EIP Project Database

Find EIP-AGRI projects in Germany

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Practice-research-bees: improvement of varroa management strategies for hessian beekeeper

Authority

Hessisches Ministerium für Umwelt, Klimaschutz, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz

Federal State

Hesse

Contact

Mainzer Straße 80
65189 Wiesbaden

Website: External link to the authority

Project Title

Practice-research-bees: improvement of varroa management strategies for hessian beekeeper

Project description

The varroa mite is the main cause of bee colony losses and causes considerable economic damage to beekeeping businesses every year. Chemical treatment of honey bees to combat the mite can lead to the honey being contaminated with residues. An alternative using biotechnological treatment methods still has development potential in terms of economic attractiveness and feasibility. One problem in developing a strategy to combat the mite is the lack of knowledge exchange between beekeepers. The aim of the project is to establish a network for practical bee research in order to develop innovative diagnostic and treatment strategies against the Varroa mite. To this end, the process of using oxalic acid vaporisation to treat infested bee colonies will be jointly tested. In addition, a Hessian "Varroa Counter" is being developed to improve Varroa infestation diagnostics. Using an image and special algorithms, the Varroa infestation can be determined directly on site. The results will be made available to as many beekeepers as possible by setting up an online platform.

Results focusing on practiceorientation

In the area of varroa diagnostics, a functional varroa counter was completed and a Citizen Science trial of a manual diagnostic method was carried out, which showed that the method enables a more accurate diagnosis compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the investigation of the sublimation of oxalic acid in bee colonies showed that already known methods deliver better treatment results and are easier and safer to use than vaporisation. In addition, a study was carried out to optimise biotechnical treatment methods, with the result that the "cage and treat" method can be clearly recommended, even for larger farms. Direct findings can be derived from all the field trials carried out, which have been recorded in videos, worksheets and information sheets for publication.

Key words

  • Equipment and machinery
  • Animal husbandry
  • Pest/disease control

Main funding source

Rural development 2014-2020

OG contact information

Comunis Projektbüro
Binsförther Straße 26
34326 Morschen

Phone: 05664/930968

Email: judith.treis@comunis-projektbuero.de

Type of OG partners

  • Advisor
  • Researcher
  • Industry

Begin of project

2020

Project status

completed

Total budget applied for in EUR

399,000

Link 1

Project Overview

Link 2

Practice Sheet

Link 3

Information material results

NUTS3 CODE

DE735 Schwalm-Eder-Kreis

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