Prof. Samuel Ramsey: Treating Tropilaelaps

Описание: Prof. Samuel Ramsey: Treating Tropilaelaps
Tropilaelaps mercedesae (The Tropi mite) is among the most concerning threats to our honey bees, but continues to be one of the least studied. The “Fight the Mite Initiative” established by the Ramsey Research Foundation was designed to take the fight to the Tropi mite before its spread reaches pandemic proportions. Studies of the vulnerabilities of this parasite have found chemical and nonchemical options suitable for their control. We tested solar-powered direct-to-cell frame heaters and full colony heaters for our non-chemical treatment measures, and two methods of formic acid application. While these options varied substantially in their suitability for consistent mite management, we were able to see clear trends in each treatment. Further research will be needed to adjust for optimal dosage, but this work represents the first steps to getting treatments registered for the control of Tropi mites. Funded in a large part by the beekeeping community internationally, this work not only provides valuable data as we combat a global pollinator health concern, but it further highlights how much can be accomplished when we combine resources and focus attention proactively.
Prof. Samuel Ramsey received his B.S. in Entomology from Cornell University, USA and his PhD in Entomology from the University of Maryland College Park. He completed his post-doctoral training at USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, and now serves as Endowed Professor of Entomology at the University of Colorado, Boulder’s BioFrontiers Institute and the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department. Featured on Hulu’s Docuseries: “Your Attention Please” as well as in the Washington Post, on NPR, CNN, Wired, CBS “This Morning”, Khan Academy, Seeker, The Today Show and several local news segments, Samuel is celebrated as an engaging science communicator. He uses this talent to make science more accessible to a broad audience. His non-profit organisation The Ramsey Research Foundation works to remove barriers that slow the progress of, and decrease access to, science by developing novel pathways for scientific funding, and by removing paywalls that keep the public from engaging with published scientific work.