Summary: Waxworms which are the larvae of the greater wax moths (Galleria mellonella) and lesser wax moths (Achroia grisella) and small hive beetles (Aethina tumida), are parasites and scavengers of honeybee colonies, Apis mellifera. All three are very destructive to beehives and overall affect bee colony health. While there are numerous mechanical and chemical controls available on the market for these pests, they still are wreaking havoc on the beekeeping industry. Implementing the use of Bacillus thuringiensis species as a biological control for these three pests adds another line of defense against them. The overall goal is to improve honeybee colony health and prevent colonies from absconding or being killed by the infestation. With healthier hives there should be increased profits for beekeepers because damage caused to honey and other products should be reduced or eliminated.
The use of Bacillus thuringiensis spp. as a Biological Control for Small Hive Beetles (Aethina tumida) and Wax Moths (Galleria mellonella and Achroia grisella) inside Beehives
Amount Requested: $15,000
Principal Investigator: Nadia Ruffin, MS
Funding Sources:
2019 North Central Farmer/Rancher SARE Grant Recipient- $9,000
If you would like to contribute to this ongoing study:
Honeybee Study
$7,950 of $15,000 raised
Indoor Rearing of the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) within a Recirculation Biofloc Aquaculture System
The American Eastern Oyster’s (Crassostrea virginica) wild population numbers are in sharp decline due to water quality and disease. This spells disaster for both the American Oyster farmer and consumer as Crassostrea virginica is the most consumed oyster in the United States. The American Oyster’s presence along American coastal waters are the basis of important reef systems and water filtration. The overall goal is to test the feasibility of rearing American Eastern Oysters in a Recirculating Biofloc Aquaculture System. This system should reduce/eliminate losses or reduced quality of oyster stock affected by environmental factors, predators, natural disasters, and disease. As a result, oysters reared in this system should provide a higher quality end product and as a corollary allow the farmer to demand a higher price point.
Amount Requested: $27,000
Principal Investigator: Chandler Glover
Funding Sources
2020 North Central SARE Grant Recipient: $18,000
If you would like to contribute to this ongoing study:
Oyster Study
$9,000 of $27,000 raised