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Apistan/Pollen Substitute & Supplements
APISTAN:
THE TEMPERATURE FACTOR:
A number of beekeepers have asked about the reason for the 10C statement on
the Apistan label. To find out the answer, Les Goczan, Manager Specialty Products
for Sandoz Agro Canada Inc. was contacted. Mr. Goczan's reply has been incorporated
into the following information.
Apistan strips consist of three components:
1) fluvalinate, as the active ingredient
2) PVC, as the matrix into which the a.i. is impregnated
3) Plasticiser, to provide flexibility Cold temperatures (e.g. less than 10C)
reduce the effect of the plasticiser thus making the strip more rigid and even
brittle.
Therefore, attempting to separate strips and bending the tabs for hanging
the strip can cause breakage. Strips placed correctly, in a hive that contains
bees, are just as effective when used in cold weather as in warmer weather because
the temperature inside the hive/cluster is constant. To avoid breaking strips,
simply handle them when they are warmer than 10C.
For example, in cold weather, separate the strips and bend the tabs in a warm
environment and then take them to the apiary for installation.
(Ed. note: This is only a part answer. It may have more to do with tight clusters
and a subsequent poor mobility of fluvalinate within the cluster, however, the
jury is still out on this one.)
APISTAN:
A TOOL FOR MANAGING VARROA
The product Apistan is a very useful tool for managing Varroa mites in honey
bee colonies. However, it is imperative that it be used properly in conjunction
with an integrated pest management approach. Otherwise, there are numerous negative
consequences that could result, including resistance development, and residues
in wax and honey.
The label that accompanies the product is informative and MUST
be read. However, there is additional information and clarification that
can supplement the label.
The fact sheet "Apistan: A Tool for Managing Varroa" provides this supplementary
information. Copies can be requested from the Apiculturist, NSDA&M.
NUISANCE BEES
Nuisance bee calls have started as a result of honey bees visiting bird feeders
and sawdust piles in large numbers. The bees are seeking out small seeds, seed
particles, and sawdust, or any material of similar size and consistency, to
satisfy their urge to collect pollen. Affected homeowners are being told to
move or remove these materials. The worst situations occur in areas where honey
bees are being overwintered outdoors in high numbers. In these cases, the beekeepers
are being encouraged to supply the bees with a source of brewers yeast to satisfy
the urge of honey bees to forage for pollen.
POLLEN SUPPLEMENTS AND SUBSTITUTES
Pollen is the principal source of proteins, vitamins, lipids and minerals
for honey bees. Feeding pollen supplement or substitutes is one of the best
beekeeping practices to encourage colony growth. A pollen substitute is any
material that can be fed to colonies to replace its need for natural pollen.
A pollen supplement is a pollen substitute that contains about 10 % natural
pollen (dry weight basis). A pollen supplement can best be described as a pollen
extender. Among the most commonly used protein sources are soybean meal, brewer's
yeast, low-lactose whey (dried) and Torula yeast. Pollen substitutes and extenders
can be fed in a moist patty, or dry. If fed in a patty, it should be placed
as close as possible to the combs containing unsealed brood. Dry materials can
be fed in a feed-lot system but this requires protection from adverse weather
conditions and good foraging conditions.
The are numerous recipes for both pollen substitutes and pollen supplements.
The following recipes (modified from The Encyclopedia of Beekeeping, 1985) are
a sample and are given in parts by weight, for dry mixes and moist patties,
as appropriate.
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Pollen supplements
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parts: dry mix |
parts: moist patty
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recipe # 1
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| soybean flower:pollen (3:1) |
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1
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| sucrose:water (2:1) |
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2
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recipe # 2
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| brewers yeast:pollen (3-1) |
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1
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| sucrose:water (6-1) |
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2
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Pollen Substitutes
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parts: dry
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parts: moist
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brewers yeast or soybean flour
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2
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3
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sucrose
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3
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3
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water
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2.5
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Beekeeping Notes is published 4-6 times per year by the Nova Scotia Department
of Agriculture and Marketing. Contributing Editor: R.E.L.Rogers, Apiculturist/Tree
Fruit Entomologist, NSDA&M, Agricultural Centre, 32 Main St., Kentville, NS,
CAN B4N 1J5. Tel: (902)679-6029, Fax: (902)679-6062, Email: DROGERS@PAM.NSAC.NS.CA
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