Ashburton Bee Smart Beekeeping Workshop
Varroa, Bee Sex, Genetics, Honey bee Systems, Insecticide Poisoning.
Special Guest:
Dr Megan A Taylor: honey bee reproduction and genetics specialist
Megan earned her Master’s degree at the University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada) where she developed improved techniques for the cryopreservation of honey bee germplasm. Megan then moved to the United States where she received her PhD at Washington State University (Pullman, WA) working at the University’s Apis Research Lab. Megan’s doctoral research focused on assessing the genetic diversity of Old World and New World honey bee populations. During her time in Washington, Megan was also responsible for Washington State’s portion of the National Honey Bee Survey in cooperation with the United States Governmental Agencies (USDA and APHIS), and trained several professional scholars and university employees in both laboratory and field techniques.
While in New Zealand, Megan has worked in industry, establishing and maintaining a closed population breeding program increasing colony performance through genetic stock selection and improvement. She has developed and maintained company-wide, scientifically based programs to protect our pollinators with an emphasis on bee health & nutrition, exotic pest/pathogen monitoring, and is well-versed in pollinator protection and queen rearing and production practices.
Host:
Rae Butler: queen breeder
Topics:
‘Extreme polyandry’: The chosen lifestyle of the queen bee – In this talk, Dr Megan A Taylor will discuss the ins and outs of honey bee genetic diversity.
Honey bee sex: Up close and personal – This talk will focus on honey bee reproduction told through a series of microscopy images produced by Dr Megan A Taylor.
Varroa Monitoring: Monitoring mantra – In this talk Rae Butler will explain the benefits of mite monitoring and what it can tell you.
Honeybee Systems: The hive as a superorganism – In this talk Rae Butler shows how the bee colony functions as a single organism.
Insecticide Poisoning: What the …!!! – In this talk Rae Butler will discuss the symptoms of insecticide poisoning, long-term effects, and what action can be taken.
Venue: 10am Bee Smart Breeding 8 Stamford Lane Ashburton
Parking: front paddocks
Lunch: snacks and drinks provided Please state any dietary requirements on the online registration
Cost:
$80.00 - registered attendees
$100.00 - turn up on the day
Invoices will be sent to all attendees.
Don’t forget to start a folder for your Bee Smart Fact Sheets and notes.