The province is seeking proposals for honey bee health research projects, and will provide support for projects that increase knowledge about the stressors that influence honey bee health as well as ways to improve prevention and pollinator loss recovery efforts.
Applications for research proposals are now open, and successful projects will address topics such as the following:
- The impact of breeding and genetics on resistance to pests and pathogens
- The effect of high pathogen loads on honey bee health
- How pathogens impact the development of bee colony damage and disease
- The effectiveness of current pest and disease management strategies in Ontario's beekeeping sector
“We all have a role to play in helping support pollinator health in Ontario. A collaborative approach is at the core of our efforts to protect pollinators. Our government is pleased to be funding this important research that will provide the vital information needed to help support a healthy pollinator population”, said Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Minister Responsible for Small Business.
For more information:
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/research/new_directions/ndresearchprogram.html