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The Wheen Foundation Research Fund has been established for the sole purpose of research aimed at keeping our bees healthy. It is managed by the Wheen Foundation’s directors. Donations are tax deductible and will be used to help researchers in universities, State Departments, CSIRO etc to improve and promote knowledge on all aspects of beekeeping which improves the health and viability of honeybees.
The research will include understanding the biology and behaviour of pests like varroa mite, small hive beetle and a wider range of diseases from viruses, bacteria, fungi etc which threaten the health of our hives.
It will also include stock improvement programs for resistance or tolerance to pests and diseases; ways to reduce the impact of pesticides; nutrition-good protein and carbohydrates in the bee’s diet; stress on bees which can lead to problems like Colony Collapse Disorders.
The scope of the research by the fund will capture policy issues like access to floral resources on public lands. Without pollen and nectar, colony strength will decline, pollination services will collapse, and human health will be a downstream casualty!
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