At BERG, our investigations delve into the intricate world of apiculture, focusing on the native honey bee, Apis mellifera ruttneri. One of our research group members also represents Malta in the COLOSS network, an international consortium uniting over 300 researchers, beekeepers, and academics from 60 countries. This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing apiculture research and fostering global partnerships. Our research encompasses several areas:
- Development, Behaviour, and Health: We explore the development, behaviour, productivity, and health status of Apis mellifera ruttneri, aiming to understand the dynamics that underpin the vitality of these native pollinators.
- Microbiome Studies: A novel and exciting avenue of our research is examining the gut microbiome of the native honey bee. We're particularly interested in understanding how these microbial communities influence the bee's health and resilience against varroa mite attacks.
- Pollination Efficacy and Honey Quality: Our team has initiated a project to evaluate the pollination efficacy of honey bees. Additionally, we're dedicated to standardising the quality analysis of honey produced in Malta, ensuring its excellence and purity.
- Honey bee threats: Our team has initiated a project to study the microbial communities within the gut of the Vespa orientalis wasp.
