Is Beekeeping Affected by the Use of Neonicotinoids in Agriculture?

Neonicotinoids are systemic insecticides used in agriculture for seed treatment as well as in the pest control by spraying during plant growing. Also, they are found as an active substance in different phytosanitary products used in horticulture for winter spraying in fruit plantations when fruit trees are in vegetative rest. Taking into account the former studies on this topic, knowing all what is published regarding this important theme, both for agriculture and for beekeeping, the review is very important for all interested parts. In the present review many of the questions raised by the beekeepers and the scientists from agriculture receive an answer, together with described methods for identifying and quantifying this class of still used pesticide

Monitoring of Bee Colonies’ Activity During the Major Gatherings in 2017

The assessment of the meteorological factors, in direct correlation with the nectar release and honey production, helps beekeepers with the organization of the technological activities within the apiary (determination of the pastoral schedule, supplementary feedings, reproduction of bee colonies, honey harvest, etc.). The study was carried out between 14th of April and 20th of July 2017, on 20 Apis mellifera carpatica bee colonies, maintained in multi-layer and Dadant beehives. The bee colonies were transported in field for rape, acacia and sunflower gathering and monitored with the help of the BeeWatch Professional device. The rape and acacia gatherings were negatively influenced by low temperatures and heavy rainfall, which impeded the capitalization of the melliferous potential. The bee colonies gathered only 5 kg rape honey and 3.9 kg acacia honey/bee colony/period. As regards the sunflower, the weather conditions were optimal for gathering, and the bee colonies gathered the supplies necessary for winter and also 5 kg honey extra. The honey production obtained by the bee colonies studied was not influenced by the beehive type; it was strongly influenced by the environmental factors, temperature and humidity

Multidirectional Activities for Gene Pool Conservation in GCEARS-PSP

The Global Centre of Excellence for Advance Research in Sericulture and Promotion of Silk Production (GCEARS-PSP), recognised by ISC since 2014, was created with the main purposes: development of advanced research in sericulture and diagnostic services using modern techniques, achievement of a gene pool of different silkworms races and promotion of silk production. The objective of this study was to characterize the races from the GCEARS-PSP, in order to conserve the most valuable and resistant ones. This characterisation is a part of GCEARS-PSP’s strategy for the revival and development of sericulture and silk production in Romania. The GCEARS-PSP represents an important point of reference for Romanian sericulture. The experimental data described showed a good prospective for a proper functioning of the research centre and the obtained results are promising for the next lines of research