| Author(s): Scenic Spring
Date: 15 April 08 C15. Investigate the entity known as “Colony Collapse Disorder.” Share the most current knowledge on the subject. Discuss what you can do to help.
The Effects Of CCDColony collapse disorder is also known as CCD. It is the name given to mysterious disappearances of worker honey bees in the united states. The disappearances were first noticed in late 2006 in the West. Similar disappearances have happened in places like Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and other foreign cities. These cities have less instances of disappearances then North America however.Some of the suggested causes are environmental impact that causes stress, malnutrition due to lack of flowers and supplements in winter stores such as HFCS (high fructose corn syrup), disease, pesticides, motes, and more. These, however, are all hypothetical as all are unsure what has caused this. Some disappearances similar to this were recorded in 1869 but these disappearances were know by different names. Recently, winter losses were reported in 2003-2004 but it is unknown if these are connected with CCD or not. To define CCD; as with any other phenomenon, you need to have symptoms. Some of the symptoms recorded are as follows: complete absence of adult bees, few or no dead bees around the colony, presence of capped brood, and a few others. Some of the minor early signs of CCD are an insufficient workforce, There is a presence of mainly young adult bees, the queen bee is present, and the bees are reluctant to consume provided food. There is a group working on investigation called the “colony collapse disorder working group.” This group is located out of Penn State University. They have been researching with data collections, samples, migration, hypotheses, and prevention. As of December, 2007 there have been no breakthroughs on the causes and status of CCD. This was confirmed on December 11, 2007, at a meeting of the Entomological Society of America in San Diego, California.” No breakthroughs were given at that time. Media and political groups have recently become aware of this problem and worried. Hilary Clinton and others in congress are looking into this. There are several factors being looked at to help determine the causes of CCD. Groups are working on investigating the chemicals that contaminate in areas such as wax, bees, and food stores. They are investigating possible pathogens that are known to researchers and some that may not be. Parasites are being looked at in bees and brood. Nutrition and stress in adult bees are being watched and studied as well. They are also starting to look at the genetic diversity--all to help in the determination posses. Some of the things you can do to help are: do not place weak and strong colonies together, manage the bees appropriately, and feed colonies fumigillin during the spring season. Use caution with your equipment. Pay close attention to causes that may have killed your previous colonies before reuse. You should replace old combs on a regular basis. Plant fresh flowers for food for honey bees to eat without pesticides, etc. Studies of our bees and getting to know them one step at a time may help in regeneration. CCD is a serious outbreak. Without bees to pollinate we will have no food. Several farmers are giving up, and are no longer planting their products as there are no bees to pollinate. If we do not find out what is going on and address this issue our economy could go into a collapse. We can help by doing even small and seemingly insignificant things. We also can encourage neighbors and friends to help plant bee friendly plants. Even one person can make a huge difference!
What I can do to help: * I can plant bee friendly flowers * I can learn about habitats for honey bees. * I can provide a helpful environment, even if it is small, for my local bees.
Work Cited: Caron, D., M. Frazier, D. vanEngelsdor. <http://maarec.cas.psu.edu/FAQ/FAQCCD.pdf>. Mackintosh,
Craig. http://www.celsias.com/2007/03/15/bee-colony-collapse-disorder-where-is-it-heading/. Unknown name. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colony_Collapse_Disorder>. |
|
|
c15 (ss) |