Abstract: A method of pollinating a plant includes receiving, with a processing circuit, plant data regarding a plant having flowers, and controlling, by the processing circuit, operation of an robotic device to selectively pollinate a portion of the plurality of flowers based on the plant data. The robotic device includes sensors configured to acquire plant data, a pollination device configured to pollinate flowers of a plant, a collection device configured to collect pollen, and a pollination prevention device configured prevent a flower from being pollinated.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing susceptibility and enhancing tolerance to Nosema disease (Nosemosis) using RNA interference technology, and more particularly, prevention and treatment of Nosema infections in honeybees by feeding of Nosema-specific dsRNA.

Abstract: A method to remove bees from a bees nest includes the steps of placing a bee repellent to a target position near the bee nest, removing the bee repellent from the target position after a predetermined amount of time, removing honey from the bees nest and sealing the bees nest so that the bees cannot access the bee nest.

Abstract: The proposed method relates to the pharmaceutical and foods industries and to medicine, in particular to biologically active dietary supplements (BADS), and describes a process for extracting drone bee larvae for producing a drone bee brood with maximum biological value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously monitoring the weight of an object are disclosed. The apparatus does not obstruct a central portion of the bottom of the object being monitored, and is especially well-suited for monitoring the weight of a beehive. In the illustrative embodiment, a ring-shaped fluid-filled bladder is sandwiched between a ring-shaped top surface and a ring-shaped base, and a pressure hose connects the bladder to a pressure gauge. Beehive weight data can be obtained in a continuous fashion, without requiring any moving of the beehive or of the apparatus, and without any other type of disruption. Moreover, the apparatus provides a stable platform that keeps the beehive immobile during monitoring, which is beneficial for the health of the colony. Advantageously, the apparatus can be constructed from inexpensive, off-the-shelf components and materials, and is capable of obtaining accurate measurements over a wide range of temperatures and environmental conditions.

Abstract: A tray for positioning in an exit path of a bee hive comprises a base, a bee entrance end, and a bee exit end. Spaced apart side walls extend upwardly from the base. The sidewalls extend generally lengthwise between the bee entrance end and bee exit end. A plurality of posts extend upwardly from the base and are positioned between the bee entrance end and the bee exit end. The posts are generally circular in cross-section. The posts act as obstacles around which the bees must walk to reach the bee exit end from the bee entrance end.

Abstract: A processing unit for solitary bees is utilized in a method of timely providing a sufficient number of bees for pollinating a flowering crop. The processing unit provides secure storage for the solitary bees at every stage of their life cycle, and provides precise control of environmental conditions to ensure that the bees complete each stage of their life cycle in the optimum state of health and viability, and to ensure that adult bees emerge in close agreement with predicted emergence. The processing unit provides for protection against parasites, predators and pathogens, and may provide for feeding and mating of the bees. The processing unit may be used with any type of solitary bee nest. The processing unit may be fabricated in modularized components, allowing for increased capacity as required.

Abstract: A specialized conditioning protocol for honeybees that is designed for use within a complex agricultural ecosystem. This method ensures that the conditioned bees will be less likely to exhibit a conditioned response to uninfected plants, a false positive response that would render such a biological sensor unreliable for agricultural decision support. Also described is a superboosting training regime that allows training without the aid of expensive equipment and protocols for training in out in the field. Also described is a memory enhancing cocktail that aids in long term memory retention of a vapor signature. This allows the bees to be used in the field for longer durations and with fewer bees trained overall.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid agent is disclosed comprising a nucleic acid sequence which downregulates expression of a gene product of a Varroa destructor mite. Compositions comprising same and uses thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A standing length of untreated deadwood timber, having a 2?-6? diameter and an above ground length of between 3? and 9?, has a flattened face with sets of different diameter holes drilled therein. Colorful ribbons, in addition to the aroma of the decaying deadwood, attract multiple species of native solitary bees to the bee pole to use the holes to lay eggs therein. The pole is planted 1.5 to 2? in soil adjacent fields, gardens or orchards which need pollination.

Abstract: A device for scraping debris from a honey super is provided which scrapes debris from the inside surfaces of a honey super and from the recesses at the upper ends of the front and back walls of a honey super.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stabilized honey bee pheromone and methods of stabilizing the honey bee brood pheromone, thereby enabling the production and sustained use of commercial products based on that pheromone. The stabilized pheromone can be used to manipulate the behavior and improve the performance of worker honey bees, resulting in overall increased vigor of the hive. The pheromone composition comprises two or more of ethyl linoleate, ethyl linolenate, ethyl oleate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl stearate, methyl linoleate, methyl linolenate, methyl oleate, methyl palmitate and methyl stearate and an antioxidant.

Abstract: A method of and system for using sounds produced by bees flying near a beehive entrance enable a beekeeper to assess the operational productivity of the beehive. In a preferred embodiment, the method entails positioning an acoustic pickup device, such as a microphone, at a location to pick up and provide an audio signal representing sounds produced by bees flying around the beehive entrance. The flying bees produce the sounds either while hovering in the vicinity of the beehive or while launching from locations around the beehive entrance to forage for pollen and nectar. The audio signal is analyzed to distinguish the sound of launching flying bees from the sound of ambient background noise.

