Development of innovative methods for measuring and predicting the vitality of bee colonies
| Funding code: | 313-06.01-28-1-71.014-10 |
| Acronym: | BiVi |
| Involved employees: | Dr. H. Ruhnke, Dr. J. Wegener, K. Milchreit, Prof. Dr. K. Bienefeld |
| Co-operation partners: | AMP Lab Mainz, BioChem Agrar GmbH Machern, Lüth & Dümchen GmbH |
| Duration: | 2011 - 2014 |
| Financing: | German Federal Ministry for Consumer Protection, Nutrition and Agriculture (BMELV) |
In this project, the development and validation of novel methods for measuring and predicting the vitality of bee colonies is to be developed. A twofold approach is adopted:
- Automated measurement of the common vitality indicators (number of bees, brood size, food stored) by means of computer-assisted image analysis.
- Development and validation of new physiological and biochemical indicators. These are selected in a way that reflects the performance of all essential vital functions of the colony. They include, for example, characteristics of immune competence, tolerance to toxic/oxidative stress, reproduction and fluctuating asymmetry. Further, the global DNA methylation level is to be tested as a prospective indicator of stress during development.
Validation is first to be carried out on colonies that were specifically stressed with insecticides, Varroa, or both at the same time. Finally, a field validation is planned with agricultural colonies of external apiaries.
The results would be a marketable instrument and software for automated, fast and accurate counting/measurement of the amount of bees, brood and food stored. Secondly, a set of biochemical/physiological indicators is to be developed that for the first time will allow for statements on the performance of existing animals.
