Location: Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research
Project Number: 6050-21000-016-038-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2024
End Date: Aug 31, 2025
Objective:
This project will investigate the effects of propolis on its ability to reduce infection by Melissococcus plutonius, the causative agent of European Foulbrood and the parasitic mite, Varroa destructor, two of the most damaging agents of honey bee colonies.
Approach:
Colonies will be established in boxes with a textured interior surface that stimulates propolis deposition or boxes with smooth interiors that do not encourage propolis deposition. Colonies will be equalized for adult bee population, amount of brood, Varroa infestation, and European Foulbrood (EFB) infection. Colonies will be evaluated for these parameters 4 times over the season to determine if propolis can reduce Varroa infestation and EFB infection while also promoting more populous colonies with higher survival.
