Research Funding: $4.2 Million Allocated to Study European Foulbrood Disease in Honeybees
Oregon State University, in collaboration with Washington State University, University of California-Davis, and Mississippi State University, has secured $4.2 million in funding from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to lead a comprehensive research project on European foulbrood disease in honeybees. The disease, caused by a bacteria affecting honeybee larvae, has evolved into a more serious threat over the past few years. The study aims to address the increased prevalence and persistence of the disease, impacting bee colonies and posing challenges for pollination.
Key Details
1. European Foulbrood Disease
European foulbrood disease, caused by a bacterial infection during the larval stage, transforms newly hatched larvae into a brown mush within a few days. Once a minor problem, it has become a significant concern in recent years, affecting honeybee colonies.
2. Project Leadership and Collaboration
Oregon State University will lead the research project, collaborating with institutions such as Washington State University, University of California-Davis, and Mississippi State University. The interdisciplinary team comprises 10 scientists, including experts from each participating university.
3. Impact on Beekeeping
The disease leads to persistent colony declines, die-offs, and weakened hives incapable of effective pollination. Beekeepers, especially those involved in early-season crop pollination like highbush blueberries, experience production loss and increased costs due to the disease's impact.
4. Research Objectives
The study aims to comprehensively understand the factors contributing to the disease's prevalence. Tracking honeybee hives across multiple states, including Washington, Oregon, California, and Mississippi, researchers will investigate the disease's manifestations, estimate colony populations, and survey microbiota of bees and larvae.
5. Disease Mitigation Strategies
In the latter years of the grant, researchers will focus on developing strategies to mitigate the impact of European foulbrood disease on beekeepers. The multidimensional approach includes monitoring nutrition, climate factors, and implementing disease mitigation measures.
Challenges and Significance
The European foulbrood disease is part of the broader challenges facing honeybees, as evidenced by a 50% overall colony loss rate from April 2022 to April 2023. The research initiative is crucial for addressing the knowledge gaps and developing effective strategies to safeguard honeybee colonies and support the sustainability of pollination-dependent agriculture.
#HoneybeeDisease, #ResearchFunding, #USDA, #HoneybeeColony, #ClimateImpact, #AgriculturalSustainability
