Choose A Category Below

Links

Carl Hayden Bee Research Center

Mission Statement

The Carl Hayden Bee Research Center is dedicated to solving problems associated with moving honey bee colonies for pollination.

Research Mission

The mission of the Carl Hayden Bee Research Center is to advance the productivity of Agriculture by conducting basic applied research aimed at optimizing crop yields through application of improved pollination systems. New knowledge is integrated into sustainable agricultural systems. Where pollination is being impacted by environmental change, such as the incursion of parasitic mites, and Africanized honey bees, research emphasis is placed on sustaining the pollination of crop plants. This research contributes to preservation of the environment and enhancement of the quality of life.

Honey Bee Importance

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are absolutely essential for the production of agricultural food crops. Honey bees pollinate 1/3 of the human diet. In the U.S. each year, honey bees pollinate more than 50 different agricultural crops valued at more than $20 billion. Much of the feed consumed by livestock is pollinated by honey bees. In addition, honey bees produce honey and beeswax valued at more than $150 million. The National Honey Board estimates that in 2001, the average per capita consumptioin of honey was 1.2 pounds. Healthy bees contribute to agricultural productivity, which enhances our quality of life.

Mission Objectives

  1. Improve bee nutrition for healthier colonies, especilly those used for commercial pollination.
  2. Develop an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that includes testing natural mite control products, and other IPM strategies.
  3. Develop tools to better manage European Honey Bees in Africanized habitats.
  4. Evaluate problems in the pollination of agricultural crops.
  5. Develop methods to repel and control Imported Red Fire Ants on bee equipment and aid inspections of honey bee colonies moving among states.

Current and Future Research

1) Honey Bee Diet

  • Develop a liquid protein diet to promote stronger and healthier colonies for commercial pollination, queen rearing, and overwintering.

  • Develop a dry and semi solid diet formulation to provide beekeepers with alternative feeding methods.

  • Identify honey bee feeding stimulants from pollen.

    • 2) Varroa Mite Research

  • Study the effect of humidity on mite development.

  • Investigate resistance mechanisms of Varroa.

  • Identify Varroa mite volatiles.

  • Rear Varroa in Laboratory.

  • Explore natural and alternative controls for Varroa.

  • Evaluate Queen stock for mite resistance.

  • Control Varroa through essential oil enriched honey bee diets.

    • 3) Africanized Honey Bees

  • Improve the acceptance and maintenance of European honey bee queens in areas with Africanized honey bees through research in volatile compounds.

  • Identify and analyze Africanized honey bee samples.

    • 4) Pollination

  • Evaluate pollen transfer mechanisms of genetically modified plants and hybrid crops.

    • 5) Imported Red Fire Ants

  • Investigate Imported Red Fire Ant attractants and repellents.

    • Facilities

    The Carl Hayden Bee Research Center is located on a 5.3 acre tract deeded to the United States Dept. of Agriculture by the University of Arizona and is about 5 miles from its main campus in Tucson, Arizona. The site allows for cooperation between Center personnel and the University staff.

    Development of this facility was largely due to the efforts of Senator Carl Hayden. In honor of his contribution, the Bee Research Laboratory was named after him on April 9, 1979.

    The present building was completed in 1966 and is equipped with the most advanced technical equipment and instruments. The main laboratory and office building covers more than one-third of an acre. Also on the site are large greenhouses, smaller isolation greenhouses, a shop area, a large storage building, three auxiliary office buildings and two small service buildings.

     

    THIS SITE BEST VIEWED IN Internet Explorer v. 4.0 or better
    If you are using Netscape, v. 6.0 and 6.1 are not optimal and you should upgrade to a newer version.

    Questions or Comments About GEARS website: gears_web@tucson.ars.ag.gov

    USDA-ARS

     GEARS is maintained by USDA-ARS. This server reports the results of research only. See official endorsements disclaimer.