Sunday, November 08, 2009
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Bee parasite spreading on the Big Island
By Associated Press
POSTED: 10:12 a.m. HST, Jun 26, 2009
HILO >> The varroa mite parasite that’s been killing bees across the country is spreading on the Big Island, threatening local fruit and macadamia nut industries.
The tiny, parasitic bug has escaped a quarantine area around Hilo and spread to Hamakua and Puna.
On the mainland, the varroa mite has destroyed more than half of some beekeepers’ hives and devastated most wild honeybee populations.
Mainland bees have also been hit by another illness called colony collapse disorder, which causes adult bees to abandon their hives.
Hawaii’s first varroa mite was found in 2007 on Oahu, where it is now widely established.
The mites breed in the bees’ hives, living off their blood. The mites weaken the bees, allowing other viruses and diseases to kill them.
HILO >> The varroa mite parasite that’s been killing bees across the country is spreading on the Big Island, threatening local fruit and macadamia nut industries.
The tiny, parasitic bug has escaped a quarantine area around Hilo and spread to Hamakua and Puna.
On the mainland, the varroa mite has destroyed more than half of some beekeepers’ hives and devastated most wild honeybee populations.
Mainland bees have also been hit by another illness called colony collapse disorder, which causes adult bees to abandon their hives.
Hawaii’s first varroa mite was found in 2007 on Oahu, where it is now widely established.
The mites breed in the bees’ hives, living off their blood. The mites weaken the bees, allowing other viruses and diseases to kill them.
Today’s Edition
- Nonprofits feel pain of poor economy
- Symphony cancels concerts and will downsize
- New life for paraplegic lawyer
- Furlough rally held at Capitol
- Educators accused of unethical conduct
- Senate to grill DOE on stimulus
- Communication gaffe raises fuss in HPD chief selection
- Ala Wai traffic lanes reopened
- Newswatch
- Police / Fire
- The Search for Signs of Hawaiian Life
- Iraqis who return home face unemployment and poor services
- Prospect of more U.S. troops worries a wary Afghan public
- Kokua Line: State can enter property to act on hazards
- Surf sample sale in Kahala
- Got nutrients?
- Religion briefs
- Wood Craft: Sacred Hearts volleyball team is perfect
- Kahuku rallies for the Red
- Moanalua's time comes
- Farrington has Castle's number
- Desperate times at Aloha Stadium
- Further Review: UH's 2-6 mark makes a win tonight a must
- Wahine run over Fresno State
- Hawaii Beat
- Scoreboard
- Television & Radio
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