propolis researched as a food preservative

New research recently suggested that propolis, currently marketed by some for its health benefits, could also find use as a natural food preservative, according to a recent issue of the Food Chemistry journal.

"It may be concluded that, the ethanolic extract of propolis tested, in the performed experimental conditions may successfully inhibit the E. coli development in vitro, at safe levels for human consumption and, consequently, they could be useful as ground fresh beef natural preserver or as unspecific antibacterial food preserver," wrote lead author Enzo Tosi.

Tosi and his co-workers from Argentina's National University of Technology looked at the effect of Argentinian propolis extracts against E.coli, and thereby as a preservative for foods.

"Most propolis components are natural constituents of food and recognized as safe substances," added Tosi. (National Honey Board Bee Mail, Issue 107)

Sister bee: film follows beekeepers’ passion

For Laura Tyler, Boulder, Colo., the magic and mystery of the honey bee is a magnificent obsession, one resulting in a film that chronicles the spiritual side of beekeeping from a woman’s point of view and allows the audience to see what she calls “the interconnectedness of all living things.” Tyler’s 30-minute documentary, “Sister Bee” is a lyrical piece showcasing six Boulder area beekeepers who share their intimate approaches to the art. Tyler knows it firsthand. She and her husband, Andrew Schwarz, are beekeepers as well. (National Honey Board Bee Mail, Issue 107)

New Recipe Brochure, Kid’s brochure and other materials available from nhb

Firestone, Colo. - The National Honey Board (NHB) recently produced new materials to assist beekeepers, honey companies and educators in promoting honey.

Emphasizing the natural aspect of honey, NHB's new recipe leaflet puts an innovative twist on traditional recipes such as meatloaf and apple crisp.

"Nature's Sweetener - Recipes with Honey" is the latest edition in a series of recipe leaflets produced by NHB. Assessment paying members can receive up to 500 copies of NHB's recipe leaflet "freebie" each year.

In the new "A Sweet Story - The Making of Honey" brochure for kids, NHB appeals to kids' interest in honey and bees, explaining honey production in a brief, colorful, easy-to-understand format. The brochure also includes fun facts, honey snack ideas and some puzzles. Educators can obtain a limited number of free copies of this brochure for use in Ag in the Classroom.

NHB also has produced two new Honey Locator brochures. "Bee Found" encourages honey producers and beekeepers to list their honey and company information on NHB's Honey Locator web site at www.honeylocator.com. The brochure explains the Honey Locator and includes a registration form. NHB encourages beekeeping organizations to distribute the brochure at beekeeping meetings to promote the Honey Locator. "How Sweet It Is" provides information to consumers on how to locate honey using the Honey Locator. The brochure provides another benefit and publicity tool for Honey Locator listees, and is available free of charge to listees.

For more information on obtaining any of these new materials, visit www.honey.com or call 800-553-7162.

NHB conducts research, advertising and promotion programs to help maintain and expand domestic and foreign markets for honey. These programs are funded by an assessment of one cent per pound on domestic and imported honey.

Nhb-sponsored mite control research project completed

Firestone, Colo. - A research project titled "Co-encapsulation of attractants to Improve Biocontrol of Varroa in Honey Bee Hives" was recently completed.

The National Honey Board (NHB) provided funding for the project through its research program. Kelly Cartwright, PhD., at Agricultural Research Initiatives in Arkansas led the project with assistance from Steve Culp, Craighead County Extension Agent - Staff Chair and Ed Mason of Mason and Sons Honey Company.

Experiments were conducted both in the field and in the laboratory to assess the potential of using a proprietary microencapsulation system to improve biological control of Varroa mite(s) by Metarhizium anisopliae. In preliminary field tests, with a limited number of hives (a total of three hives per treatment) and a lack of spacing opportunity between treatment groups, no significant differences were detected between control treatments and those treatments containing the microcapsule system, even though the mite infestation levels were adequate. In these same tests, Apiguard or M. anisopliae alone reduced mite levels initially but, as alluded to, no significant differences were noted at the end of the 45 day experimental period. The formulated material handled well and applied in a similar way to commercial applications.

