Varroa is one of the most important problems of beekeeping in Turkey and in the world. In this study we compared known chemical control agent Perizin and a more recent product, HiveClean TM , containing oxalic acid, in control of Varroa in Turkey. Both HiveClean TM and Perizin TM resulted in Varroa fall proportional to the infestation levels of the colonies. However, Perizin TM was found to have about 3,5 times higher efficacy. When applied according to the label instructions, in one application, HiveClean TM lead to 25% Varroa fall in Apis mellifera caucasica colonies in early October when a minimum level of capped brood was present in colonies. Based on these results we recommend use of products harmless to human health, such as HiveClean TM , to organic producers, and to those who want to follow more precisely the level of infestation in colonies. The optimum dosage and application frequency of HiveClean TM should be determined for beekeeping

Marketed honey samples (the products of 15 different firms obtained from superstores), and raw honey (obtained directly from 11 different apiaries from the Black Sea and Marmara regions of Turkey) were analyzed for bacteria species presence. Out of the 26 honey samples, bacteria were isolated in 23. Twice the number of species was isolated from marketed as raw honey. However, neither European Foulbrood (EFB) ( Melissococcus pluton ) nor American Foulbrood (AFB) ( Paenibacillus larvae larvae ) was detected in any of the samples. This suggests that sanitary measures and disinfection requirements may not be met in collecting, packaging and labeling honey for marketing.

Bumblebees ( Bombus Latreille 1802) are important native pollinators in North America. However, in the last decade at least six North American Bombus have experienced significant range contraction or population declines. A major limitation to studying species declines is the level of knowledge of historic occurrences and abundance. Here we review the current status of a bumblebee subgenus in North America, Bombus sensu stricto Latreille 1801 , and present a method for generating a database and probable historic range maps from multiple museum collections. These databases and range maps can be useful tools when facilitating monitoring programs for at risk species.

This study was carried out to determine the rate of Varroa (varroa destructor) infestation of both brood and adult honeybees ( Apis mellifera anatoliaca ), struggle with it and effect on the productivity of the colonies. The rate of varroa infestation, on 15 honeybee colonies in three apiaries, was investigated both at the beginning of the study and during the control period (every 24 days on worker bees, within closed worker and drone brood cells). Varroa infestation rate has continually increased in all groups until the first chemical treatment (26 july 2004). Following chemical treatment, infestation level of Varroa has clearly decreased. Until the second chemical application (25th October 2004), Varroa infestation level kept increasing on adult worker bees, within closed worker and drone brood cells. After the second chemical application, Varroa infestation rate has decreased remarkably in all experimental colonies. The average rate of varroa infestation in drone brood cells (24.14% in group I, 59.08% in group II, 81.72% in group III ) was found higher than both in Worker brood cells (1.44% in group I, 3.52% in group II, 4.76% in group III) and on adult worker bees (8.88% in group I, 12.54% in group II, 17.32% in group III). The number of Varroa has reached the maximum level after the number of drone cells were the highest. Level of varroa infestation had a negative effect on population growt and honey production of the colonies. Much infested colonies (Group II and III) had lower adult bee populations (10.16±0.46 and 10.10±0.47 number frame/colony) and produced less honey(24.20±2.68 and 26.20±3.70 kg/colony) than Less infested (Group I). colonies (12.80±0.47 number frame adult vorkerbees/colony, and 34.20±8.83 kg/colony honey).

The aim of this study is to determine the situation about antibiotic residues in Turkish honey. For this purpose, honey samples were collected from beekeepers from 22 different regions in Turkey. The samples were analyzed for residues of sulfonamides, tetracyclines and streptomycin group antibiotics which are not legally permitted to be used for beekeeping in Turkey. ELISA and high performance liquid chromatographic techniques were used for analyzing the compounds. Results showed that %10-15 of the beekeepers, are still using those antibiotics against foulbrood diseases. When the results are examined according to the geographical regions, residues of sulfo and tetra group antibiotics are mostly found in honey from Mu �, Bingöl, �emdinli, Yüksekova and Marmaris Mula districts.