BIBBA Conference 2002

Conference for beekeepers
University Sheffield UK  6th - 9th Sept. 2002
Beekeeping and Apis Biodiversity in Europe
(B.A.B.E.)

theme • speakers •  programme •  location • book now • links

The BABE theme of the BIBBA biannual conference was chosen because of the involvement and inspiration of BIBBA as a partner in this EC funded project.

The scientific objectives of BABE project are aimed at the conservation of European honeybee diversity.

From a consolation perspective two important components of honeybee diversity are threatened.
1.  Native races and subspecies of honeybees which are adapted to their local environment.
2.  Genetic diversity within local populations. This is important both as part of Europe’s natural biological heritage and as a source of variation for the future improvement of the honeybee in agriculture. For example resistance to diseases.

A major first objective of the BABE project will be to make a genetic inventory of the European honeybees to identify native honeybee populations by their differences in DNA.

This will show the regional variation that exists in European bees. This baseline data are will help beekeepers to focus on and improve their native subspecies rather than rely on the importation of mated queen bees from other areas, since this would hinder improvement of their native bees.

There are two main elements
1.  Conservation of locally adapted sub-species
2.  Maintenance of genetic diversity within local populations.

An extension of this project will be a Europe wide promotion of native honeybees through training and information for beekeepers.

Speakers at the Conference

Janez Poklukar is the head of research in Slovenia searching for native bees tolerant to varroa.
Dr. Francis Ratnieks Head of the Laboratory for Apiculture and Social Insects at Sheffield University and member of BABE.
Cecilia Costa, National Institute of Beekeeping, Italy. Conservation and improvement of Italian honey bees in Italy - Cecilia will also demonstrate the new computer method of determining morphometric characteristics of wings
Dr. Ruth Spinks is at the Central Science Lab. and has been researching Hygienic behaviour in honeybee colonies.
Dr. Bernhard Krause is at Halle University, Germany doing research on honeybees.

Friday 6th September 2002
From 16.00 arrivals and registration
Evening meal from 18.00 hrs
19.00 Informal talk

Saturday 7th September 2002
07.30– 8.45 Breakfast
09.00 Arrivals & registration
09.30 Bernhard Krause - “Beekeeping and Biodiversity in Europe project (BABE).”
10.30 Coffee
11.00 Janez Poklukar - “The search for Varroa resistance”.
12.30 – 13.30 Lunch
14.00 Cecilia Costa - “Conservation and improvement of bees in Italy”.
15.00 Coffee
Split into two groups for next sessions
15.30 * Demo on the use of a computer to measure wing indices for morphometry
* Visit to Apiculture Lab.
18.00 Evening meal
19.00 * Demo on the use of a computer to measure wing indices for morphometry
* Visit to Apiculture Lab.
* Half to half.

Sunday 8th September 2002
07.30 - 08.45 Breakfast
09.00 Arrivals & registration
09.30 Bernhard Krause - “Mating success of honeybee queens in apiaries and in natural populations”
10.30 Coffee
11.00 Janez Pokular - “Queen rearing in Slovenia”
12 ,30 – 13.30 Lunch
1400 Dr. Ruth Spinks - “Hygienic Behaviour Studies”.
15.30 Coffee
16.00 Dr. Francis Ratnieks “Work organisation in the bee colony”
18.00 – 18.45 Evening meal for those staying overnight

Monday 9th September 2002
07.30 – 08.45 Breakfast
08.50 Sight-seeing tour of Derbyshire for those wishing to stay over on the Monday

Location of conference

Sheffield

Sheffield is internationally renowned for steel, cutlery and engineering. However, in the last decade the city has changed dramatically and the world is now discovering that Sheffield is a great place to visit.

City in a Country Setting

Many first-time visitors to Sheffield are surprised by the abundant green areas within the city.

With more than a third of the city within the boundary of the Peak National Park, Sheffield is an ideal touring base for the Peak District's beautiful scenery, countless country walks, famous caverns and appealing market towns.

Halifax Hall of Residence

After our successful conference at Sheffield in 2000 we decided to hold our 2002 conference there also.

Halifax Hall of Residence, is centred around a Sheffield steel baron's house dating back to 1830 and is set in attractive grounds. With the conference rooms being located in the original part of this Victorian mansion, this hall is ideal for conferences. Conference facilities are completely self contained as accommodation meeting rooms, dining and social areas and the bar are all available at Halifax Hall of residence.

LASI

The Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects, University of Sheffield is one of the participating institutions in the exciting BABE project. Our speakers will address these issues and bring us up to date on this project, and tell us the part we can all play. BIBBA continues to fund research at Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects headed by Dr. Francis Ratnieks

BOOK NOW 
ALL ENQUIRIES TO CONFERENCE SECRETARY

email conference@bibba.com

Link to B.A.B.E. site

http://www.biologie.uni-halle.de/zool/mol_ecol/babe/