VegNET RDO Jessy checking for varroa mites in hive, nil found!

Australia’s pollination industries are entering a new era of challenge and change with the spread of Varroa destructor, a parasitic mite that undermines honeybee health and threatens the reliability of crop pollination. Since its initial detection in 2022, varroa mite has continued to spread in parts of New South Wales and Queensland, shifting focus from eradication to management. For growers of cucurbits and other pollination-reliant crops, staying ahead of the threat means embracing innovation, strengthening preparedness, and exploring new frontiers in pollination.

The varroa challenge

Varroa mites feed on honeybees, weakening colonies and transmitting deadly viruses. While the most serious of these viruses, such as deformed wing virus, have not yet been detected in Australia, their potential arrival remains a significant threat. The long-term impact of varroa could dramatically reduce the availability of healthy hives and increase the cost of pollination services. Crops like cucumbers, melons, and pumpkins are particularly vulnerable, with even short-term disruptions in pollination significantly affecting yields and fruit set.

Plan ahead for pollination – talk to a beekeeper now

With the looming threat of varroa mite, Australia’s reliance on feral honey bees for pollination is at risk. Once varroa is detected, managed hives will be in high demand, and pollination service costs are expected to spike almost overnight. Growers who haven’t secured hive access may face lower yields and reduced quality. Beekeepers will likely prioritise existing clients, so it’s essential to start building those relationships now. Reach out to a local beekeeper or beekeeping association and consider how your business could handle a sudden, significant increase in pollination costs. Acting early could protect your crops and your bottom line.

Monitoring solutions: tech in the hive

Hive health monitoring is fast becoming a critical tool in varroa management. Technologies like BeeRight, which track temperature, humidity, movement, and sound within hives, allow for early detection of colony stress and potential pest outbreaks. These tools give both beekeepers and growers the ability to monitor hive performance remotely and respond quickly to emerging issues.

In the Bundaberg region, four BeeRight monitoring devices have been trialled across two vegetable grower sites, supported by the local VegNET Regional Development Officer and funded by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DPI). This initiative is providing real-time data on hive health during active pollination periods, improving communication between growers and apiarists, and setting a foundation for better informed pollination planning in the face of varroa risk.

Beyond BeeRight, other advanced hive monitoring systems are also gaining traction across the industry. See the following page for a snapshot of technology available to Australian beekeepers.

These hive monitoring technologies, amongst others, are helping the pollination sector move from reactive to proactive management. With early alerts and continuous data insights, beekeepers can respond faster to hive issues, reduce losses, and optimise pollination during key crop flowering periods.

This is an evolving space with more innovation underway, so keep an eye out for new providers and technologies emerging soon!

Pollination beyond bees: exploring alternatives

BeeRight devices being installed in hive on a vegetable farm

With growing pressure on traditional honeybee pollination due to pests, climate change, and hive shortages, the horticulture industry is investing in long-term alternatives.

The Hort Innovation project Novel technologies and practices for the optimisation of pollination within protected cropping environments (ST19000) is reducing reliance on honeybees by trialling new, integrated pollination methods tailored to high-tech farming systems.

Meanwhile, Development of blue-banded bees as managed buzz pollinators (PH19001) is advancing the use of native blue-banded bees in greenhouse environments. This project is developing crop-specific guidelines and operational procedures to support their adoption as viable, commercial pollinators.

Complementing these efforts, other research programs across Australia, including work led by Dr Lena Schmidt and various university partners, are exploring the role of native bees, flies, and other insect species as pollinators in open field environments. These studies aim to identify alternative species that can perform under commercial conditions and help buffer the industry against pollination disruptions.

Together, these projects are driving innovation in pollination, supporting more diversified, resilient, and sustainable production systems across both protected cropping and field-grown horticulture.

Preparedness is everyone’s job

Preparedness isn’t just a beekeeper issue, it’s a shared responsibility across the supply chain. The Bee 123 map is a tool used in Queensland, Australia, to report and track varroa mite surveillance data, helping to manage biosecurity risks associated with this pest. For growers, staying connected to industry research and incorporating new technologies into pollination planning will help safeguard against future disruptions.

FIND OUT MORE
Please contact Jessy Logan, on 0407 366 797 or email vegnet@bfvg.com.au