Northwestern Polytechnic’s National Bee Diagnostic Centre: A Leader in Bee Research and Conservation
The National Bee Diagnostic Centre (NBDC) at Northwestern Polytechnic is a pioneering research facility that is making significant strides in protecting the health and well-being of honey bees. Recently, the centre has received a substantial grant from the Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) to fund a two-year research project aimed at combating the devastating impact of a parasite on honey bee colonies.
The Importance of Bee Research
Bee research is crucial for the health of the Canadian agricultural economy. According to Statistics Canada, the value of honey production in Canada is estimated to be around $278 million, with beekeepers providing an additional $4 billion to $5.5 billion in value through crop and hybrid Canola seed pollination services. This highlights the significant role that bees play in maintaining the viability of Canada’s agricultural industry.
Varroa Mite and Hive Loss
One of the primary threats to honey bee colonies is the Varroa mite. This mite attaches itself to the bees, weakening them and contributing to colony mortality. The Varroa mite and the viruses it carries are responsible for the leading cause of honey bee hive loss. Beekeepers in the US, Europe, and Canada have recently reported reduced efficacy of the preferred method to control Varroa mites, Amitraz acaricide.
- Researchers at the NBDC will screen Varroa mite populations in Canadian apiaries for genetic mutations associated with acaricide resistance.
- The study will provide valuable insights for beekeepers to make informed decisions about controlling a mite infestation.
- The results of this study will be used to develop new solutions to mitigate the threat of the Varroa mite.
Collaborative Research Effort
The research project is a collaborative effort that will bring together scientists, beekeepers from across Canada, regulatory agencies, and federal and provincial government partners. This partnership will enable the development of effective solutions to the Varroa mite problem and inform future trade and policy decisions.
| Partner | Role |
|---|---|
| Northwestern Polytechnic | Principal Investigator |
| RDAR | Grantor |
| Beekeepers Association | Industry Partner |
| Government Agencies | Regulatory and Policy Partners |
What the Research Will Achieve
The research project aims to identify the genetic mutations associated with acaricide resistance in the Varroa mite population. By understanding the genetic basis of resistance, the researchers will be able to develop new solutions to mitigate the threat of the Varroa mite.
“Beekeeping and pollination management are vital to the Canadian agricultural economy,” says Patricia Wolf Veiga, Acting Dean of NWP’s Office of Applied Research and Innovation. “This study will provide valuable insights so that the industry has the best tools to combat one of the primary threats to Canadian apiaries.”
Amitraz Acaricide and Resistance
The preferred method to control Varroa mites has been Amitraz acaricide, but beekeepers in the US, Europe, and Canada have recently reported reduced efficacy of this method. The researchers at the NBDC will investigate the genetic mutations associated with acaricide resistance in the Varroa mite population. Key Highlights
• The research project will provide valuable insights for beekeepers to make informed decisions about controlling a mite infestation. • The study will identify the genetic mutations associated with acaricide resistance in the Varroa mite population. • The research will develop new solutions to mitigate the threat of the Varroa mite.
Conclusion
The research project at the NBDC is a significant step forward in protecting the health and well-being of honey bees. By understanding the genetic basis of resistance to acaricides, the researchers will be able to develop new solutions to mitigate the threat of the Varroa mite. This project highlights the importance of collaborative research efforts and the value of partnerships between industry, government, and academia. With the support of the RDAR grant, the NBDC will be able to advance research in this critical area and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Canada’s agricultural industry.
