Following coverage in the New York Times about the looming threat of the Tropilaelaps mite to American agriculture, Kentucky State University apiculture researchers Dr. Thomas Webster and Dr. Tamara Potter were recently highlighted in a Kentucky Educational Television (KET) story about their vital research and outreach efforts to combat mite parasites threatening honeybee populations.
The KET segment, "KSU Fighting Bee-Threatening Mite," showcased the critical work being conducted to address the devastating impact of the Varroa mite, which can physically harm bees, spread deadly viruses within hives, and decimate entire colonies if left unchecked. This parasite poses a significant threat to agriculture in Kentucky and nationwide, where honeybees are essential pollinators for crops valued at billions of dollars annually.
Leading Research Facilities and Expertise
Dr. Webster, a professor of entomology specializing in honeybee diseases and beekeeping, conducts his foundational research at the Rufus Ballard Atwood Research Facility on Kentucky State's campus. This on-campus research is complemented and expanded through applied studies at the University's Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, which hosts several apiaries where Dr. Webster, his colleagues, and students monitor genetic advancements and innovations in hive management.
Dr. Webster is recognized nationally for his expertise in honey bee diseases and beekeeping, with extensive research published on Varroa mite control and other honeybee health challenges. His work includes developing practical solutions for beekeepers dealing with parasitic mites and studying the effectiveness of various treatment methods.
Dr. Potter, an Extension Associate who formerly served as the Kentucky State Apiarist, conducts complementary research at one of the Benson Farm apiaries. Her work bridges the gap between scientific discovery and practical application, bringing real-world, tested solutions directly to beekeepers across Kentucky and beyond.
Addressing Current and Future Threats
In the KET feature, Dr. Potter emphasized the learning curve new beekeepers face in managing mite infestations. "New beekeepers have to be on a learning curve to learn about managing their bees with this parasite," she explained. "We want beekeepers feeling comfortable enough to go in every two weeks...you can do a mite sample, and then you can apply a miticide and get those numbers down."
The researchers' work extends beyond current threats to preparation for emerging challenges. Dr. Potter is part of a national research organization developing preventative strategies for the Tropilaelaps mite, a potentially more destructive parasite that has not yet reached the United States but represents a significant future threat.
Recent research has shown that Tropilaelaps mercedesae has the ability to do even more damage to bee colonies than the dreaded Varroa mite, which is now the top cause of colony losses. Having swept across Asia in only 50 years, T. mercedesae showed up last year in the country of Georgia and nearby areas of Russia. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) maintains surveillance for this mite, recognizing the potential threat to American beekeeping.
Critical Importance to Food Security
The urgency of this research cannot be overstated. As Dr. Potter said in the KET feature, quoting the 18th-century botanist Christian Konrad Sprengel: "We need standing armies of beekeepers. It's that critically important... If we don't have pollinators, then we can't feed [the world's population]."
Honeybees are responsible for pollinating approximately one-third of the food crops consumed in the United States, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. The economic value of honeybee pollination to U.S. agriculture is estimated at over $15 billion annually, making the protection of these pollinators essential for food security and agricultural sustainability.
Research Impact and Innovation
The combined efforts at Kentucky State's state-of-the-art facilities ensure that the University's research is both cutting-edge and directly beneficial to the beekeeping community. The team's work includes:
- Mite monitoring and treatment protocols: Developing standardized methods for detecting and managing Varroa mite infestations
- Genetic research: Studying bee populations for natural resistance traits
- Extension education: Training beekeepers in best practices for hive management and mite control
- Preventative planning: Preparing response strategies for emerging threats like the Tropilaelaps mite
About the Researchers
Dr. Thomas Webster is a Professor of Entomology in KSU's College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources. His research focuses on honeybee diseases, parasitic mites, and sustainable beekeeping practices. He has published extensively on Varroa mite control methods and honeybee health management.
Dr. Tamara Potter is an Extension Associate at KSU and formerly served as Kentucky State Apiarist. Her work focuses on bridging research and practical application, providing education and outreach to beekeepers throughout Kentucky. She is actively involved in national efforts to prepare for emerging bee health threats.
The KET segment highlighting this important research can be viewed on Kentucky Educational Television's website and through the PBS Video App at https://ket.org/program/kentucky-edition/ksu-fighting-bee-threatening-mite/.
The New York Times article, "Amid Devastating Winter Losses, Another Threat Looms for U.S. Beekeepers," can be accessed at https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/15/science/honeybees-agriculture-tropilaelaps-mite.html.