Abstract: Beehive walls created by using a thin metallic sheet and insulation, separated by an air space in order to protect the bees from harmful electromagnetic waves, create a warm environment, and properly ventilate the hive. This will increase honey production throughout the year while providing a comfortable living environment. This method is both effective and affordable.

Abstract: A bee feeder assembly is provided, including a receptacle, a cover member and a ladder arrangement. The ladder arrangement includes at least one ladder member comprising a porous member depending downwardly from the cover member. Methods of assembly and use are described.

Abstract: Incubation and emergence of solitary-nesting pollinating bees from their nests or cocoons under field conditions may be effected using a device including a first outer and second inner hollow containers wherein a nest containing the bees may be disposed, and first and second communicating openings are provided on the lower surfaces of the containers to provide access to the environment from the nest in the inner container. To allow egress of bees from the nests to the environment while inhibiting or preventing their return, a one-way exit is provided in communication with the second opening, which is also attached to or extends through the first opening. Controlled heating of the nests are effected by disposing a heating element within the outer container, external of the inner container. A temperature controller for the heating element and an electrical power source for providing power thereto are also provided.

Abstract: Applicant's invention includes an improved bee attracting composition. Applicant's invention further includes a bee attracting device formed from his improved bee attracting composition. Applicant's bee attracting device can be further coated with a second bee attracting composition. Applicant's invention further includes a method and apparatus for attracting and immobilizing bees using a substrate coated with an adhesive composition upon which Applicant's bee attracting composition is disposed.

Abstract: Applicant's invention includes an improved bee attracting composition. Applicant's invention further includes a bee attracting device formed from his improved bee attracting composition. Applicant's bee attracting device can be further coated with a second bee attracting composition. Applicant's invention further includes a method and apparatus for attracting and immobilizing bees using a substrate coated with an adhesive composition upon which Applicant's bee attracting composition is disposed.

Abstract: A method is provided for the biocontrol of horn fly for protecting livestock. The method includes defining an area for managing the livestock and placing a number of wasp's hives containing wasps of the species Polybia scutellaris, in an effective amount to control the flies. A honey containing food for the wasps is placed in an area at a distance from the hives.

Abstract: An evaporator which provides formic acid vapour at a consistent and repeatable rate for effective treatment of varroatosis in honey bees. The evaporation chamber is heated by an electrical element(s) and maintained at a constant temperature by a mechanical thermostat or electronic control circuit. The amount of vaporised material is controlled by adjusting the temperature setting and metering apertures of the evaporation chamber. A continuous flow of formic acid vapour has been demonstrated to kill tracheal and varroa mites much more effectively than other methods and systems, now in use, which depend primarily on the amount of heat generated within the hive as well as solar radiation and ambient temperatures for their operation. The evaporator is made using materials which are largely unaffected by corrosive chemicals, such as formic acid. All electrical components are protected from moisture and corrosion with a protective coating.

Abstract: A beeswax mimetic substance is described which comprises or consists essentially of a synthetic or semisynthetic wax, in particular a microcrystalline wax. The wax preferably has a relatively narrow range of mean carbon chain length. An apiculture accessory using the wax and a method of operating beehives using the wax to reduce disease and pests in beehives is described.

Abstract: Applicant's invention includes an improved bee attracting composition. Applicant's invention further includes a bee attracting device formed from his improved bee attracting composition. Applicant's bee attracting device can be further coated with a second bee attracting composition. Applicant's invention further includes a method and apparatus for attracting and immobilizing bees using a substrate coated with an adhesive composition upon which Applicant's bee attracting composition is disposed.

Abstract: A modified comb (10, 10A, 10B or 10C) for heating drone bee larvae and pupae in a hive (100) is described. The comb includes wires (11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D) for treat the drone larvae and pupae(P) to kill the mites (M) on the larvae and pupae. By this method, the mites are prevented from infesting the hive.

Abstract: Disclosure of a method for aerial distribution of pollinating agents into a field by either propelling the agent through the air from the field periphery or dropping the agent into the field from above. Aerial distribution of pollinating agents is a particularly effective, efficient, and economic means for achieving uniform saturation pollination of large fields of row crops.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for disinfecting bee colonies for preventing or treating diseases in honey bees, honey bee larvae and honey bee hives are disclosed. Such diseases may arise from a variety of sources, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa and parasites in the hive. Representative diseases preventable or treatable by this invention include Foulbrood and Chalkbrood. The compositions of the present invention include a protic acid and a chlorite ion, and may further include other optional components such as a gelling agent, colorant and/or preservative. Methods disclosed herein include applying the composition to a surface of a bee-hive. Honey produced by bees administered a composition of this invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for rearing bumblebee queens (genus Bombus) by generating a colony with workers in the presence of fertilized eggs and/or larvae, in a room with a controlled climate provided with food, and allowing the colony to grow until bumblebee queens are produced. The process constitutes a significant improvement in the rearing of bumblebee queens. The invention also relates to a process for rearing bumblebees (genus Bombus).

