Acadia is a hive of bee research
Drs. Kirk Hillier and Dave Shutler are collaboratively investigating effects of parasitism and pesticides on honey bee health. Research includes olfactory conditioning of honey bees, chemical analyses of pesticide fate in honey bees, and methods for monitoring and controlling Varroa mites in hives. This summer, students have been studying hive odours as a means of managing parasitic mites of honey bees. Rylee Oosterhuis (Honours) is developing lures and traps as potential attractants of Varroa destructor mites within hives of honey bees. Mark Hanes (Honours) is using electrophysiology to determine sensitivity of Varroa destructor mites to hive odours and pheromones produced by honeybees. These projects include close collaboration with regional beekeepers, and are being supported by the Canadian Bee Research Fund, ACOA, NSERC, Bee Maid, and Acadia.
