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February 2015
Capensis
WKBV-‐Velddagdatums:
Herfs-‐Velddag (Stanford) -‐ 14-‐03-‐2015
Lente-‐Velddag (Kaappunt) -‐ 22-‐08-‐2015 alternatief 29-‐08-‐2015
AFB ROAD SHOW :
26 Feb – 14 March 2015
See attached document for the dates.
Meetings for 2015
1. Five Committee meetings in the
next 10 months. 2. Annual General Meeting,
Stellenbosch 9 May 2015. 3. SABIO Beecon 2015 –
Pietermaritzburg (29-‐30 May 2015)
MET AFB AS DIE FOKUSPUNT VAN ELKE GESPREK WAT ELKE BYEBOER MET MEKAAR VOER, WAT ELKE HEUNINGLIEFHEBBER EN GEBRUIKER OOR NAVRAAG DOEN EN WAAROOR DAAR GROOT BEKOMMERNIS ONDER VRUGTE, GROENTE EN SAADPRODUSENTE BESTAAN, GROET ONS ALMAL MET DIE EERSTE UITGAWE VAN ONS NUUSBLAD VIR 2015.
HUGE CHALLENGES AWAIT US, NOT ONLY FOR THE COMMITTEE OF THE WCBA, BUT FOR EACH AND EVERY BEE-‐KEEPER IN THE WESTERN CAPE. WE WANT TO URGE YOU TO GET INVOLVED, READ THE GUIDELINES AND ACT ACCORDINGLY. BE PRESENT AT THE ROAD SHOW NEAREST TO YOU AND BE SERIOUS TO DO YOUR BIT TO COMBAT THIS DISEASE.
ONS BESIGHEIDSPLAN VIR 2015 IS TYDENS ONS BESTUURSVERGADERING OPGESTEL EN WORD IN HIERDIE UITGAWE BELIGGAAM
ONS HET WERKLIK U SAMEWERKING NODIG HIERDIE JAAR!!
FOR THE CAPESIS TO BE EFFECTIVE, WE AGAIN URGE ALL MEMBERS TO SEND US CLIPPINGS AND/OR INTERESTING ARTICLES TO info@wkbv.co.za
Lynette Barnes, VOORSITTER
Photo taken in Hopefield by Cricket Carstens
Issue: February 2015
February 2015
2
PLEASE PLAY YOUR PART!
Die Wes-‐Kaapse Departement van Landbou het fondse beskikbaar gestel vir navorsing van alternatiewe gewasse vir die kleiner bedrywe soos olywe, fynbos, heuningtee en so meer. Omdat die byebedryf ook in die kategorie val, het die bestuur van WKBV besluit om ook aansoek te doen vir navorsing na die aanplant van wieke, ook bekend as wilde ertjies.
Wieke as alternatiewe bron van nektar vir heuningbye het alreeds 4 jaar gelede tydens WKBV se jaarvergadering ter sprake gekom. Gesprekke met Elsenburg daarna het ongelukkig op ’n dooiepunt ge-‐eindig. Die deur Is nou weer oop en WKBV wil die geleentheid benut.
Alle aansoeke moet gerig word aan HORTGRO. Daar is baie kriteria waaraan so ’n aansoek moet voldoen. Die belangrikste is dat dit volhoubaar moet wees en dat dit mense van die platteland in die laer inkomstegroep moet bevoordeel.
Hier onder volg ‘n opsomming van WKBV se aansoek deur NICO LANGENHOVEN
For more info in regards to the application please e-‐mail Nico Langenhoven -‐ bolandbye@gmail.com
FONDSE VIR ALTERNATIEWE GEWASSE
Bluegum logs at a sawmill in Southern Paarl.
According to SABIO, only 501 beekeepers throughout the country have registered since the Department took over the Registration process in 2013. They estimate that the number of persons in South Africa keeping bees runs into the thousands! Registration is not a punitive requirement and costs nothing. In other countries it is a standard requirement, specifically for the purpose of disease management. If you have not yet registered, or you know of other beekeepers that have not registered, please play your part in creating awareness about the importance of doing this, and register this year! DAFF and SABIO will be conducting a joint exercise encouraging all beekeepers to register.
SABIO IS ALSO IN THE PROCESS OF UPDATING THEIR CURRENT DATABASE: THIS IS IMPORTANT PARTICULARLY FOR COMMUNICATION PURPOSES. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE THE SA BEE JOURNAL, BECOME A MEMBER OF SABIO: www.sabio.org.za
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO REGISTER WITH DAFF: www.sabio.org.za
February 2015
3
Continued…
EXCERPTS FROM THE APPLICATION FOR THE PLANTING OF “PURPLE VETCH”-‐
By: Nico Langenhoven
BACK GROUND:
“Africa was until five years ago free from American Foul Brood (AFB). AFB, a bacteria, is the most destructive honeybee disease and is common world wide. Since it was first noticed in South Africa in 2009 it has spread to most apiaries in the greater Peninsula of Cape Town. Latest reports indicate that the spread has reached Vredendal, Riversdale and Oudtshoorn. AFB has become pandemic and will never be stopped.
