2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast

In this episode of 2 Million Blossoms, host Dr. Kirsten Traynor sits down with Dr. Anke Dietzsch from the Institute for Bee Protection at the Julius Kühn Institute, Germany's Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants. Anke discusses her extensive research on the effects of pesticides on bee health, focusing on both honey bees and native wild bees. She discusses the challenges of conducting field experiments across various habitats in Germany and highlights the importance of using diverse monitoring techniques to accurately assess bee populations. Anke also shares her insights on the complexities of working with solitary bees, particularly in understanding their unique behaviors and how these species interact with invasive plants. Her work emphasizes the critical need to broaden our understanding of different bee species to ensure effective risk assessments and conservation efforts. Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for the nuanced world of bee research and the vital role these pollinators play in our ecosystems. Tune in to explore the fascinating intersections of agroecology, toxicology, and pollinator protection with one of the leading experts in the field. ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. 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 ______________________ Music: Original 2 Million Blossoms Theme, by Oscar Morante / Mooi Studios; Guitar music by Jeffrey Ott; Faraday by BeGun; 2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast is a joint audio production of Protect Our Pollinators, LLC and Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2024 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode, host Dr. Kirsten Traynor welcomes bee scientist Dr. Mazi Sanda from Cameroon. Dr. Sanda, who currently resides in Germany as part of the PLAN4BEE project, shares his journey into the world of bees, starting from his childhood fascination with insects to his professional research at the University of Ngaoundere. He provides a captivating overview of beekeeping traditions in Cameroon, discussing the prevalent use of traditional woven hives and the gradual shift towards modern Kenyan Top Bar Hives. Dr. Sanda delves into the rich diversity of honey flavors and the challenges faced by Cameroonian beekeepers, including habitat loss, agricultural intensification, and predation by honey badgers. He also highlights the unique cultural relationship between humans and the greater honeyguide bird, a tradition that is now fading. This episode offers listeners a deep dive into the practices, challenges, and cultural aspects of beekeeping in Cameroon, underscoring the importance of preserving these traditions and supporting local beekeepers. Listen today! ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. 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 ______________________ Music: Original 2 Million Blossoms Theme, by Oscar Morante / Mooi Studios; Guitar music by Jeffrey Ott; Faraday by BeGun; 2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast is a joint audio production of Protect Our Pollinators, LLC and Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2024 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this episode of 2 Million Blossoms, host Dr. Kirsten Traynor is joined by Dr. Marla Spivak, a renowned bee scientist and MacArthur Genius Award recipient. Together, they delve into the pivotal changes in beekeeping ushered in by the Varroa mite's arrival and explore the ongoing challenges it poses. Dr. Spivak shares insights from her decades of experience, particularly on the impact of Varroa on bee health and the subsequent adaptations in beekeeping practices. The conversation also covers innovative strategies for managing these challenges, including minimizing chemical treatments and fostering bee resilience through selective breeding. As a passionate advocate for bees, Dr. Spivak discusses the broader issues affecting bee populations, such as pesticide exposure and habitat loss, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices. This episode not only sheds light on the complexities of modern beekeeping but also inspires with solutions that can lead to healthier bee populations and ecosystems. Listen today! ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. 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 ______________________ Music: Original 2 Million Blossoms Theme, by Oscar Morante / Mooi Studios; Guitar music by Jeffrey Ott; Faraday by BeGun; 2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast is a joint audio production of Protect Our Pollinators, LLC and Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2024 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

In this captivating episode of 2 Million Blossoms, host Dr. Kirsten Traynor sits down with Dr. David Peck, Director of Research and Education at Betterbee, to explore the intricate world of bees and the persistent challenge posed by varroa mites. Peck shares insights from his groundbreaking research, including his astonishing discovery of varroa mites' ability to jump onto honeybees from flowers, showcasing the agility and adaptability of these parasites. This discussion delves into varroa mites' evolutionary prowess, their impact on bee colonies, and effective strategies for managing this persistent threat. Through engaging storytelling and expert analysis, this episode sheds light on the sophisticated behaviors of varroa mites and underscores the importance of integrated pest management in safeguarding bee populations. Join us to uncover the dynamic between bees and their most formidable adversary, the varroa mite, in a conversation that is both enlightening and essential for anyone invested in the health of pollinators. Link to David's video of a varroa jumping onto a foraging honey bee: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2016/12/devastating-mites-jump-nimbly-flowers-honeybees ______________________ Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. 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 ______________________ Music: Original 2 Million Blossoms Theme, by Oscar Morante / Mooi Studios; Guitar music by Jeffrey Ott; Faraday by BeGun; 2 Million Blossoms - The Podcast is a joint audio production of Protect Our Pollinators, LLC and Growing Planet Media, LLC Copyright © 2024 by Growing Planet Media, LLC