in easily readable form how
a bee senses the world around it; how it eats; how it collects
nectar; how it knows which way up is which; how it flies (with
some terms straight out of RAF flying manuals); how it sees; how
it assesses and stores information, how and why it stings you.
In describing the bee and its many senses, it also compares these
to those of humans and you would be surprised at the similarities.
In short it is a total description of the honey bee according to
our current knowledge. It also explains which bits of the bee we
can't yet explain.
So if you want to know about your little charges, then this is the book you should
buy. It is remarkable in both its scope and its presentation and I would say
a must for any beekeeper. Also, for a book of this size, complexity and quality
I was expecting it to cost far more than £25 (soft back) or £55 hard
back.
And if you didn't already know, the bee hasn't got anything between its ears,
because the bee 'hears' because of sound wave induced oscillation of the antennal
flagellum which is detected by the Johnston's organ within the pedicle of the
antenna. It sounds complicated, but the book shows that it isn't. My recommendation
is either to buy it or
persuade someone to buy it for you for your birthday or Christmas. It is available
from IBRA on www.ibra.org.uk and for more details you can email IBRA at: mail@ibra.org.uk
HISTORICAL
NOTE
Drones are always the less known about bees within
the hive and even in antiquity, although despised, it was more
or less agreed that they were necessary to colony survival. Here
is what Sir John more thought of them in 1707.
'The Drone is a gross stingless Bee that spendeth
his time in idleness; yet is there such a necessary use of him,
that without him the bee cannot be: which is even as likely as
that a dwarf, having his guts pull'd out, should become a giant.
The truth is, the Drone is of the same species with the Honey
Bee, but of a different sex, and by whose masculine virtue and
natural heat, the Honey Bee secretly conceiveth, and beginneth
their breeding at the sun's entrance into Pisces, when they first
gather on flowers; but their chief time is in Aires, taurus,
and gemini, which months yield ambrosia in great plenty, variety
and virtue.
(Best stick to Lesley Goodman's book reviewed
above. Ed).
LETTERS
Dear David, and John,
I'm really sorry, I started this in April...I keep bees...
and the letter this month about the tatty trainee hives 'I trained
under De Bruyn and Hooper ...' just pushed my 'finish it and send'
button. This 'I'm not going back' attitude is what will kill UK
associations. I have 30 hives. 2 are matching gear. They are a
pleasure to work compared to the others, and as my bee finances
grow I will improve my 'tatty' other hives to that level. The lecturer
with the 'bad examples' is doing the right thing. We learn best
by bad experience, and most hobbyists want a hive or 2. Imagine
if all dog owners learnt about rabies shots by experience. This
letter sounds to me like politics, not bees !
Thanks to John Yates for a thoroughly researched, stimulating and
thought provoking article, although rather than 'beekeeping in
UK surviving' I think he should have stressed 'English hobby beekeeping
associations'.
I am afraid I can't quote the recent issue of 'Beekeeping News'
that had an editorial recounting a satisfying increase in Thorne's
sales, and also pointed out that there were many younger customers
too...but it was in the last few years. Hopefully this trend will
continue. Heaven knows we younguns are getting thicker skins as
time passes.
Mmmm, that has to be some kind of grammatical error!
I'm a bit cynical I suppose, and I do accept that my appearance,
demeanour and ideology will not endear me to your average First
World Retiree Bee Association Member...but I find a lot of other
'straight' people have the same difficulties as I. I have met several
people who 'went to few meetings but couldn't stand the politics/attitude
'. ' I stay signed up for the insurance' etc. On my first trip
to Stoneleigh 5 years ago I met a foriegn beekeeping appliance
dealer who disdainfully scorned 'English beekeepers' as 'incompetent
snobs'. His deprecation of my defensive denial as 'inexperience...you
don't know them yet' has rankled every time I have changed association
or 'given up' on yet another English beek.
Will beekeeping die? Of course not. Bees may, even the BBKA. Suppliers
will rise and fall, but so long as there remains that stubborn
backbone of 'natural hate the damn politics love what we do' beekeepers
remain, beekeeping in the UK will survive. And you're mistaken
John...there are many among the younger generation who need honey
as a string in their financial bow. And many more who would keep
bees if they knew they could generate extra income by it. It is
imperative that the BBKA embraces the 'new age youth' (that will
never be beefarmers) if the BBKA wish to survive. Beekeepers, and
bees, will.
John Sewell 'With, or Without you' U2
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Event organisers are welcome to forward
dates and details of their events to the editor (by e-mail) for
incorporation on this page.
July 10 - July 13 - 2003 CMAC 2003. The American Apitherapy Society's
Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course - Los Angeles, California.
