sept-oct-2019

IN YOUR ORCHARD THE BEE BOX Beekeeping Updates Overt signs of European Foulbrood (EFB), a bacterial infection. Note the larval discoloration. Distorted and melting larvae, distinct signs of EFB. Overt signs of Chalkbrood, a fungal infection. Note the “brie cheese” appearance of the larvae. This year has been quite challenging for the nation’s beekeepers. It all started with a cold, wet spring in the almond groves and the vast majority of colonies took much longer than usual to catch up from the slow start. As a result, both colony size and quality coming out of almonds were affected. On average, colonies were two frames of bees smaller than previous years at the same time. More alarmingly, colonies also showed signs of European Foulbrood (EFB), a bacterial infection and Chalkbrood, a fungal infection, with greater prevalence than usual. These signs sometimes occur early in the season and with more frequency in wet spring years, but they usually clear up with the first good nectar flow. This year however, many colonies limped along and were still showing signs of the diseases late into the season, as late as August for some beekeepers. It may be important to note that in addition to the weather conditions this year, increased uses of fungicides in almonds could have compounded the effects on colonies and partly be to blame for the EFB outbreak. Perhaps as a result of these issues, and maybe a small silver lining, Varroa populations have been fairly low throughout the season, although we do expect them to spike this fall. Some beekeepers have enjoyed a good honey crop, particularly in parts of Montana, but everyone remains vigilant and apprehensive to see how colonies will fare through the coming months in preparation for winter. What is There for Bees in Other States? I accompanied the Pacific Northwest Tech Transfer Team member, Ben Sallmann, on a sampling trip to Idaho and Montana. I was struck by what this state has to offer honeybees and their beekeepers. It is no wonder they call it the “gem state.” Idaho Agriculture According to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, 20 percent of the state’s gross product comes from the agricultural sector and is the single largest contributor to its economy. They produce 185 different agricultural commodities, including their famous potatoes, which accounts for one-third of the U.S. total production, but I was surprised to find that they grow so much more. They also produce wheat, barley, and they are the second (Photo at left) Tech Transfer Team member Ben Sallmann, sampling in Idaho in August 2019; (Photo at right) Idaho Apiary, August 2019. 3 6 A L M O N D F A C T S