QLS Seminar: Where to locate the beehives and bee pasture?
Starts 10 Apr 2024 14:00
Ends 10 Apr 2024 15:00
Central European Time
ICTP
Common area, Ex SISSA building, Second floor
Via Beirut, 2
In this presentation, I will introduce a nuanced approach aimed at curbing the transmission of infectious diseases among bees, a crucial consideration given their role as pollinators for numerous plant species. While bees serve as essential contributors to ecosystems, they are susceptible to microbial diseases, which can spread within their communities. An infected bee traversing its foraging area may inadvertently leave behind infective spores, posing a risk to other bees and the plants they visit. To address this challenge, one proposed solution involves beekeepers implementing a buffer foraging area and strategically locating beehives to segregate bee colonies. However, this strategy presents a dual potential: it can serve as a protective barrier, mitigating disease transmission, or it may inadvertently attract more bees, thereby increasing the likelihood of infection spread. In this discussion, we will delve into the intricate dynamics underlying this strategy using mathematical modeling. We will explore factors such as the impact of foraging distances, the influence of stochastic bee behavior, the implications of optimal foraging theory, and strategies for designing the buffer area to minimize negative outcomes. Through this analysis, we aim to offer insights into optimizing beekeeping practices to safeguard bee health and enhance ecological resilience.
References [1] M.K.A. Gavina, J.F. Rabajante and C.R. Cervancia, Mathematical programming models for determining the optimal location of beehives, Bulletin of Mathematical Biology, 76 (997-1016), 2014. [2] E.O. Jatulan, J.F. Rabajante, C.G.B. Banaay, A.C. Fajardo Jr. and E.C. Jose, A mathematical model of intra-colony spread of American Foulbrood in European honeybees (Apis mellifera L.), PLoS ONE, 10 (e0143805), 2015. [3] J.F. Rabajante, J.M. Tubay, E.C. Jose and C.R. Cervancia, Pollinator diversity and density measures: survey and indexing standard to model, detect, and assess pollinator deficits, Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, 6 (363-371), 2020.