A hands-on course in apitherapy for beginners and experienced apitherapists
wishing to keep up to date. Starting with a reception the evening
of Thursday, July 10 the AAS is offering their annual course in
apitherapy. We hope to see you in Los Angeles!
Sara Cornwall Executive Director American Apitherapy Society 1209
Post Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583-2023 USA Tel: 914-725-7944 Fax:
914-723-0920
E-mail: aasoffice@apitherapy.org http://www.apitherapy.org
11-13 July 2003 - The Kent County Bees and Honey
Show. Organised by the Kent Beekeepers Association in conjunction
with Medway and Thanet Beekeepers Association. Friday, Saturday
and Sunday at the Kent County showground, Detling, Maidstone. More
information and show schedule from http://www.kentbee.com/kenthoneyshow03.htm
24-29 August 2003 - 8th International Congress
of Apimondia. Ljubljiana, Slovenia. Slovenia is to host the
38th Apimondia beekeeping Congress. The congress will be held in
the City of Ljubljiana and the congress invites the submission of
papers. Details of subjects and more information can be found on
: www.apimondia2003.com
Saturday
13th September 2003 - The Bromley and Orpington
Honey Show and Beekeeping exhibition. Opens to the
public at 2.30pm FREE ENTRY. Emmanuel Church, The Grove, West
Wickham, Kent. See quality products of the hive; buy pure English
honey; things for kids to do; watch the bees at work safely
behind glass in the demonstration hive; beekeeping exhibits
and more. Refreshments available. Honey Show Schedule and entry
forms from the URL: http://www.kentbee.com/bromley/news/honeyshow2003.htm
20-21 September 2003 - WEST SUSSEX HONEY FESTIVAL.
If any reader would like more information or a schedule of classes,
please contact me, Roger Patterson at r.patterson@pattersonpressings.co.uk
01403 790637, John Stevens at ieem@compuserve.com. 01243 533559,
or Entries Secretary Mrs Sue Cooper, Malthouse, Lower Street, Pulborough,
Sussex, RH20 2BH. Woodbugs@pgen.net 01798 874061
13-15 November 2003 The National Honey
Show Download PDF 15KB NHS 2003
22-24 November 2003 - 1st International Beekeeping
Congress of CARI Louvain-la-Neuve
What Future For European Beekeeping?
The aims of this congress are to: analyze the situation of beekeeping
in the European Union; estimate the importance of the present changes
and the impact that they have on our way of beekeeping. The challenges
to cope with are numerous (declines, quick evolution of genetics,
new techniques of environmentally friendly beekeeping more friendly
that involve less curing products, accession of new European partners
(PECO), development of quality products, new products, the place
of the honey bee in the environment). We must cope with these challenges
if we want to defend and develop our way of beekeeping. During these
two days we shall participate in debates based on several real examples
presented by lecturers coming from several countries of the Union
and from the PECO. A simultaneous translation to the French language
is provided. An exhibition of posters showing the state of development
of research in various subjects as well as an exhibition of new
equipment will also be shown. It is possible to reserve a meal on
the spot for those who want.
Provisional program
Saturday 22nd November 2003
THE HONEY BEE
09.00 Official Congress opening
09.20 Which bee for tomorrow?
12.00 Lunch
14.00 The honey bee in our environment
16.00 To an integrated way of beekeeping
Sunday 23rd November 2003
THE PLACE OF THE HONEY BEE AND BEEHIVE PRODUCTS BEEHIVE IN OUR SOCIETY
09.15 Reception of participants
09.30 The honey market
12.00 Lunch
14.00 Tracks for tomorrow
16.00 The honey bee in our society
16.40 Final debate and recommendations
Monday 24th November 2003 (optional)
Discovering Belgium
Optional tour: Bruges or Brussels.
Registration Fees
Before 31" August: 30 Euros (20 Euros for one day)
After 1St September: 40 Euros (25 Euros for one day)
After the 30th October: we cannot guarantee the provision of earphones
for the translation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL CART asbl - Place Croix du
Sud 4 B - 1348 LOUVAIN-La-NEUVE (Belgium) Tel: +32 10 47 34 16 FAX:
+32 10 47 34 94 E-mail: info@cari.be http://www.cari.be
22-25 February 2004 - Apimondia Symposium
on Tropical Beekeeping: Research and Development for Pollination
and Conservation. Heredia Costa Rica More detail is available
from: Isanchez@una.ac.cr
23-27 February 2004 - 7th Asian Apicultural
Association Conference Los Banos College, Lagunas, Philippines.
More information from: cleofas.cervancia@up.edu.ph
24th April 2004 BBKA Spring Convention and
Exhibition
6-10 September 2004 - 8th IBRA Conference on tropical
Bees: management and diversity. Ribeiro Preto, Brazil.
16th April 2005 BBKA Spring Convention and Exhibition
Editor: David Cramp Submissions
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