| The BPRACTICES project aims to develop new management practices (Good Beekeeping Practices - GBPs) adopting new clinical methods,
biomechanical and innovative biomolecular techniques respecting the natural behaviour of bees. The research activities will focus on
developing new biosensors from honey to monitor SHB presence and PCR techniques to diagnose in advance honeybee diseases (AFB, EFB,
SHB) from debris. Another goal will be to accelerate and to raise efficiency of the clinical inspection of the hives to detect SHB. At the apiary
level we will indicate a proper bee-friendly management (e.g. traps for SHB, honeybee queen-cages for varroa control, powder sugar
method to assess varroa infestation level) to monitor and control the honeybee diseases, protecting their health and avoiding the
application of chemical treatments guaranteeing quality and safety of hive products.
The innovations will be validated in the daily apiary activities and disseminated internationally in collaboration with the International
Federation of Beekeepers' Associations (Apimondia). Economical impact on beekeeping industry will be quantified.
Consumers will be aware of the positive environmental impact of beekeeping and the ecosystem services provided, thanks to a cutting-edge
traceability system using the QR-code/RFID technology. |