(#276) In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Dr. Kaira Wagoner of Optera, who introduces us to groundbreaking research in bee hygiene. Kaira shares her extensive study on hygienic behavior in honey bees, a critical trait that helps colonies combat pathogens like varroa mites and various bee diseases. This episode not only dives deep into the science behind bee hygiene but also discusses how beekeepers can apply these insights practically.

Our hosts, Jeff and Becky, engage Kaira in a detailed discussion about her latest invention, UBeeO, a tool designed to assess the hygienic behavior of bee colonies efficiently. This revolutionary assay allows beekeepers to identify and breed from colonies that naturally exhibit strong hygienic traits, thus potentially reducing the need for chemical treatments against pests and diseases.

Listeners will gain an understanding of how UBeeO works and its implications for bee health management and queen breeding practices. Dr. Wagoner explains the concept of "hygienic behavior" and how it enables bees to detect and eliminate brood affected by health issues, enhancing the overall resilience of the hive.

This episode is particularly valuable for beekeepers interested in sustainable practices and those looking to enhance the genetic traits of their bee colonies through selective breeding. Whether you're a backyard beekeeper or manage a large apiary, the insights offered by Kaira will inspire you to consider new strategies for maintaining healthy bees

Links and websites mentioned in this episode:

• Optera: https://opterabees.com
• Honey Bee Health Coalition Varroa Management: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resources/varroa-management/

• Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

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Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! 

Thanks to Bee Smart Designs as a sponsor of this podcast! Bee Smart Designs is the creator of innovative, modular and interchangeable hive systems made in the USA using recycled and American sourced materials. Bee Smart Designs - Simply better beekeeping for the modern beekeeper.

Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about heir line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com

Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry.

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: [email protected]

Thank you for listening! 

Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

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