Varroa jacobsoni is a parasitic mite that has emerged as a serious pest of European honeybees (Apis mellifera) following a recent jump from its natural host, the Asian honeybee (Apis cerana). A recent report by CSIRO has shown for the first time this mite reproducing on European honey bees. Read more
The use of netting to protect crops from hail, wind and birds is becoming increasingly popular among fruit growers but it can seriously affect pollination. Trevor Monson, who coordinates the placement of thousands of hives each year for orchardists and other growers, says the key to getting the most from honeybees is to talk to […] Read more
A symposium held in Canberra on 9 April 2014 concluded that neonicotinoids, a newer class of insecticide commonly used to control insect pests in crops, are unlikely to be presenting any greater threat to honey bees and crop pollination than other pesticides which have been in use for many years. Read more
On 12 December 2013, the Senate referred an inquiry into the future of the beekeeping and pollination service industries to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee. Read more
