polyectic

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i learned a new word today - 'polyectic'

it refers to the need of the honeybee to obtain nutrients from a variety of pollen sources to be healthy.

observations reveal greater losses of colonies when the number of pollen sources is restricted.

(from scientificbeekeeping.com - new articles posted today, 01-01-2013)

[Andrew Dewey]

Makes sense - Randy accepts donations through PayPal - I sent one today.

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same here, yesterday.

randy is a good researcher, and a good author.

i like the way he bolds the practical applications for everyday beekeepers.

[deknow]

I'd be willing to wager that where pollen sources are restricted, there is also a higher incidence of insecticides and fungicides in the pollen.

Deknow

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good point dean, and that adds to the mix.

although, when observations are taken, no correlation is seen when looking at ag chem use and gmo use vs. loss of colonies.

[JRG13]

I would say it depends on the nutritional value of the pollen source as well

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I would say it depends on the nutritional value of the pollen source as well

indeed, and apparantly no one or two pollens have everything the bees need. the more variety, the better.

[Acebird]

Is this earth shattering research?

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not earth shattering ace, but recently confirmed by scientific observation of colony loss vs. variety of forage.

part of the ongoing attempt to understand why colonies are failing in such high numbers, and coming up with a solution.