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Applied Research Projects

CURRENT PROJECT: Comparative Study of DIY and Commercial Oxalic Acid–Glycerin Treatments Using Cellulose-Based Pads for Varroa Management During the Summer Season

Researchers: ABC TTP, Dr. Olav Rueppell, Claudia Figueroa, Alberta beekeepers Dr. Renata Labuschagne

Objectives:

  1. Create a Standard Working Procedure for handling and mixing oxalic acid and glycerin.
  2. Compare the efficacy of three pad materials in delivering oxalic acid and glycerin as a slow-release treatment for Varroa mites.
  3. Assess the effects of the treatments on mite infestation levels and overwinter survival.
  4. Conduct chemical residue analysis of the treatment pads and honey.

Preliminary Results:

OAGly Poster - RDAR

2026 Research Priorities

Honey Bee Health & Resilience

  • Improving Honey Bee Stock Quality
    • We are strengthening colony performance by focusing on the development of locally adapted bee stock and improving key colony-level traits such as wintering ability, disease resistance, productivity, and overall resilience. By supporting breeding and evaluation programs, we aim to enhance long-term genetic sustainability and reduce reliance on imported stock.
  • Enhancing Honey Bee Nutrition
    • Optimal nutrition is foundational to colony health. Our research supports:
      • Development and evaluation of improved nutritional supplements.
      • Championing the consideration of nutritional value of pollen and nectar sources within crop breeding and forage strategies .
  • Tropilaelaps Preparedness & Prevention
    • With the global spread of Tropilaelaps mites posing a significant emerging threat, ABC is proactively investing in surveillance, preparedness planning, and response strategies. Our goal is to equip Alberta beekeepers with the tools, protocols, and knowledge needed to prevent introduction and respond rapidly should this pest be detected.

 

Final Report

Researchers: Dr. Shelley Hoover & Dr. Renata Labuschagne

Objective: 1) Provide proof of concept that overwintering queens en masse is feasible in Alberta. 2) Develop prototype management strategies for mass overwintering queens in Alberta. 3) Validate the performance and quality of overwintered new summer-mated queens.

Final Report 

Researchers: Samantha Muirhead, Dr. Renata Labuschagne & Alexandra Panasiuk

Objective: Alberta’s Tech Transfer Program (TTP) and the Government of Alberta’s Bee Health Assurance Team (BHAT) have been proactively working to assess Apivar® efficacy across Alberta. Our goal is to continue randomly screen Varroa mite populations from across the province before treatments are applied in the fall.

Past Updates