Beekeepers Talk About Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)
On the website TED.com, you can view an entertaining and compelling video of a talk given by the apiarist, "Dennis vanEngelsdorp: a plea for bees."
The Varroa mite, a fungus disease, pesticides, even electromagnetic radiation from cell phones have been blamed for this condition. Interestingly to those of us not familiar with bee society, the affected bees aren't usually found dead in the hives; they practice what is known as altruistic suicide, by leaving the colony so as not to infect their brethren. The sick bees just disappear.
Meredith Grelli, one of the founders of Pittsburgh's urban beekeeper's organization, Burgh Bees, answered some questions recently about her view of the problem.
Q: Colony collapse disorder seems to be the biggest problem in the world of bees. Is there any new information about the cause?
A:"Earlier this month scientists were able to sequence the genome of a bee parasite, Nosema ceranae, that might be contributing to CCD. The parasite causes a fungal disease which infects the honeybees' tissue and organs. However this is yet another piece to a still unsolved puzzle."
Q: Do you have a personal theory or opinion about the cause of CCD among all those possibilities out there?
A: We know that bees immune systems are failing to protect them from parasites and diseases such as the one above. Some of our human practices contribute to this. Our monocultural farming, wherein we have bees pollinate fields of single crops, does not provide them the diversity of proteins and amino acids their immune systems require. Likewise, the use of pesticides in agriculture may contribute to this degradation of immunity. Furthermore, non-organic beekeeping practices may be contributing to the development of weaker bees and stronger parasites.
Sources: Edible Allegheny, CULINARY CONVERSATION An Eco-Centric Q&A, http://www.edibleallegheny.com/content/index.php/June-July-2009/CULINARY-CONVERSATION-An-Eco-Centric-QA.htm
Ted.com, "Dennis vanEngelsdorp: a plea for bees" http://www.ted.com/talks/dennis_vanengelsdorp_a_plea_for_bees.html
Burghbees.com
Published by Rose Field
For eight years I worked at Pittsburgh's renown Phipps Conservatory as a grower and horticulturist, then opened a garden design and installation company specializing in perennial gardens with an organic appr... View profile
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18 Comments
Post a CommentThis is such a strange phenomena Rose. There was a time when you would have to swoosh bees back outside or try to avoid them altogether, now I walk outside to see them dead on the ground with their stingers still attached, very eerie!!!
just found this great article...thanks for sharing info on this important issue...please keep up updated!..tho' I did notice that the bees seemed more plentiful this year than last, I'm sure it's something humans have done to cause the initial problem...why can't we just let nature do its thing?
Excellent coverage. I've been following this puzzling problem, caused by humans, I'm sure.
It is sad that the honey bee has been disappearing. I remember seeing them all the time when I was a kid.
This is very interesting. I think there has been an increase in wasps, unfortunately. But I don't see as many bees on my plants anymore. I'm adding you to my favorites.
No, I never realized how important the honey bees are. I think part of this is because I am highly allergic to all bees and must go straight to the ER, if I get stung. Great job.
Thought I commented on this when it came out, pintpolice. Another brain lapse... This CCD is such a frightening development, it boggles the mind to think of all the implications. It's so essential for us to be aware & learn any way to help avert disaster. Thanks for drawing attention to this huge issue based on these crucial tiny creatures.
I have heard of this also and it does make me wonder what the outcome could be. As you said, I don't think many realize just how important the honey bee is. Everything has a purpose.
I have heard of this but didn't know many of the details! Excellent piece. Please keep us informed as more info develops!
People don't realize how essential bees are to the environment! Without bees, I wouldn't have had my great watermelon crop this year!