MASC Program Helps Beekeepers Deal with Overwinter Losses

摘要

Manitoba beekeepers faced a tough winter in 2013/14. The prior year saw winterkill losses of 69% in Manitoba, far above the Canadian average of 29%, and significantly higher than the long-term average 23% mortality for the period of 1996 to 2010.The 2013/14 winter was longer than usual, and the spring was cold and wet in many parts of Manitoba. This created unsuitable conditions for colonies to overwinter, though beekeepers in Manitoba also cited queens with diminished egg production and starvation as contributing factors.