Terra Vera Technical Advisor Shares Insight on Crop Protection and Honeybee Health
AgriBusiness Global recently spoke with renowned entomologist and honeybee health expert Dr. Jeff Pettis, technical advisor and industry consultant at Terra Vera. Pettis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. In this session, he shares his expertise on the current challenges and advancements in the field of honeybee health.
ABG: With so much to tackle in the ag pest control market, what are three areas you want to focus on in your new role with Terra Vera?
Jeff Pettis: My interest lies in helping reduce pests and diseases in honeybees. I also see that Terra Vera’s technology could be applied to other pests, such as bedbugs and greenhouse insect pests.
ABG: What are the most significant challenges currently facing apiculture and honeybee health, and how are researchers addressing these issues?
JP: The number one pest is surely the varroa mite. Habitat destruction and pesticide exposure also harm bees. Efforts are being made to diversify agriculture and provide more natural areas for all pollinators. Mite control is an area of active research, as mites are becoming resistant to the synthetic chemicals that have been used.
Jeff Pettis. Photo credit: Terra Vera
ABG: How do environmental factors such as climate change and pesticide use impact honeybee populations and their health?
JP: Climate change disrupts honey production when areas become too dry or too wet. Bees are used for the pollination of crops and, thus, are often exposed to insecticides and fungicides. These pesticides can indeed negatively impact bees.
ABG: What are some regions where the government is getting involved with banning products that hurt bees?
JP: The European Union has banned the use of many neonicotinoids in crops that are attractive to bees. Because neonicotinoids can transfer into the plants’ nectar and pollen, they have been shown to affect pollinators.
ABG: Can you discuss the latest advancements in research and technology aimed at improving honeybee health and supporting sustainable practices?
JP: The product offered by Terra Vera is very promising for use in bee colonies to control varroa mites and may have other side benefits. The company recently published two field studies on the efficacy of its pesticide-alternative BZB nutrient solution in promoting bee health.
ABG: What initiatives or programs are currently in place to promote the preservation and health of honeybee populations?
JP: Beekeepers continue to lose about 40% of their hives each year and, thus, are constantly working to rebuild their colonies. This takes time and money. There are government programs to pay for excessive losses, like the ELAP program, but you must be registered to get this relief. There are also programs to provide better forage and flowers for bees; some are private initiatives, and some are public. Our food security relies on a healthy mobile pollinator like the honeybee; thus, we need to help beekeepers maintain healthy hives.
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