Progress 11/21/19 to 09/30/20
Outputs
Target Audience:My extension talks have overlapped with his research interests allowing me to disseminate cutting-edge information to stakeholders. I have given over 30public outreach events and extension talks during this reporting period.In total, I presented to >4,000 peopleon topics including the future of food production, honey bee genetics, honey bee breeding, current honey bee research, art, and general bee conservation. This was presentedto beekeepers, the general public, city officials, and youth of all ages. Changes/Problems:The on-going pandemic has hampered all of our in-person extension activities and much of our research capability. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?1) Beekeeping Field Day This day-long event is organized in partnership with the Beekeepers of Indiana. It seeks to teach beekeepers of all levels the hands-on techniques they need to manage their colonies. It instruction is provided by experienced beekeepers and bee researchers and extension specialists from around the United States. 2) Queen Rearing Course This two-day course teaches methods for rearing honey bee queens. It integrates local commercial beekeepers in Indiana as instructors. Students leave with the skills necessary to create their own sustainable bee rearing programs. Our course brought 33 hobbyist beekeepers and bee breeders from across the United States who manage between 2 and 100 colonies. Upon completion of the course, 90% of attendees report that they are likely to change their management practice after attending this course. 3) Instrumental Insemination This three-day course teaches methods for instrumentally-inseminating honey bees. This technique is essential for breeding honey bees. We are one of only three courses in the United States available for bee breeders. Our course integrates local commercial beekeepers in Indiana as instructors and assistants. Students leave with the skills necessary to create their own sustainable bee breeding programs. Our course brought 6 breeders from across North America. Upon completion of the course, all attendees report that they are likely to change their management practice after attending this course. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?I have given 20 extension talks and produced several extension documents for beekeepers and bee enthusiasts. This includes a new on-going digital seminar series that reached 250 beekeepers across the US. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1) Complete publications associated with previous grant success (listed above). 2) recruit additional students 3) expand online course and extension offerings.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1) Secured additional funding (below) to test the role that genetics play in stock differences. Awarded Grants - Competitive Agency:USDA NIFA CARE Title:Which bees are best: Testing the performance of commonly available honey bee stocks for Midwestern and Northeastern beekeepers Duration of funding:3 years Total amount of award:$299,940 Role:PI Amount awarded as PI or Co-PI: $299,940 Agency:Project Apis M. Title:Using genomics to predict drone quality: Why are there so many 'dud' male honey bees? Duration of funding:2020-2022 Total amount of award:$74,076 Role:PI Amount awarded as PI or Co-PI:$74,076 Agency:North Dakota Department of Agriculture Title:Using genomics to predict quality: which genes produce the best drones for North Dakota? Duration of funding:2020-2021 Total amount of award:$35,489 Role:PI Amount awarded as PI or Co-PI:$35,489 2) Expanded our breeding program to include 10 states and include three additional universities. Our breeding program brings together bee breedersand researchers to create honey bee lines that are resistant to major pests. This program was largely restricted to Purdue University and 5 surrounding States. Members of our program receive validated, resistant, honey bees from our Purdue breeding population. These members breed from these queens to introduce resistant bees into their local community. In the last year, the breeding program has been expanded this program to include 10 states and three additional universities. I have formed partnerships with bee researchers at Kentucky State, Penn State, and Central State Universities. This collaboration allows the breeding program to expand and for each of the university members to host breeding courses such as the ones run by my group at Purdue (see below).
Publications
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