APIS Volume 9, Number 5, May 1991
In this issue
- African Bees--Status
- Apitherapy Status
- More on Feeding Protein
- National Honey Board News
- Recycling Paper as Smoker Fuel
- Organic Labelling
AFRICAN BEE STATUS
The big news continues to be African honey bees. Some 23 swarms have now been captured and destroyed, according to the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). With interception of these, trap lines are being repositioned in Texas and more APHIS personnel have been sent to the "front lines" to run the traps. The Texas legislature is in the process of deciding whether or not to spend some $197,000 on "combating the bees," according to one press report. Other interceptions are occurring at ports. One swarm was found aboard the Ecuadorian freighter, Ciudad de Quito. Another has been reported in a Florida port on a ship from Guatemala, but has not yet been confirmed as African. Expect more sightings in the future; they can only increase as swarming season continues.
Although the bees are far away from Florida, they are still making a splash in the headlines. The Fort Myers News Press, ran a couple of articles entitled: "'Killer' honey bees near U.S. Border," and "South Texas already feeling impact of 'killer bees'." Mr. Gary Duke sent copies of the articles along with the notation that they are making people a "little nervous" in the area. Again, expect this to continue. There have been a few requests for the new ENY 114, "Information on the African Honey Bee." It will be forthcoming to all county offices on CD ROM.
Two pieces of evidence have been published recently reconfirming the fact that the U.S. can look forward to a future hybridized population of African-European stock. Dr. Jose Villa and colleagues showed that five of nine Africanized colonies, but no European or Africanized-European crosses, died during a fairly mild winter in Germany (Environmental Entomology, Vol. 20, April, 1991). Africanized colonies also had higher worker attrition rates over the period. This suggests, according to the authors, a possible reduction in adverse effects by the Africanized bee as its range expands into the temperate U.S. and Canada. It is also thought that genes for wintering are "additive" and this will permit separate levels of hybridization for different ecological zones, complicating predictions on the bee's climatic limits.
Another study by Dr. W. Sheppard and associates takes a closer look at bee populations in Argentina (Nature, Vol. 349, Feb. 28, 1990). The results tend to confirm that zones of African-derived populations exist in northern Argentina, ranging from total African saturation in the north to a mixed African-European zone, finally to a total European area in the south. This appears to also confirm that limited hybridization occurs in the tropics. The study used three analyses: mitochondrial DNA, morphological (physical measurements), and other biochemicals called isozymes. All bees used in this study were from feral or wild colonies.
The final word is not in yet on the hybridization issue, however. In the first study, out of necessity, only a few colonies were used: nine Africanized, eight European and five AfricanizedEuropean, a total of 22. It is difficult to generalize what happened to these specific colonies to any bee population as a whole; this is an inherent problem in all bee research. Even though the population of African bees might be limited in northern areas, an equal amount of reduction of the bee's "adverse effects" cannot necessarily be taken for granted. In the second study, the sample size was much higher and the authors are presently doing a great deal more analysis on other finds.
Both the studies rely principally on morphometrics to identify which bees go in which group to begin with. Dr. H. Daly, who developed the technique, said in a recent interview in Science that he is not sure that what is seen morphometrically is evidence of hybridization. The use of a variety of identification techniques to further confirm these categories would have made a stronger case. Finally, no identification techniques have yet to be fully correlated with behavior, which is really what concerns both the beekeeping and general public.
The results above tend to affirm information published over a year ago in February 1990: "As the bees move north into temperate regions, where European bees have advantages, increasing amounts of hybridization should take place. African behavior among feral bees should become reduced. European and African bees will probably establish a hybrid boundary across the southern U.S..." Unfortunately, much of Florida is so subtropical that there still exists a good probability of a feral African population establishing itself in most of the state. South Texas, however, is in roughly the same category and thus, much can be learned from that experience to apply to a possible Florida scenario.
APITHERAPY STATUS
Apitherapy, the use of bee products to promote health and treat disease, is alive and well according to a letter from the current directors of the American Apitherapy Society (AAS), Charles Mraz and Bradford S. Weeks, M.D. In January, 1991 both directors were invited to France (expenses paid) to consult with that country's equivalent of the National Institutes of Health. The meeting resulted in the funding of scientific study on bee venom in France. Interest by Belgium, Switzerland, China and Eastern Europe followed.
