부산대학교 도서관

Simple Summary: Apis mellifera is a managed pollinator that experiences cycles of extreme losses at the population level. Several culprits have been associated with these mass losses. Most notably, the parasitic mite Varroa destructor is a consistent suspect in periodic mass losses of honey bee colonies. Our team performed diagnostic screening of pathogens and parasites in operations that experienced extreme losses during the winter of 2023. The direct cost to replace lost colonies and the immediate economic harm imparted from severe losses are described. United States commercial beekeepers prepare honey bee colonies for almond pollination in California each year in late January to early February. This represents the largest managed pollination event in the world and involves more than half of all U.S. honey bee colonies. In winter 2023, numerous colonies in Florida, which were graded as suitable for almonds (larger than ten frames of bees), dwindled suddenly or altogether died within several weeks, just prior to movement for almonds. The timing of these losses and the resulting morbidity caused severe economic harm to affected operations. This study reports interviews with affected stakeholders, their economic harm, and analyses of pathogens and parasites found in their colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]