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Randy,s Posts

The “Nosema Twins” – Part 1

© Randy Oliver It appears that a new bully has moved into town, and we didn’t even realize it! Maybe now we can explain some of the nasty things that have been going on. As of a few months ago, I knew diddly squat about nosema. Sure, I bought Fumidil-B some twenty years ago when...

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Nosema Ceranae: Kiss of Death or Much Ado about Nothing?

Nosema Ceranae: Kiss of Death or Much Ado about Nothing? Randy Oliver ScientificBeekeeping.com First Published in ABJ in Aug. 2009 Once again I’m interrupting a series of articles to update beekeepers on breaking news that has practical applications in bee management. This time the information is about Nosema ceranae, and I felt that the readers...

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The Suck-a-Bee

The Suck-a-Bee Randy Oliver ScientificBeekeeping.com First Published in ABJ in Aug. 2008   This sleek sucker makes nosema sampling a breeze! And you can build it yourself for about $40. Randy Oliver [ ** Suck-a-Bee update: Dirt Devil makes a nearly identical, but more expensive, vac that operates with a 15v battery and has greater...

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A Test of The Drench Method for Nosema

A Test of the “Drench” Method of Nosema Treatment Randy Oliver ScientificBeekeeping.com First Published in ABJ in Oct. 2008 In previous articles in this journal, I’ve summarized what we know about Nosema ceranae, its pathogenicity, detection, and treatment. I wondered whether N. ceranae would prove to be as virulent in North America as it appeared...

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Nosema Ceranae: Additional Reports and Ramblings

Nosema Ceranae: Additional Reports and Ramblings Randy Oliver ScientificBeekeeping.com First Published in ABJ in Oct. 2008 Allow me to swap hats, and now speak to you as a beekeeper. As I was writing this article, I was asked similar questions by a number of beekeepers. Here they are, with answers to the best of my...

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Nosema Ceranae—Not Your Father’s Nosema!

Nosema Ceranae—Not Your Father’s Nosema! Randy Oliver ScientificBeekeeping.com First published in Bee Culture Published in ABJ in Jan. 2009 Most beekeepers are aware that a new form of nosema has established itself in North America (and throughout the world). Amazingly, Nosema ceranae was able to spread worldwide without anyone even noticing until recently—it has been...

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Field of View Count Correlation

Field of View Count Correlation Report to the California State Beekeepers Association by Randy Oliver ScientificBeekeeping.com First Published inABJ in Oct. 2008   Determination of “spore count” Nosema infection level is reported in a standardized “spore count” of “average number of spores per bee,” generally given in millions (1 million = 1 x 106). The...

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Field Trial of Several Nosema Treatments

Field Trial of Several Nosema Treatments Progress Report by Randy Oliver ScientificBeekeeping.com First Published in ABJ in Oct. 2008 2023 Update There are several products on the market claiming to reduce nosema loads and improve colony health and performance. A recent compilation of lab and field studies has been published:  Evaluating the Efficacy of Common...

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The Future: Pesticides and Fungicides

The Future: Pesticides and Fungicides Randy Oliver ScientificBeekeeping.com First Published in ABJ in Dec. 2009 Dave Hackenberg once quipped that “”Beekeepers have become the ugly stepchild of agriculture.” Despite their general disregard for us, perhaps there are lessons that we can learn from our agricultural stepparents. Pest Resistance Management Beekeepers worldwide, in their exuberant use...

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The Bee Convention Circuit 2009

The Bee Convention Circuit 2009 Randy Oliver Scientificbeekeeping.com First Published in ABJ in March 2009   Winter brings us beekeeper conventions, both at the state and national levels. Conventions present scientists the opportunity to present their current research, marketers of new products to make their pitches, and for beekeepers to share their practical experiences. The...

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A California Beekeeper Returns Down Under

A California Beekeeper Returns Down Under Randy Oliver ScientificBeekeeping.com First Published in ABJ in October 2009 I’ve never had the means to travel to faraway places. Recently, however, I find myself in the fortuitous situation of having beekeepers actually pay my way to speak at conferences, so I am taking advantage of what is likely...

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A California Beekeeper Reports from Down Under

A California Beekeeper Reports from Down Under Randy Oliver ScientificBeekeeping.com First Published in ABJ in Sept. 2008 Australia is in a unique situation—long-term drought, a massive feral bee population, honey flows every month of the year, a burgeoning demand for almond pollination, and the varroa mite knocking at the door. I’m freshly returned from an...

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Old Bees/ Cold Bees/ No Bees? Part 1

The Disease that Disappears. 1 The Disappearing Act 2 Colony Population Dynamics and Collapse. 3 Dwindling—What a difference a few days make! 5 Foragers have a short warranty. 7 Protein levels. 9 General infections. 9 Parasites. 10 Viruses. 10 Hot-Blooded Ladies. 12 The Bottom Line. 15 Acknowledgements. 15 References. 16   Old Bees/ Cold bees/...

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Old Bees/ Cold bees/ No bees? Part 2

Old Bees/ Cold Bees/ No Bees? Part 2 © Randy Oliver ScientificBeekeeping.com First Published in ABJ in July 2008 One day during his tenure as a professor, Albert Einstein was visited by a student. “The questions on this year’s exam are the same as last year’s!” the young man exclaimed. “Yes,” Einstein answered, “but this...

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The Economy of the Hive – Part 1

The Economy of the Hive, Part 1 Randy Oliver ScientificBeekeeping.com First published in American Bee Journal January 2010 Inside the hive there functions a vibrant community, with an economy similar to that of any other society. The bee economy is based upon the harvesting and processing of resources, the trade of products, doting care for...

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