Although interest still lags in the U.S., some 200 health care professionals offer venom therapy to patients around the country. And, according to the directors, there is a ground swell at hand to offer this kind of care to those suffering degenerative diseases. One example given is that some 35 persons are receiving bee venom treatment for multiple sclerosis in New England with positive results. The letter calls for those interested to join the Society as a forum for communication. The directors also state that the Society provides strength in numbers to aid those who are engaging in what remains an unconventional therapy. Venom has traditionally been emphasized in apitherapy, but conversation with Dr. Weeks indicates that the other bee products are very much on the Society's agenda. The latest issue of BeeWell, the Society's newsletter, for example, emphasizes medicinal uses of honey.
Membership in the AAS entitles one to reduced tuition at the Society's conferences, use of the Society's library, access to audio and video tapes of prior conferences and workshops, subscription to The Journal of the American Apitherapy Society, and the Society's quarterly newsletter, BeeWell. Membership dues are $30.00. For an application, contact the Society, P.O. Box 74, North Hartland, VT 05052, ph 802/295-6383.
MORE ON FEEDING PROTEIN
Dr. Eric Mussen, in the last issue of his newsletter, From the UC Apiaries, University of California, made some remarks on my discussion of the Florida protein feeding study in Bee Science I reported on in the last issue of APIS. According to Dr. Mussen, California experience suggests that stimulating a large flush of brood rearing when pollen is in short supply will take a heavy toll on nurse bees, who must sacrifice their body reserves to rear new bees. He concludes that lack of varied, nutritious pollens in late summer and fall is the largest contributing factor to colony loss prior to spring. Disease, parasites, predators and pesticides simply compound the problem. When the stresses are severe enough, we lose the bees.
A new product of Fleischman's Yeast, Inc. called Torutein (R) CP Dried Yeast is being made available, Dr. Mussen says. It appears to be suitable for bee feed, because it is highly processed (appropriate for human food) and relatively inexpensive. He suggests using it for about 25% of a pollen substitute/supplement. The price per pound ranges from $.92 to $1.10 before shipping. For more information, contact Pure Culture Products, 10600 West Higgins Rd., Suite 303, Rosemont, IL 60018, ph 800/443-1067.
NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL HONEY BOARD
Market research shows some interesting trends, according to the Spring issue of National Honey Board Newsletter. Supermarket scanner data reveals overall pound sales of honey were down one percent while dollar sales were up two percent. Because the industry experienced considerable growth in 1989 (a 9.9 percent increase in retail sales), the leveling off was expected. The newsletter also reports a foodservice research study will be completed in 1991. To date foodservice operators perceive honey as a value added product. As an example, Church's Fried Chicken replaced their regular biscuits with "Honey Butter Biscuits," in an effort to improve sales.
Finally, the newsletter reports that consumers love the squeeze bear. Sales data "bears" this out with a 25 percent increase in these containers for 1990. A new series of ads featuring the squeeze bear was introduced in the fall of last year. On occasion there has been criticism of the Board's activities. They have been perceived as not helping the small-scale producer. Here is at least one example where the Board's activities can make an impact on any size honey retailer. Putting up this year's crop in bears instead of jars will take advantage of national advertising funded by the Board.
According to Dr. Roger Hoopingarner, editor of B-Plus, the beekeeping report from Michigan State University, the 5-year automatic reassessment of the National Honey Board comes up for a vote this summer. Dr. Hoopingarner says that to be fair, we must look at the Board as losing two years of programming just to get established. He says the two- to two-and-a-half years of actual work, however, have been imaginative and successful. Surplus honey is gone and prices are up. Dr. Hoopingarner says a separate part of the vote will be whether to retain the refund provision. One reason for this is that more and more refunds are requested each year. Some want to retain the freedom to ask for a refund. No matter how you feel, Dr. Hoopingarner concludes, your vote is important. Eligibility to vote will be determined on your past payments/assessments under the Honey Research Promotion and Consumer Information Order.
RECYCLING NEWSPAPER AS SMOKER FUEL
It's now known that the major product making its way into the nations landfills is newspaper. Recycling newsprint, therefore, makes good sense. A great deal of newspaper is made into other products, but the supply usually outstrips the demand. The beekeeper can make a dent in this literal mountain of newspaper by making some of it into smoker pulp.
