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AUSSIE BEE EMAIL UPDATE
NEWS ON THE LATEST NATIVE BEE
ARTICLES, BOOKLETS, EVENTS AND RESEARCH
Number 15 / June 2008
Topics in this Issue:
1. BLUE BANDED BEE RESEARCH UPDATE
2. VOLUNTEER BEE COLLECTORS NEEDED IN NSW
3. SMALL HIVE BEETLES AND STINGLESS BEES
4. BEE ADVENTURE QUEST AT MT TOMAH GARDENS
5. PRICES SLASHED ON AUSSIE BEE BACK ISSUES
6. UPCOMING NATIVE BEE EVENTS
1. BLUE BANDED BEE RESEARCH UPDATE
Dr Katja Hogendoorn of the University of Adelaide is continuing her work on developing native blue banded bees for greenhouse tomato pollination. Her goal is that tomato growers will be able to pollinate their crops using these native bees instead of importing European bumble bees into Australia.
Katja's work, in collaboration with industry partners, has recently had breakthroughs in two areas:
-- A treatment has been found that can wake up immature blue banded bees to meet grower demand.
-- A method of controlling Chalkbrood fungus has been developed. This fungus can cause significant losses of blue banded bee brood.
To see a full copy of Katja's latest report, visit:
http://www.aussiebee.com.au/thebuzz-march08.html
2. VOLUNTEER BEE COLLECTORS NEEDED IN NSW
A new exotic bee has been found in the Hunter Valley area of NSW. Scientists are concerned that this Emerald Furrow Bee may breed up to huge numbers, competing with native species, affecting native plants and helping spread weeds.
Dr John Gollan of the Australian Museum has been awarded a grant to tackle this serious problem. He needs volunteer collectors to help him in his survey work.
Could you help track down this new exotic bee, using an easy salt water trap?
For full details and photographs, visit: http://www.aussiebee.com.au/emeraldfurrowbee.html
or you can contact Dr Gollan at the Australian Museum on (02) 9320 6429.
3. SMALL HIVE BEETLES AND STINGLESS BEES
The South African Small Hive Beetle has spread even further around Australia. Reports suggest that this hive pest is now found in Kununurra, Western Australia and in Townsville, Queensland.
Whilst strong hives of stingless bees seem to be able to withstand Small Hive Beetles, hives that have been weakened by splitting or other disruption may be badly affected.
Have you had hive losses resulting from South African Small Hive Beetles? To help research on this exotic pest, could you please send us a description of what happened? Include:
-- the location of your hive;
-- when the hive died;
-- why you think the hive loss was caused by South African Small Hive Beetles.
Please email your report to:
anbrc@zeta.org.au
Remember that there is a look-alike native Australian beetle that can live harmlessly inside stingless bee nests. To learn how to distinguish the native beetle from the South African beetle, visit:
http://www.aussiebee.com.au/small_hive_beetle.html
4. BEE ADVENTURE QUEST AT MT TOMAH GARDENS
For a fun native bee day with the kids, visit Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens in the Blue Mountains, NSW, and go on the Bees Buzzabout Adventure Quest!
Families and schools can explore the beautiful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens and learn about native bees. Huge colour paintings of native bees and their pests and predators are hidden on a self-guided adventure trail that takes about an hour to complete.
This entertaining and informative display ran right through Autumn and has now been extended through the winter months. Phone (02) 4567 2154 for more information
5. PRICES SLASHED ON AUSSIE BEE BACK ISSUES
Aussie Bee is having a huge winter stocktake sale. This is a great chance to purchase the unique Aussie Bee Back Issue Collection at the lowest price ever.
The eighteen issues of Aussie Bee Bulletin are a complete encyclopedia of practical information on all aspects of Australian native bees:
-- stingless bee keeping
-- native bees in your garden
-- wildflower pollination
-- crop pollination
-- Aboriginal usage of native bees
Previously priced at $75 a set, buy the complete set now for just $36 plus $3.60 postage and handling.
To take advantage of this great winter offer, visit:
http://www.aussiebee.com.au/bulletin.html
6. UPCOMING NATIVE BEE EVENTS
QUEENSLAND
Workshops on Stingless Beekeeping
by Dr Tim Heard:
Date: Spring 2008 (date to be decided)
Venue: Brisbane Forest Park,
60 Mt Nebo Road, The Gap, Brisbane
Bookings Required: (07) 3300 4855;
or to be notified when it is time to register, email: brisbaneforestpark@epa.qld.gov.au
Note: The 'Go Bush Autumn 2008' Program of Brisbane Forest Park includes a colourful article on native bees by Rod Hobson. To download a copy, visit:
http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/go_bush_program/
Date: 11 January 2009, 9.30 am to 4 pm
Venue: CREEC Burpengary
Moreton Bay Shire
Bookings Required: Lyndall Rosevear (07) 3480 6666
Cost: $25
NEW SOUTH WALES
A Seminar on Native Bees
by Dr Michael Batley
Date: Thursday 3 July 2008 at 7.30 pm
Venue: Stony Range Flora Reserve
Pittwater Road, Dee Why, Sydney
Hosted by the Northern Beaches branch of the Australian Plants Society
Topic: Native Bees and Other Pollinators
More Information: Penny Hunstead (02) 9999 1847 or 0415 613 870;
Happy bee watching!
Kind regards
Anne Dollin
Editor, Aussie Bee
Copyright (C) 2008 Australian Native Bee Research Centre. All Rights Reserved.
Australian Native Bee Research Centre / Aussie Bee
PO Box 74, North Richmond NSW 2754, Australia
Fax: (02) 4576 1196. Email: anbrc@zeta.org.au
Promoting the Preservation and Enjoyment of Australian Native Bees
Visit our Website! http://www.aussiebee.com.au
© 2008 Australian Native Bee Research Centre
PO Box 74, North Richmond NSW 2754, Australia
Fax: 02-4576 1196
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