Bee colonies in the Midwest are facing a severe crisis, with Dr. Brad Plantz, a local beekeeper, reporting a staggering 72% of his colonies having died off. This is more than double the expected mortality rate for a typical year. The consequences of this phenomenon are far-reaching, impacting not only honey production but also the entire ecosystem.
Consequences of Bee Death
• Reduced honey production: With fewer bees, honey production will significantly decrease, affecting the livelihoods of beekeepers like Dr. Plantz. • Economic impact: The loss of bees could lead to a shortage of pollination services, affecting crops like almonds, which rely on honey bees for pollination. • Environmental implications: The decline of honey bee populations can serve as an indicator of environmental health, with broader implications for other wild pollinators.
The Role of the UNL Bee Lab
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Bee Lab plays a crucial role in researching honey bee deaths across the Midwest. Led by Dr. Judy Wu-Smart, the lab educates both new and experienced beekeepers and conducts research on the causes of honey bee mortality.
“The bees are really a Canary in the coal mine for our environment,”
said Dr. Wu-Smart. “They really are telling us what the surrounding landscape and the quality of that landscape is like.”
Dr. Wu-Smart emphasizes that the funding for honey bee research is scarce, with most research focused on southern states. The Bee Lab is taking it upon themselves to collect samples and archive them, but they need more resources and funding to continue their work.
Agricultural Impact
The shortage of honey bees could have significant agricultural implications. Dr. Plantz notes that the loss of pollination services could lead to a shortage of almonds, potentially affecting the market and prices.
- A 300,000 colony shortage could result in fewer almonds on the market.
- This shortage could lead to higher prices for consumers.
Dr. Plantz warns that if the issue isn’t addressed, the lack of pollination could affect a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and melons.
Solutions and Actions
To address the crisis, Dr. Plantz suggests the following actions:
• Contact your local congressperson to advocate for research funding. • Donate to the UNL Bee Lab to support their research efforts. • Plant your own pollinator garden with native grasses and plants to provide a home for wild pollinators. Even a small garden can make a difference, and Dr. Plantz emphasizes that every effort counts.
Funding and Funding Shortages
The funding for honey bee research is scarce, with most research focused on southern states. Wu-Smart notes that the Bee Lab is paying out of pocket to research the deaths in the Midwest, collecting samples and archiving them.
Funding refers to the resources or financial support provided to organizations or individuals to carry out a project or activity.
Resources are the materials, equipment, and personnel needed to carry out a project or activity.
Minimizing the Impact of Herbicides and Pesticides
Dr. Plantz and Dr. Wu-Smart urge minimizing the use of herbicides and pesticides due to their harmful effects on bees and other pollinators. Reducing our reliance on chemicals is essential to preserving the health of our pollinators and the environment.
The Importance of Pollinator Gardens
Dr. Plantz emphasizes that pollinator gardens can provide a vital source of food and habitat for wild pollinators.
- A pollinator garden can provide a home for wild pollinators.
- A pollinator garden can help support local pollinator populations.
Even a small garden can make a difference, and Dr. Plantz encourages everyone to take action to support pollinators.
The Future of Bee Research
The future of bee research is uncertain, but Dr. Wu-Smart emphasizes that continued research is essential to understanding the causes of honey bee mortality and developing effective solutions.
A solution refers to a way of addressing a problem or challenge.
Implementation refers to the process of putting a solution into action.
Conclusion
The mysterious bee death crisis in the Midwest highlights the importance of bee research and the need for increased funding and awareness. By taking action to support pollinators and reducing our reliance on chemicals, we can help preserve the health of our environment and ensure the long-term sustainability of our food supply.
