Honey Bee & Pollination Program abuzz with key research hitting strategic targets

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The AgriFutures™ Honey Bee & Pollination Program is a hive of activity with a number of research projects achieving key outcomes outlined in the five-year RD&E Plan and a major industry event offering a chance to share program updates.

AgriFutures Australia Program Manager Research and Innovation, Dr Melanie Bradley, said there are a range of funded research projects in progress that will support the long-term productivity, profitability and sustainability of the industry.

“One project in development is investigating the market and potential for profitable production of Australian produced propolis. It is a product in demand as a natural therapy treatment for wounds, cold sores, mouth ulcers, and has potential as an immune system booster,” said Dr Bradley.

Health benefits are a reoccurring theme in the honey bee industry. A second project is underway investigating the positive impacts of Australian eucalyptus honeys on gut health, with previous studies already demonstrating that these honeys have significant promise as a prebiotic. Proving the health benefit of Australian honeys could result in a significant economic boost to the Australian honey bee industry.

Aligning with the Program’s RD&E Plan, bee health is of significant importance and a research project has commenced that will examine the factors influencing chalkbrood outbreaks in Australia. Chalkbrood is a detrimental honey bee pathogen that can significantly reduce hive productivity and cause colony losses.

In the final year of the five-year RD&E Plan, the AgriFutures™ Honey Bee & Pollination Program has undertaken a significant amount of research to benefit the honey bee industry. One highlight research project delivered the most comprehensive seasonal data to date on the Small Hive Beetle (SHB), according to Dr Bradley. The SHB is the predominant apiary pest in the warm, moist regions of eastern Australia and Dr Diana Leemon investigated and developed an external attractant trap for the SHB in attempt to reduce numbers affecting hives.

Along with vital projects being developed in the research space, the AgriFutures™ Honey Bee & Pollination Program team recently had the opportunity to meet with program stakeholders at the third Australian Bee Congress.

The Congress, held on the Gold Coast from 27 – 30 June, featured several AgriFutures™ Honey Bee & Pollination Program Advisory Panel Members and researchers who presented on topics of importance to the honey bee industry.

Dr Melanie Bradley said the event was informative and innovative, and as a Gold Sponsor, having a trade exhibition stand offered the chance to connect with the industry, share new knowledge and discuss research opportunities for the program.

The next major focus of the AgriFutures™ Honey Bee & Pollination Program is reviewing the current five-year RD&E Plan and identifying research objectives and priorities for the next Plan, to be finalised by mid-2019.

Learn more about the AgriFutures™ Honey Bee & Pollination Program

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