Almond Facts, May-June 2021

BIP Honey Bee Colonies in 2021 Almonds The Tech Team inspected and assessed over 1,000 colonies in February, and although this represents only half a percent of colonies present in the California central valley at the time, it gives us a quick standardized snapshot of the BIP Tech Transfer Team participating beekeepers’ colony health during this year’s main event. Field specialists performed as many field Varroa alcohol washes and sent over 331 samples to the laboratory at the University of Maryland for Nosema load processing. During the same period, queen breeding operations tested 417 colonies for hygienic behavior, measuring the ability of honey bees to uncap and discard dead or diseased young bees in the making which informs their breeding decisions for the upcoming season. Colony Health Highlights in 2021 Almonds Colony Population Sizes in Frames of Bees (FOB) Colony size, measured in frames of bees (FOB), is the most basic metric to evaluate if a colony unit is fit for pollination. Almond growers are very familiar with this colony health measurement of colony strength as it is a component of most pollination contracts. Note however, the BIP Field Specialists quantify frames of bees in the strictest definition of the term, looking at tops and bottoms of all boxes which usually results in a more conservative estimate than your typical grader. Population sizes were on the small side for the 2021 almond pollination. —Matt Hoepfinger, California Field Specialist To see our complete line of harvesters, sweepers, conditioners & orchard cabs, please visit www.exactcorp.com or call 209.544.8600 Built by farmers for farmers…we understand! • Fully Isolated Drop on Cab • Quietest cab on the market • Best in class serviceability • Best visibility on the market • New & improved A/C and Heating • Integrated cowling for improved sealing and maintenance 3 5 M A Y – J U N E 2 0 2 1