Two laboratory experiments were performed for preliminary assessments of the microcapsule system to influence direction patterns of mites based on attractants present. There was a large degree of variability between experiments. In one experiment, the vast majority of mites moved towards the attractants and subsequent M. anisopliae. As a result, the majority of mites died in this test. In a second test, however, this was not as consistent or obvious. Overall, the microcapsules did not seem to influence mite patterns though some degree of mite behavior may be affected simply by the attractants themselves.

Overall, suitable attractants and/or masking compounds remain a worthwhile research effort. These experiments were preliminary and exploratory in nature into a microcapsule system that had not been evaluated prior to this effort. Hopefully, some of the work contained in this project has laid additional groundwork for research already conducted (or being conducted) in this area. The significance of the Varroa problem will continue to justify research into unusual areas of work in attempts to better control this ectoparasitic mite

To obtain a copy of the research project report, call NHB at 1-800-553-7162.

Obituary

Floyd E. Helm


	Floyd Helm, 1916-2006

Floyd E. Helm, 90, died November 9, 2006. Floyd was a lifelong resident of Daviess County, Odon, Indiana. He was born May 29, 1916 to John Logan and Hyatt Elizabeth (Critchlow) Helm. He married Genevieve Isabella Leach on September 8, 1938 and she survives.

Floyd had been a beekeeper since 1943 and owner of Helm Apiaries. He started beekeeping as a hobby, which turned into a business. Following retirement from Civil Service, Floyd worked with several apiaries during the winter months in Georgia, working with the Bell, Rossman and Wilbanks Apiaries where he assisted in all areas of beekeeping, including the packaged bee business and queen rearing. Back home in Indiana, he had a need for more sweet clover for his bees, so he moved many hives to western Illinois and made many trips back and forth, gathering honey and bringing it back, where he extracted it and bottled it. He also sold a lot of comb honey. He delivered to surrounding communities and was known as “The Honey Man” to folks far and wide.

He was a State Bee Inspector for Indiana and Illinois and past president of the Illiana Beekeeper Association. Floyd also had an observation hive which he placed in schools, as he talked to the students about bees.

Floyd made many friends in the beekeeping community including the folks at Walter T. Kelley Company, as he made numerous trips to Clarkson, Kentucky for his supplies throughout the years. He was a mentor to several new beekeepers, helping them get started in the business and advising them if they had questions or problems. He hosted the Wabash Valley Beekepers Association at his residence in Odon with his demonstrations of catching a swarm and rearing queens. Mnay pictures of this event were published in the American Bee Journal to correspond with articles on these subjects.

Obituary

Thomas Bigelow Ross


	Thomas Ross, 1923-2007

Thomas Bigelow Ross, passed away in Boulder, CO on Saturday, May 26, 2007.

Tom was born Jan. 22, 1923, son of William B. Ross and Evalyn Wilhelm Ross. He spent most of his life in Massillon, OH, then moved to Boulder, CO with his wife Carol in 2006. He was an active citizen in both communities. Tom served in Europe with the 75th Infantry Division during World War II. He married Carol Dorothy Bell in 1944 – they recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. He held a degree in architecture and worked at Mallalieu, Ross, Roberts & Doll for many years. In the mid-70’s he became a beekeeper, then founded Ross Rounds, an international bee equipment company. He was also an author, conservationist, naturalist, and a mentor and dear friend to thousands of people around the world.

Tom loved his family, the wild outdoors, the earth and all of its inhabitants. He belonged to numerous humanitarian, civic, conservation and professional organizations including Rotary International, national and local apiary societies, and environmental groups. Tom helped
preserve and restore many natural and recreational areas. Articles published in Farming: People, Land and Community magazine give a hint of the breadth of his compassion, intelligence and humor. He was a kind man with a good word for all.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his brother Henry Ross (Genie); children: Susan Ross, Bill Ross (Joy), and Jude Ross (Jim); grandchildren: Alex Dorgan-Ross (Gressa), and Daniel Ross (Jessica); by many nieces and nephews, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and by Halley, his beloved dog.

After cremation on May 30th, Tom's ashes were distributed by friends to places he loved. Prayers for him and his family are appreciated. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to organizations which benefit all beings and help conserve the planet.

Published in the Daily Camera on 5/31/2007.