Location: Pollinator Health in Southern Crop Ecosystems Research
Project Number: 6066-30500-001-017-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 30, 2023
End Date: Dec 30, 2026
Objective:
To investigate and conduct research on the relationships between pathogens found in honey bee colonies and the weather.
Approach:
Honey bee activity is highly dependent on climate conditions. Rainfall, low temperature, and high winds are all known to restrict honey bee foraging activities. In recent years, poor weather during the spring and summer, when colonies are highly active have been a challenge for beekeepers and possibly lead to increase pathogens in honey bee colonies and colony mortality. Therefore we propose to utilize the real time agriculture weather data and study how the risk of each disease varies with the weather. Identifying the key drivers of honey bee diseases is crucial to preserving honey bee populations, as our agriculture weather data can answer part of the puzzle about honey bee colony mortality.
