Apiculture and Honey Bee Biology

Ohio State offers one of the few university programs that combines basic research on honey bees with a program in apiculture. Our department has an international reputation in basic biology, behavior, and genetics of honey bees. Basic research centers on olfactory learning and physiology of honey bees, particularly with regard to floral odorants. Additionally, we emphasize comparative analyses of behavior and physiology among divergent species of social bees (e.g., the evolution of sting mechanisms within the Apidae). Applied research centers on extension programs and on methods for detection and control fo diseases and pests. The program has two faculty members, a full-time apiarist who specializes in honey bee breeding, a full-time extension apiarist, and extensively equipped applied bee center at Wooster, and a state-of-the-art bee laboratory on the Columbus campus. This combination of researchers and extensive technical support provides many opportunities for leading-edge honey bee research.

Rothenbuhler Honey Bee Research Laboratory