Extraordinary colony losses have been reported in early 2007 from
several eastern provinces of
Turkey.


Factors not related to colony losses

We found no significant relation between colony
losses of beekeepers and foundation comb used,
bee feed type or source,
source of queens, pesticide use,
urban vs rural areas,
presence-absence of industry,
or presence-absence of known bee
diseases.

Factors related to colony losses

We found that bee genetics or race of the bee was
important even when the geographic region
influences were statistically controlled. Highest
colony losses in 2006–2007 winter occurred in A.m.
caucasica from Turkey, and A.m. carnica or
ligustica of European origin. The
hybrid queens from Turkey, or local races,
especially A.m. anatoliaca, showed the lowest
levels of colony losses.

Local genetic variation appears to be
important in reducing the impact of any factor that
may induce the observed colony losses,
highlighting significance of preserving and studying
honey bee genetic resources.

Turkey, unlike United States, has a large bee
genetic source. There are at least 5 bee races in
Turkey

-- 
PRELIMINARY SURVEY RESULTS ON 2006–2007 COLONY LOSSES IN TURKEY
Tugrul GRAY, et al
Uludag Bee Journal August 2007

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