The Back Yard Beekeepers Association (BYBA) in Connecticut is proud to present well-known research biologist, Michael Simone-Finstrom as the October 29 speaker. The live presentation begins promptly at 7:30pm. We suggest arriving at 7:00 to allow time to socialize with other like-minded individuals. The location is Norfield Congregational Church located at 64 Norfield Rd in Weston, CT.
While honey bees contend with a number of threats, they have a number of natural defenses to combat them. Varroa mites are still one of the biggest threats to bee health, and using the bees to fight off these parasites and the viruses they vector is one key way to improve bee health and resiliency. We have clear evidence that promoting behavioral traits to fend off parasites and pathogens promotes healthier, stronger colonies in real-world settings. Current progress to developing and producing mite and virus resistant bees will be discussed along with the promotion of other disease resistance traits in honey bees.
Dr. Michael Simone-Finstrom is a Research Molecular Biologist with the USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Research Unit in Baton Rouge, LA. His research has focused on individual and social mechanisms of disease resistance, including resin/propolis use, hygienic behavior and genetic diversity. His current work aims to add to this line of research by more fully understanding how these traits work in concert in order to promote them within the beekeeping industry and identify components of viral resistance in honey bees.
A question and answer opportunity follows the presentation. This is our annual meeting. All officers will be elected at the Annual Meeting of the membership. The nominating committee will present a slate of Officers and Board Members to the General Membership to vote on. In the event candidates for an office present themselves at the meeting, the nominee receiving the most votes will be elected to that office.
Questions? Contact BYBA’s Paula Wolf at paulawolf@email.com. Even though the event is free, please register at https://backyardbeekeepers.com.
The Back Yard Beekeepers Association (BYBA) is one of the Nation’s largest regional clubs for beekeeping hobbyists with over 400 members. Some of their members are just getting started as beekeepers, and some have enjoyed this hobby for years. All share an interest in the wonderful and remarkable world of the honey bee. The mission of BYBA is to provide their membership with a forum for sharing knowledge and mutual interests in beekeeping, and to educate and promote the benefits of beekeeping to the public. For more information, please visit backyardbeekeepers.com