News & Events

Probiotics study shows promise in detecting and treating disease in honey bees

16/07/2019 – 2:09 pm Preliminary trials have shown there to be a direct correlation between gut bacterial numbers in honey bees and the overall health of hives. High levels of gut bacteria in honeybees could mean healthier and more productive hives, according to the latest research from the University of Canberra funded by AgriFutures Australia. While further testing needs […] Read more

Guides to better pollination

09/07/2019 – 8:59 am Pollination guides for blueberry, melon, macadamia and avocado crops are now available for Australian producers. Each brochure contains detailed information about the basics of pollination, the range of pollinators for the crop, and a checklist to ensure the best pollination results. The unique features of each crop are considered to give tailored advice on maximising pollination […] Read more

Varroa mites detected again at Townsville Port

14/06/2019 – 11:40 am Varroa mites have been detected on an Asian honey bee nest that was recently found and destroyed at the Port of Townsville. The nest was located on 16 May 2019 as a result of bee lining activities where foraging bees are tracked. Combs and bees collected from the nest were sent to the Brisbane Biosecurity […] Read more

It’s a buzz

05/06/2019 – 9:33 am Native bee enthusiasts and professionals alike are in a buzz of excitement with the formation their own member organisation, the Australian Native Bee Association. President Dr Tim Heard said: “The association will harness and spread the enthusiasm for native bees by many groups including naturalists, beekeepers, farmers and backyarders.” The Australian Native Bee Association aims […] Read more

How surveillance protects our bees

25/03/2019 – 11:45 am Surveillance for bee pests from overseas is essential to maintaining a healthy bee population in Australia and protecting our beekeeping industry. The National Bee Pest Surveillance Program (NBPSP) monitors for the presence of exotic bee pests and pest bees, as well as regionalised bee pests, across 32 sea and air ports. Dr Jenny Shanks, Bee […] Read more