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. A new bioassay using bees in cages was developed for this study. Dr. Dupree also reported on a study designed to reduce the number of female greater wax moths in equipment storage facilities. Traps using both live males and synthetic male pheromones attracted females.