Beekeeping
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The learning objectives will comprise a detailed understanding of the anatomy, physiology and development of Apis mellifera, with a particular focus on the domestic and wild species. To examine the social and individual behaviour of bees, including the mechanisms of communication, nectar collection, defence and hive dynamics; to learn modern hive management techniques; and to identify the principal threats to bee husbandry, including pests, diseases and environmental factors. It is also essential to gain an understanding of the production techniques and characteristics associated with the different bee products.
Expected learning outcomes
As a result of this course, the student will gain a robust scientific foundation that will equip them to manage a professional apiary more effectively. In detail, the student will gain the knowledge required to identify the primary issues affecting bee health and to implement methods of prevention and treatment. Additionally, the student will learn bee production techniques with a focus on critical points of production. Finally, the student will develop skills in observing bee behaviour, with the ability to apply this knowledge in management and conservation settings.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Systematic position and subdivision of Apoidea. Bombus spp. cycle, ethology and use. Relations between higher plants and Apoidea. Species of the genus Apis, Apis mellifera and its races. Morphology, anatomy and physiology of the bee. Mating, reproduction; amphigony, parthenogenesis. Postembryonic development. Sex and caste determinism. Organisation of bee society. Annual cycle. Swarming. Work of worker bees. Orientation and language. Thermoregulation. Breeding techniques. Equipment, work calendar, blooms. Legislation - Organisations - Technical assistance in beekeeping. Productions: - Honey; pollen; royal jelly; propolis; wax; poison (hints of apitherapy); - Breeding, analysis and selection of queen bees, swarm production. Pathologies: - nosemiasis, amebiasis, black disease, virosis, European foulbrood, American foulbrood, sackbrood, mycosis; Enemies Galleria mellonella and Achroia grisella, Braula coeca, Acarapis woodi; Varroa destructor, Vespa velutina, Aethina tumida. Colony collapse disorder
Prerequisites for admission
Students need to have knowledge of biology. Further basic Knowledge are the ones on agricultural entomology and on the morfology and anatomy of insects
Teaching methods
Lectures will be held in person according to the published timetable. Information on the organisation of the lectures, supplementary teaching materials and any other information on teaching will be available on the ARIEL website of the course: it is therefore recommended to consult it regularly.
Teaching Resources
in addition to the material made available to students on the ariel platform (pdf, videolessons, videos), study of the volume is recommended: A. Contessi Le api. Biologia, allevamento, prodotti Edagricole, Bologna, 2016
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will take place in oral form.
In particular, the exam will be focused at:
- ascertain the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding;
- verify the student's knowledge on the various topics covered in the course: from bee systematics, to anatomy and physiology, to beekeeping practice and to the control of bee diseases and parasites.
- ascertain the mastery of the entomological and beekeeping language
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability).
In particular, the exam will be focused at:
- ascertain the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding;
- verify the student's knowledge on the various topics covered in the course: from bee systematics, to anatomy and physiology, to beekeeping practice and to the control of bee diseases and parasites.
- ascertain the mastery of the entomological and beekeeping language
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability).
AGR/11 - GENERAL AND APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY - University credits: 4
Field activity: 12 hours
Practicals: 4 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Practicals: 4 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Lupi Daniela
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Lupi DanielaProfessor(s)
Reception:
upon appointment throug e.mail
in my office/online