Project Overview
FNE02-408
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2002: $5,081.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2002
Region: Northeast
State: Vermont
Project Leader:
Jeffrey T. Cunningham
Honeyhunter Apiaries and Farm
Commodities
- Animals: bees
Practices
- Animal Production: parasite control
- Education and Training: on-farm/ranch research
- Farm Business Management: community-supported agriculture
- Natural Resources/Environment: biodiversity, indicators
- Pest Management: cultural control, disease vectors, field monitoring/scouting, genetic resistance, integrated pest management, mating disruption, physical control
Proposal summary:
This project will integrate the recent development of Varroa-mite-tolerant honey bees with advances in sustainable methods of managing mites and disease, with a particular focus on rearing healthy, locally-adapted, mite-tolerant queens. The farmer will breed queens for resistance, hygienic behavior, high brood viability, good temperament, honey production, and winter hardiness. Outreach will be through beekeepers’ associations and workshops.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.