Spring Break
Bee decline has researchers abuzz
Meeting brings beekeepers, growers, scientists together for multiple solutions
Katy Weaver
Issue date: 4/14/08 Section: News
"As a result of the meeting, there is a group of industry representatives we are working together with to make a case for why the state should make an additional investment to help the problem," Coakley said.
"If issues arise that need immediate attention, we need to have the ability to do more surveys and diagnostics than we currently have funds to provide."
Other goals of the committee include determining the capabilities of different West Coast institutions in order to coordinate efforts, and to encourage everyone to support finding a solution.
The OSU Extension Services is already offering screening services for pathogens and pests that are believed to be causing problems in hives. These test for ailments such as American Foulbroud, European Foulbrood, Chalkbrood, Stonebrood, Nosema and several types of mites.
In addition, the extension services created a website "to provide information on honeybee pests and pathogens," according to the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences.
They also made the Oregon Honey Bee Survey 2008, which asks beekeepers which Oregon counties their bees are kept in, what states they have traveled to, and other detailed questions about how Colony Collapse Disorder is affecting their hives.
"Because the problem of Colony Collapse is so complex, it will undoubtedly take a combined effort of multiple states and agencies to find a solution," Coakley said.
"If we don't react and get a handle on this - I'm not kidding - there may not be any bees this time next year," said Beekeeper Eric Olson, in an interview with The Oregonian.
Katie Weaver, assistant news editor
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
"If issues arise that need immediate attention, we need to have the ability to do more surveys and diagnostics than we currently have funds to provide."
Other goals of the committee include determining the capabilities of different West Coast institutions in order to coordinate efforts, and to encourage everyone to support finding a solution.
The OSU Extension Services is already offering screening services for pathogens and pests that are believed to be causing problems in hives. These test for ailments such as American Foulbroud, European Foulbrood, Chalkbrood, Stonebrood, Nosema and several types of mites.
In addition, the extension services created a website "to provide information on honeybee pests and pathogens," according to the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences.
They also made the Oregon Honey Bee Survey 2008, which asks beekeepers which Oregon counties their bees are kept in, what states they have traveled to, and other detailed questions about how Colony Collapse Disorder is affecting their hives.
"Because the problem of Colony Collapse is so complex, it will undoubtedly take a combined effort of multiple states and agencies to find a solution," Coakley said.
"If we don't react and get a handle on this - I'm not kidding - there may not be any bees this time next year," said Beekeeper Eric Olson, in an interview with The Oregonian.
Katie Weaver, assistant news editor
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
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