07/22/08 USDA Focusing on CCD

USDA Focusing on CCD. I'm Greg Martin with today's Fruit Grower Report. The northwest has been spared some of the devastation of the colony collapse disorder that has ruined bee hives around the U.S. I did say, some. A number of northwest bee keepers have seen their colonies ruined. Now the USDA has gotten into the act by awarding millions of dollars for the research of the bee colony collapse disorder. Dr. Keith Delaplane, Professor of Entomology at the University of Georgia who was the recipient of the USDA money says: DELAPLANE: We've been seeing declining bees and it's getting worse. The collapse has been happening for a number of years but this past year it has really come to the forefront as millions of bees have just gone missing. Delaplane says the money will be put to good use. DELAPLANE: To determine and mitigate causes of CCD. This will include studying the interactive effects of disease agents and environmental factors on honey bee health. Number 2, to incorporate genetic traits that help honey bees resist pathogens and parasitic mites and to increase genetic diversity of commercial stocks. We have all seen honey bees in our flower beds or garden going from flower to flower. That simple act is what farmers count on every year to pollinate their apples, strawberries, and countless other crops. Many ag producers have resorted to alternate means of pollination or shipping in bees from other areas. In fact bee hives have become the accomplice in a number of scams where hives are stolen by persons unknown and then the thieves turn around and rent their services to unsuspecting farmers. We'll keep you posted as more information is uncovered. That's today's Fruit Grower Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.