Episode Details

(#272) In the latest episode of the Beekeeping Today Podcast, we dive into the pressing issues facing beekeepers today with our guest, Dr. Erika Plettner from Simon Fraser University. As beekeepers, we are all too familiar with the challenge of managing Varroa mites, a pervasive threat to our hives and the global bee population. Dr. Plettner brings a refreshing perspective to this challenge, sharing her innovative research on disrupting the chemoreceptors of Varroa mites, offering a potential breakthrough in our ongoing battle against these destructive parasites.

Dr. Plettner's work focuses on a novel compound that not only disorients the mites, making them less effective at feeding on bees but also has the potential to reduce mite populations without harming the bees themselves. This research is particularly relevant for beekeepers in their first five years, as managing Varroa mites is a critical skill for maintaining healthy and productive hives. Moreover, even experienced commercial beekeepers struggling with mite resistance to traditional treatments will find the insights offered in this episode invaluable.

We also discuss the importance of monitoring mite levels and the strategic application of treatments to manage resistance and maintain colony health. Dr. Plettner emphasizes the significance of integrating new methods with existing management practices to effectively control Varroa populations, ensuring the longevity and prosperity of our beekeeping endeavors.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the latest advancements in beekeeping research and looking for effective strategies to combat the Varroa mite threat. Join us to learn how Dr. Plettner's work could revolutionize our approach to bee health and help us build stronger, more resilient bee communities.

Links and websites mentioned in this episode:

• Dr. Plettner's Collaborative Research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10336134/
• SFU PR Summary of Dr. Plettner's Research: https://www.sfu.ca/sfunews/stories/2022/08/sfu-researchers-developing-new-methods-for-controlling-deadly-ho.html

• Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

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Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you ap