Other pest eg. Varroa mites, an external parasite, are common in honeybee colonies for the past 20 years. Likewise Small Black Hive beetles, a scavenger, endemic to South Africa, have become a pest over the last 25 years. Both Varroa and Black Hive Beetles are vectors and/or transmitters of viruses and bacteria from one honey bee colony or apiary to another.
All these are putting honeybees under stress and resulting in huge honeybee colony losses. In North America and Europe 30% colony losses per annum is common. All predictions and indications are that the Western Cape is heading for the same disaster. In the Western Cape a beekeeper reported losses of 40% over the last 18 months.
Both lack of good nectar sources and the effect of diseases and pests are putting more and more stress on honeybee colonies. For beekeepers to run a sound honeybee operation it has become more difficult to stay viable. This will result in a predictable short supply of pollination unites to fruit growers and seed producers in the Western Cape.”
VICIA (Purple Vetch):
Vicia is a annual legume that is highly underrated. The plant is also known as “purple vetch” and has a number of varieties. Johan Zietsman, in his book Man Cattle and Veld, page 17, stress the importance of introduced legumes for veld improvement.
PROGRAM:
Planting purple vetch every two or three years in rotation with other serial crops eg. wheat an oats will improve soil quality, fertility and moist retention and thereby ensure economical production of cereals.
The abovementioned 200 000 hectares will ultimately produce 200 000 (50 000 ha X 4) tons of wheat and 1500 (100 000 ha X 15 kg) tons of honey. From the 100 000 planted with purple vetch, 50 000 ha will be for grazing and 50 000 ha for producing hay. The other 50 000 ha can be reserved for keeping cattle and or sheep in the winter (growing season for vetch and cereals). More cattle and/or sheep can be kept and meat production will increase.
February 2015
4
Donec interdum
Pellentesque:
Consectetuer:
Entrepreneurship:
This is an ideal opportunity for land owners, in partnership with the beekeeper who benefit from the purple vetch, to develop entrepreneurship amongst their farm workers. The beekeeper can be the mentor on managing the bees and the landowner can help in budgeting for expense and income and how profit is shared amongst stake holders. This is possible even in a small operation with 25 to 50 colonies which will give a turnover of R13 000 to R26 000.
CONCLUSION:
Improving Sandveld agricultural land by planting purple vetch need to be researched over the next 5 to 10 years. Improved soil condition will lead to more activity in agriculture and bee culture. This will also ensure a viable fruit and seed industry for the Western Cape in years to come. New jobs opportunities will derive and benefit rural people in the low income group.
ADDENDUM:
The above presentation is assumptions on actual figures eg. 4 tons wheat per hectare is common in the nearby Swartland. All other figures can be supported by scientific data and current prices are applicable. Other supportive “essays”, attachment A and attachment B, are for your information.
Acknowledgement:
Author on behalf of Western Cape Beekeepers Industry Association (WCBA): Nico Langenhoven, Retired beekeeper and member of WCBA management committee. Thanks to the following associates whose input in this document was valuable and helpful: Marius Langenhoven: Radical Seedlings, Klein Joostenberg, Muldersvlei. Danie Franken: BAccounting (Honors) student, Stellenbosch University.
AA
Ri Riaan van Zyl inspecting hives for AFB.
21
Photo taken by Ron Moller
February 2015
5
AFB OUTBREAK -‐ WESTERN CAPE:
Condensed report: DAFF & SABIO
At this time, all beekeepers should already be aware of the huge crisis that our beekeepers are facing in the light of the AFB outbreak in the Western Cape. SABIO reported in their “Comminique #01/2015” that: “Internationally AFB is the most feared bee disease and this 2014/2015 infestation is clearly much worse than the 2009/2010 outbreak. The impression that it appeared to have died down in the intervening years and that it was thus a seasonal problem, was completely misleading.”
According to DAFF, it is clear and accepted that we have American Foul Brood (AFB) or a strain thereof in the WC and that it has reached epidemic status throughout our region. According to the general synopsis of the meeting between DAFF Officials, ARC representatives, SABIO & WCBA (22 January 2015):
“The responsibility for dealing with the disease remains nationally with the Directorate: Plant Health (DAFF). Given that the disease is definitely currently located in the WC, the Provincial Department of Agriculture which includes Veterinary Services should be called upon to assist with dealing with the problem.”
On the 22nd January 2015 a meeting was organized by the directorate of SABIO to be held in the Western Cape with local DAFF inspector, Mr Riaan van Zyl, Mr Mike Allsopp of the ARC, and representatives from both WCBA & SABIO to address the epidemic. They were joined by MR Mooketsa Ramasodi, Chief Director and his deputy Mr Ernest Phoku out in the field where they were presented with the AFB disease and it’s devastating effects.
