In this episode of 2 Million Blossoms, host Dr. Kirsten Traynor is joined by Dr. Marla Spivak, a renowned bee scientist and MacArthur Genius Award recipient. Together, they delve into the pivotal changes in beekeeping ushered in by the Varroa mite's arrival and explore the ongoing challenges it poses.

Dr. Spivak shares insights from her decades of experience, particularly on the impact of Varroa on bee health and the subsequent adaptations in beekeeping practices. The conversation also covers innovative strategies for managing these challenges, including minimizing chemical treatments and fostering bee resilience through selective breeding.

As a passionate advocate for bees, Dr. Spivak discusses the broader issues affecting bee populations, such as pesticide exposure and habitat loss, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices. This episode not only sheds light on the complexities of modern beekeeping but also inspires with solutions that can lead to healthier bee populations and ecosystems.

Listen today!

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

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Music: Original 2 Million Blossoms Theme, by Oscar Morante / Mooi Studios; Guitar music by Jeffrey Ott; Faraday by BeGun;

2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast is a joint audio production of Protect Our Pollinators, LLC and Growing Planet Media, LLC

Copyright © 2024 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this captivating episode of 2 Million Blossoms, host Dr. Kirsten Traynor sits down with Dr. David Peck, Director of Research and Education at Betterbee, to explore the intricate world of bees and the persistent challenge posed by varroa mites. Peck shares insights from his groundbreaking research, including his astonishing discovery of varroa mites' ability to jump onto honeybees from flowers, showcasing the agility and adaptability of these parasites.

This discussion delves into varroa mites' evolutionary prowess, their impact on bee colonies, and effective strategies for managing this persistent threat. Through engaging storytelling and expert analysis, this episode sheds light on the sophisticated behaviors of varroa mites and underscores the importance of integrated pest management in safeguarding bee populations.

Join us to uncover the dynamic between bees and their most formidable adversary, the varroa mite, in a conversation that is both enlightening and essential for anyone invested in the health of pollinators.

Link to David's video of a varroa jumping onto a foraging honey bee: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2016/12/devastating-mites-jump-nimbly-flowers-honeybees

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

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Music: Original 2 Million Blossoms Theme, by Oscar Morante / Mooi Studios; Guitar music by Jeffrey Ott; Faraday by BeGun;

2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast is a joint audio production of Protect Our Pollinators, LLC and Growing Planet Media, LLC

Copyright © 2024 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of 2 Million Blossoms, host Dr. Kirsten Traynor sits down with Flemming Vejsnæs, a bee biologist and beekeeper from Denmark, to delve into bees and beekeeping in Denmark. Drawing on their long-standing friendship and Flemming's extensive experience, they explore the evolution of beekeeping, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration and knowledge exchange in overcoming challenges like the varroa mite and the small hive beetle.

Flemming shares his journey from a budding biologist fascinated by pollination to a pivotal figure in Denmark's beekeeping community. His career, spanning over three decades with the Danish Beekeepers Association, underscores the significance of adaptive strategies and international cooperation in advancing beekeeping practices and pollinator protection.

Kirsten and Flemming talk about his role and plans for Apimondia, 2025, in Denmark. Flemming and the Apimondia team are deep in the plans for this world-wide conference, featuring the top bee researchers from around the world, vendors and the largest honey show, featuring 500 to 600 different honeys.

Listeners will be captivated by the passion and expertise that Flemming brings to the discussion, offering valuable insights and practical advice for both new and experienced beekeepers. His vision for a future where beekeeping adapts to changing environmental and market conditions, supported by a strong community of informed and engaged beekeepers, is both hopeful and motivating.

Don't miss this deep dive into the heart of beekeeping in Denmark and the lessons it holds for pollinator protection worldwide.

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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

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Music: Original 2 Million Blossoms Theme, by Oscar Morante / Mooi Studios. Guitar music by Jeffrey Ott

2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast is a joint audio production of Protect Our Pollinators, LLC and Growing Planet Media, LLC

Copyright © 2024 by Growing Planet Media, LLC