Entomology and Plant Pathology

Dr. John Skinner, Professor

Extension Work

Apiculture-bee, disease control, and parasitic mite control.

Apiculture Program Summary

Honey bees pollinate numerous crops in the United States valued annually in excess of $14.6 billion. The value of crops benefitting from pollination exceeds $119 million annually in TN. Diseases and pests, especially two parasitic mites have caused annual losses in some years averaging 50%.

Extension efforts focus on supplying accurate research-based information to extension agents and beekeepers to improve the beekeeping industry, promote pollination of fruits and vegetables and help beekeepers "keep" their honey bee colonies alive. Cooperative efforts address the needs of regional, state and local beekeeping associations. Activities include conducting educational programs, workshops and training sessions for agents and beekeepers. The Tennessee Beemaster Program provides extensive classes and demonstrations and has an enrollment exceeding 500. Topics include planning an apiary, starting colonies, assembling equipment, producing hive products and detection, diagnosis and management of diseases and pests. Special emphasis is provided concerning how to manage mite populations using new integrated management strategies recently being developed. Publications have been written to support many topics. A new webpage has been developed to allow electronic dissemination of educational materials.

Research efforts include developing an integrated pest management system for honey bees and pollination improvement studies. Mite management studies include developing alternative treatments for tracheal and Varroa mites including formic acid gel and seeking registration for a new botanical oil product, ApiLifeVAR which should become available in Fall 2002. Current studies involve a Southern Region IPM study with researchers from Georgia and South Carolina to use genetic resistance, physical factors (open bottom boards) and isolation (reduce re-infestation) to manage Varroa mites populations below economic thresholds. Additional work (EPA) will examine ways to reduce chemical usage and determine levels of contamination with assistance of beekeepers throughout the state.

Pollination studies include assisting the UT Dogwood Team to develop new cultivars resistant to powdery mildew and anthractnose by using honey bees to pollinate selected cultivars in cages. Additional studies examine how to improve vine crop pollination including squash and pumpkin.

Links

• Contact Information
• Extension Work
• Publications
• Vitae
• TN BEEMASTER PROGRAM 2005 SCHEDULE (Hobbyist Level)
• TN BEEMASTER PROGRAM 2004 SCHEDULE (Inspector Training)
• Beekeeping