Dr. Marla Spivak Distinguished McKnight Professor, University of Minnesota, and MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Award Recipient
Dr. Marla SpivakDistinguished McKnight Professor, University of Minnesota,
and MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Award Recipient
Your breakfast without bees
Scientific American April 2009
Value of crops in US that depend on pollination:
>18.9 billion ($217 billion worldwide)
Agri- Growth Council Lunch Without Bees
Nutritional requirements of all bees:
Flowers• Pollen - protein• Nectar – carbs• Water
Parasites
Viruses
Poor nutrition
EnvironmentalPesticides
In-HivePesticides
Gut pathogens
Colony Collapse Disorder
Colony Collapse DisorderInteraction of pathogensEffects of neonicotinyls pesticides on bees
Bee Breeding
Landscape Effects on Nutritional Health of Honey and Native Bees
Propolis (plant resins)Benefits to bee immune systemChemistry and value as antimicrobial to humans
Our Research Projects
What can you do?
Plant flowers!
• Reduce use of pesticides
• Encourage roadside plantings of flowers
• CRP land: flower seed mixtures to bloom over season
Please help increase public awareness about the benefits of pollinators
Thank you!www.extension.umn.edu/honeybees