The results of a survey, believed to be the first of its kind, to identify the health of Northern New York bees, as well as the presence of key parasites and pathogens in regional bee colonies have been posted.

The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program provided a small grant for a survey of Northern New York bee colonies to contribute to regional knowledge and educate regional beekeepers on practices to better maintain the health of their bees and their businesses.

The data on the levels of 8 viruses in the NNY bee colonies contributes to a statewide database on the factors influencing pollinator health and identifying current management practices by beekeepers.

Thirty-one beekeepers with colonies in Northern New York provided data to the survey that notes:

. NNY bee colony winter losses of 21.3 percent, summer losses of 6.17 percent from October 2015 to September 16, 2016; the statewide average for that time was respectively 28 percent and 7 percent.

. Varroa mites, considered the most detrimental and widespread parasite of bee colonies, were significantly higher in NNY bee colonies in NNY than in other regions of the state in 2016.

. Levels of Nosema, a parasitic fungal pathogen found in the bee digestive system, were significantly lower by 65-82 percent in bee colonies in NNY than in other regions of the state.

The research continues in 2017 to determine the main predictors for colony loss.

“Considerable evidence points to parasites and pathogens as a leading factor of bee colony loss and statewide beekeepers continued to experience unsustainable colony losses, averaging one-third of their operation in 2016, though less so in Northern New York,” project leader Emma Mullen said to the press.

The cost to replace a single colony of bees ranges between $100 and $200.

Among the practices Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension educators are encouraging beekeepers to pursue to support bee and colony health are detailed record-keeping of colony observations and management, heightened monitoring for Varroa mites, and an Integrated Pest Management approach for disease and pest control.

Seventy-three percent of beekeepers in NNY reported already keeping records of colony inspections of growth, health, and productivity.

The average honey harvest by beekeepers in Northern NY is 46 lbs. of honey per hive.

The 2016 Improving Beekeeping Management Practices to Increase Pollinator Health and Honey Production in Northern New York report, data tables, and a NNY Beekeeper Directory are posted under the Horticulture tab of the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program website.

The farmer-driven Northern New York Agricultural Development Program provides research and technical assistance to farmers in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Funding for the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program is supported by the New York State Senate and administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Photo: Cornell University Honey Bee Extension Associate Emma Mullen inspects a hive in Northern NY, courtesy Mary Kate Wheeler.