In the past, many beekeepers used such products with great success. At the Manitoba Beekeepers Association meeting in Winnipeg, Dr. Rob Currie, University of Manitoba, revealed how his research led to the above conclusion. There is evidence that high levels of HMF have injured bees. However, Dr. Currie does not consider this the full answer. Undissolved solids or incomplete hydrolysis also could have contributed.
Acid hydrolysis is known to result in syrup injurious to honey bees.
Although there is a good deal of evidence that off-spec syrup is indeed the culprit in the Manitoba incident, Dr. Currie cannot point to the actual mechanism causing the problem. This trend-setting fund will be operated and controlled by beekeepers who donate to it. Contributions are tax deductible and voluntary. Dr. Winston said his personal goal was to see a million Canadian dollars in the fund which would be a sustainable source of research dollars far into the future. Dr. Cynthia Scott Dupree, University of Guelph, discussed a study showing evidence for a genetic basis to susceptibility of nosema in bees.