A recipe for smoker pulp was reported in a 1987 article in The World of Bees and Honey, a newsletter written by Dr. E. Jaycox (now retired). Shred or tear the newspaper into a bucket of water and soak for ten days, stirring until it becomes a mush. Fill a pipe with an inside diameter smaller than your smoker barrel with the material and squeeze the water out with a plunger (capped pipe or rolling pin). Push the compacted pulp out of the pipe and let it dry.
Advantages of smoker pulp are that it provides a nonirritating smoke with few tar deposits. It also stays lighted well and can be put out with water and reused. A disadvantage is that smoker pulp may be somewhat difficult to get started. It is recommended to use a blow torch, gas flame or a length of lighted newspaper. This difficulty, however, would appear to be more than made up for by the beekeeper who now can say he/she further conserves resources by acting locally while thinking globally.
ORGANIC LABELLING
The Florida Organic Gardening and Food Law took effect October, 1990. According to the Florida Farm Bureau's FloridaAgriculture, March, 1991, the purpose of the law was to establish a "framework to protect consumers, producers and retailers who desire to purchase, market or produce organic foods," and "to protect conventional agriculture and organic agriculture against false labeling, misleading advertising, and fraudulent practices in the market place."
Under the law, the Organic Food Advisory Council, made up of nine volunteers selected by the Commissioner of Agriculture, will oversee selection of certifying agents, the article says. In essence this means products cannot be labeled "organic" unless certified so by an agent. The certifying agent will not be the Department of Agriculture. Rather, it will be one of several independent third parties licensed by the Department of Agriculture.
It is acknowledged that the Florida Organic Gardening and Food Law is primarily designed to protect the consuming public. However, there will be benefits to growers, the article says, quoting Alachua County Cooperative Extension Agent, Gary Brinen: "The standards are better established (through the law), the rules are better established and the marketing...If they grow organically, they now know they are going to be protected because only certified growers will be able to sell and label produce as organic."
The article concludes that consumers may begin to see "Florida Certified Organic Produce" soon. The law and application guidelines must go through more legal "hoops" and a certification logo is being developed. Once these are in place, organizations and individuals will be able to apply for certification.
Although at first glance this appears to be an ideal program for many honey marketers, it will not come cheap. The cost of yearly certification could range from $300 to $1000, depending on circumstances. Meeting the standards will also be difficult and costly. For example, it is instructive to look at a cross section of the Organic Crop Improvement Association's 1991 standards for bees and honey:
- Feeding Bees--feeding sugar except if starvation is imminent is prohibited; only known certified honey can be fed.
- Disease Control--the use of Terramycin (R) is only permitted for controlling American foulbrood; menthol may be used for tracheal mites, but no antibiotics can be fed for European foulbrood, nosema, chalkbrood or sacbrood. The standards do not say anything about using Apistan (R) or any other chemicals to control Varroa. Look for that to change.
- Foraging Areas--apiaries must be located in non- industrialized areas where pesticides are not applied to commercial crops; apiaries cannot be located within five (5) miles of garbage dumps, landfills, contaminated water, golf courses or major traffic polluting areas, and no closer than two (2) miles from major townsites or cities.
- Beeswax--only pure beeswax of known origin is allowed.
- Honey Treatment--no chemicals can be used to remove bees from supers; honey cannot be heated more than 95 degrees F.; the extracting facility must be inspected once a year by federal food inspectors; barrels must be of known origin, stored inside, new or previously used in food storage.
- Honey Storage--honey may be stored a maximum of two (2) years before sale as organic.
- Queen Rearing--cross breeding in encouraged as is rearing your own queens; package bees can be purchased, but instrumental insemination and killing colonies in the fall is prohibited.
- Method of Administering Antibiotics--antibiotics may only be fed for immediate consumption in a pure pollen patty (no oil-based extender patties allowed); dusting and feeding in syrup is prohibited; use of antibiotics must be withdrawn at least one month before the honey flow; samples of first honey produced must be analyzed for antibiotic residues by registered inspectors.
It is emphasized that the above is not a comprehensive list of standards. Neither are these cast in concrete yet as other potential certifying agents may see fit to modify or eliminate some of the above provisions. However, they do give the would-be producer a hint of what might be required.
Malcolm T. Sanford
Bldg 970, Box 110620
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611-0620
Phone (904) 392-1801, Ext. 143 FAX: 904-392-0190
http://www.ifas.ufl.edu/~entweb/apis/apis.htm
INTERNET Address: MTS@GNV.IFAS.UFL.EDU
©1991 M.T. Sanford "All Rights Reserved
