NEWS OF BEES

 

 

 

 

آخر مستجدات تربية النحل الآن في الاردن

 

 

The rotating broodframe beehive from the aspect of bee health

Dr. László Békési  researcher, Research Institute for Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Gödöllő

The development of the Kónya rotating broodframe beehive has been followed by the Bee breeding and Biology Research group of our institute from the beginning. The basic purpose of the intventor was to apply a unique method of biological (biotechnical) protection against the Varroa mite.

Biotechnical method means that instead of using chemical controllers, we try to interfere in the pest's biologics, disturbing their reproduction cycle. There are many possibilities, such as: natural enemies, using the attracting or repelling effects of pheromones, sterilized males, etc. A widespread method of protection is to reduce the number of broods, or a more effective, but laboursome method: mite traps inside the brood cells. Researchers and beekeepers have been looking for a solution with phermone traps, but until now they haven't been able to come up with anything useable.

Our fellow beekeeper, Lajos Kónya has been studying foreign literature in beekeeping, and found a detailed study about the Varroa mite's reproduction inside the cells. The international research group recorded the on-goings in infected broodcells adhered to a glass wall. They found out that on top of the cell there is a "meeting point" indicated by mite faeces, which has great significance in their reproduction cycle. Time is an essential factor in the reproduction of mites, every insecurity, or mistake can endanger success. The rotation of the brood confuses mites in their orientation, in regards of mating and finding nutrition.

While searching for new technological solutions to rotate the frames, Lajos Kónya has been in contact with different research stations and universities. During his work of development, he discovered several new advantages, which he built into the technology (swarm prevention, even brood, quick development, etc.)

When Anivet became included, the advantages emerged in connection with preventing deseases This is what I would like to emphasize now.

General advantages

•         Modern hive type

•         Built-in higienic bottom board

•         Separation of brood and honey supers

•         Circular brood, without edges

•         Self-regulating balance in the brood

•         Less stress caused by treatments

•         Improved "colony morals"

General rules of preventing diseases

•         Unified technique – easier to avoid health damages caused by false treatment

•         With increased higiene multifactorial disposition diseases can be prevented

•         Quicker, easier way to control breeding

•         Evenly strong colonies have better morals

•         Reduced stress caused by chemical treatments

Advantages related to preventing diseases

•         Foulbrood

–        Easier to inspect broodcells (honey and pollen are only in the side frames)

–        Reduced danger of spreading pathogenes with honey thanks to separated brood and honey chambers

–        Better cleaning on circular combs

•         Nosemosis

–        Stronger colonies have better chance to live through winter

–        Good isolation improves winter conditions

–        Low number of mites, does not disturb the colony in winter

–        Slower spreading of viruses

–        Colonies fly out earlier in spring, develop faster - no need for nosema treatment

•         Chalkbrood

–        Better ventilation thanks to the special shaped brood chamber

–        No humid, unventilated areas

–        Balanced temperature inside the brood

–        Stronger colonies complete more cleaning

–        Higienic bottom board separates bees from fallen, infected pupae

–        No need for treatment

•         Varroa mite infection (Varoosis)

–        Male and female mites lose orientation due to the rotation

–        Less chance of egglaying and mating

–        Different position of female mites and the nutrition of larvae

–        Less nutrition chances

–        Low rate of mite reproduction

–        Environmentally friendly treatment is sufficient

–        No stress caused by chemical treatments

–        No chemical residuals

 We can conclude that this new reform technology is not only suitable for Varroa mite protection, but has several other advantages in regards of bee diseases. This might be explained by the more natural shape of the brood chamber (similar to a bolt-hole), which provides a better environment for the bees to consummate their natural behaviour and instincts. Their cleaning instincts become stronger, which is important for a better prevention of diseases. Healthier colonies have no need for pharmaceuticals, and can be protected with minimal chemical treatment against the Varroa mite.

This technology enabes a secure honey quality, free from chemicals and pharmaceuticals, which complies with the consumer demand and thus the beekeepers' interest worldwide.