According to the report, full credit needs to be given to the WCBA that through consultation drew up a comprehensive guideline document on “A GUIDE TO BEEKEEPERS – HOW TO MANAGE AFB” -‐ it has been widely circulated.
For a full downloadable copy of the document, please visit: www.wkbv.co.za
The following is a conclusion written by Mike Miles of the meeting between DAFF, ARC, SABIO & WCBA – the following action plan are to be implemented:
1. A De-‐Limiting Survey to establish AFB Free Zones within SA shall be implemented. 2. Sale & Movement of honey and bee products from WC to rest of country: DAFF will convene a meeting with bottlers to
discuss measures to prevent the spread of the pathogen. 3. DAFF will put out Press statement on the crisis. 4. A meeting will be convened with the Retail sector for assistance to create awareness regarding the spread of AFB
through honey products. 5. DAFF will convene a round table convention with all players in respective industries to address measures to curtail the
spread & ways to manage the disaster. 6. DAFF will investigate feasibility of Emergency registration for the allowance of the use of OTC to treat AFB in infected
colonies under prescribed conditions. 7. DAFF inspectorate will institute training for those identified personnel in inspectorate services by 31 May 2015. 8. DAFF will look at problems being experienced with regards to the registration process of beekeepers and will liase with
SABIO on this to increase the number of registrations. 9. SABIO will send out communication to beekeeping community and all its members to alert beekeepers to the potential
pandemic. 10. Research initiative in respect of disease management in SA will be given priority. 11. The establishment of an Api-‐Advisory Board will be considered. 12. ARC, Stellenbosch suggested that Standard Operating procedures for the management and control of the AFB be
drafted and if possible be published in a booklet for dissemination to all beekeepers and stakeholders in the industry. Sponsorships needs to be sought.
February 2015
P: Bus/Box 1200, Bellville, 7535 T&F: (021) 865 2050 E: info@wkbv.co.za W: www.wkbv.co.za
Varroa destructor and honeybee viruses in Apis mellifera scutellata in South Africa Strauss, U. and Human, H. University of Pretoria
Numerous pathogens, including bacteria (e.g. American Foulbrood) and viruses, as well as parasitic mites are affecting honeybees
(Apis mellifera L.) around the world. Varroa destructor (Fig.1) is one of the most well-known and devastating honeybee parasites
especially since it acts as a vector of several viruses. The deadly combination of Varroa mites and viruses in honeybee colonies is
of great concern for beekeepers and researchers worldwide. Adult female mites can easily be identified on adult honeybees or
inside brood cells by their eight legs, oval shape and reddish brown colour. Varroa mites should not to be confused with Braula
coeca, a wingless red fly, with six legs which is also commonly found in South African honeybee colonies. There is a common
misconception that Varroa mites are no longer as prevalent as previously thought. However, in Apis mellifera scutellata colonies,
average infestation rates of 13,4 mites per 100 brood cells have been measured (Strauss et al. 2015).
In a recent assessment of Apis mellifera scutellata
apiaries the omnipresence of Varroa mites as well as
the occurrence of three honeybee viruses, Black queen
cell virus, Israeli acute paralysis virus and Varroa
destructor virus 1 was confirmed (Strauss et al. 2013).
Black queen cell virus was detected most frequently but
only in adult workers while Israeli acute paralysis virus
and Varroa destructor virus 1 were found in Varroa
mites and adult workers. Interestingly, the latter two
viruses have not previously been found in South Africa.
Consequently, the combined impact of these viruses and
Varroa mites in Apis mellifera scutellata apiaries is
currently being investigated by Miss Strauss for her
PhD.
References and further reading:
Human, H., Pirk, C.W.W., Dietemann, V., Kryger, P. (2012) Honey bee diseases Series 3: Varroa and viruses. South African Bee Journal 84(2): 43-47.
Human, H., Pirk, C.W.W., Dietemann, V., Kryger, P. (2011) Honey bee diseases: South African Bee Journal 83(4): 171-179.
Strauss, U., Human, H., Gauthier, L., Crewe, R.M., Dietemann, V., Pirk, C.W.W. (2013) Seasonal prevalence of pathogens and parasites in the savannah honeybee (Apis mellifera scutellata). Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 114: 45-52. Strauss, U., Pirk, C.W.W., Crewe, R.M., Human, H., Dietemann, V. (2015) Impact of Varroa destructor on honeybee (Apis mellifera scutellata) colony development in South Africa. Experimental and Applied Acarology 65: 89-106.
A B
C D
Figure 1. A. Varroa female on honeybee larva. B. Male Varroa mite.
C. Varroa females on pupae. D. Varroa females on adult honeybees.
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