5th Bee Health Symposium

Schedule

From 8.00 am: Doors open and light refreshments

9.00–9.15 am Welcome & introduction
: The work of Mittweida University of Applied Sciences and the Saxony Regional Association, Varroaresistenzzucht e.V.

9.15 am to 10.30 am Population development and diagnosis of the Varroa
mite: How does the Varroa population develop within a bee colony, and how can infestation be reliably assessed? The presentation highlights the limitations of the ‘nappy test’ and introduces complementary diagnostic methods as well as ways to improve infestation control.

                              Speaker: Mario Förster, Breeding Co-ordinator at LSV e.V.

10.30–10.45 am Short break

10.45–11.45 am Setting up a survival hive
A step-by-step guide to setting up a survival hive and the requirements involved. The talk outlines ways to maintain the long-term health of bee colonies and move towards the goal of treatment-free beekeeping.

                                Speaker: Dietmar Uhlemann

11.45 am – 12.45 pm Lunch break – refreshments will be provided

12.45 pm to 2.15 pm Winter feed and late nectar flows – effects on bee vitality
Hannes Beims examines the properties of various winter feeds and their influence on bee vitality. The session will also cover the opportunities and risks associated with late nectar flows, as well as their effects on brood development, food stores and the overwintering of bee colonies.
Speaker
: Dr Hannes Beims

2.15 pm to 2.45 pm Coffee break

14:45 to 15:45 Assessment of breeding characteristics in Carnica bee colonies – breeding selection
What characteristics distinguish a high-quality Carnica bee? The most important criteria for selection and their assessment within the bee colony will be presented. This involves evaluating typical breed characteristics as the basis for targeted breeding and selection.

                          Speaker: Angela Erfurt

15:45 to 16:00 Short break

4.00 pm to approx. 5.00 pm Discussion: What does the future hold for beekeeping?
New challenges and threats present beekeepers with major challenges: Vespa valuntina, the hive beetle and the Tropilaelaps mite.  Together, we will discuss current developments, possible solutions and future prospects for sustainable and bee-friendly beekeeping.
Presentation: Hivora Sense – the digital monitoring bait pot