Abstract: A new pollination method for efficient crop pollination by insects, primarily the economical production of solitary bees and other pollinating insects in such sufficient and reliable numbers so as to permit their timely distribution among and pollination of entomophilous plants to produce a crop. The process utilizes a clean manufacturing environment to rear insect ovum to imagoes that are isolated from agents of disease, predation, and parasitism. This pollination method employs a point-to-point distribution system that also substantially reduces material, handling, and shipping costs.

Abstract: A method of achieving year-round utilization of pollinating insects such as bumble bees and a constant temperature box to be employed for this purpose. In order for this to be achieved, the temperature inside the nest box for housing pollinating insects such as bumble bees is maintained within an optimal habitat environment temperature range throughout the year. In the constant temperature box for maintaining the temperature within the optimal habitat environment temperature range, the temperature in the space where the nest box for housing pollinating insects such as bumble bees is placed is maintained within the optimal habitat environment temperature range for pollinating insects such as bumble bees through a device for temperature control. In addition, the constant temperature box is provided with a communication passage for access to allow the pollinating insects in the nest box to come and go between the nest box and the outside.

Abstract: A device for lifting and moving beehive boxes has two legs hinged at their upper ends to form a triangular structure having a suspension joint at its apex. A chain is hooked to the apex of the triangular structure, and a gripper is suspended to the chain. Lower ends of the two legs are connected by a rope which prevents them from moving apart and facilitates in adjusting the distance between them. To move an upper box of the beehive, the two legs are spread apart and pressed against the ground, the structure is tilted toward the beehive so that the gripper engages the hand recesses on two opposite side walls of the upper box, and then the structure is tilted away from the beehive, such that the box is initially slightly lifted above the lower box of the beehive and then is moved towards the desired position away from the beehive.

Abstract: A hole in a leafcutter bee nest is stripped by pushing a thin tube into the hole to separate larvae in the hole from the surrounding nest material. An ejector, for example a rod sliding in the tube, is used to eject the separated larvae and cocoons. The method is carried out using an apparatus with foot guides for engaging a nesting block and aligning the tubes with a row of holes in the block, and a sequential drive. The drive first pushes the tubes through the block then drives the rods through the tubes. The tubes and rods are then withdrawn. The foot guide is subsequently lifted out of engagement with the nesting block and the block is indexed one hole forwards for stripping of the next row of holes.

Abstract: Organic copper salts having the formula I ##STR1## are used for the treatment of honeybees contaminated by various acarians and namely by the specific mite Varroa jacobsoni.These salts are utilized either as such, or in the form of compositions containing them, optionally in admixture with diluents, nutritive ingredients and other active principles.The compositions according to the invention are useful in the field of breeding and agriculture in restoring the sanitary condition in the hives.

Abstract: Substances are blown out along the natural wind toward the injurious bees, or group of other insects, for attracting them to an electric grid where a low voltage causes them to deposit venom on the bare wires of the grid and collected on receiving plates. Then the voltage is increased electrocuting them. The venom is removed from the receiving plates and the dead bodies of the bees or other insects are removed from a collecting bag. The device can guarantee the safety of the operating personnel and consists of two parts: an operating compartment and a collection unit. The device can be moved by its own or external effort in order to safely pursue and be close to the injurious bee colony and to operate continuously for a long period. With this device, the propagation or spread of the injurious bees can be controlled and venom be collected safely.

Abstract: A novel combination of five queen-produced mandibular gland substances which can be used for controlling worker retinue formation around or in place of a honey bee queen Apis mellifera L. is disclosed. The composition comprises: 9-keto-2(E)-decenoic acid, R-(-)- and S-(+)-9-hydroxy-2(E)-decenoic acid, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylethanol. Each component more or less is generally weakly active alone, but the blend of five compounds in a ratio corresponding to their occurrence in gland extracts imparts activity equivalent to queen mandibular extract at a level as low as 10.sup.-7 of that present in a queen. This blend of compounds initiates the retinue response, which includes the licking and antennating behaviour that signals the presence of a dominant reproductive queen, and thereby establishes and stabilizes the social fabric of the colony.

Abstract: A nest for Megachile Rotundata bees describes a group of blind tunnels specifically designed to present bees with a near as possible natural tunnel to suit their instinctive nesting habit. The nest as described hereinbefore along with details of husbandry and managements of Megachile Rotundata bees is designed as a single use unit which simplifies protection and collection of young by simple means of fumigation and sterilization against disease possible present on retrievable progeny. The nest described herein has characteristics which will permit control of fungus, mould and infestation by predators, but still be durable for the period of activity of laying down of young by adults during pollination and breeding period. Costs incurred by seed growers, and owner of Megachile Rotundata bees will be considerably reduced by use of the herein described nest in conjunction with comparison to present practices now followed by labor and equipment intensiveness.