Bookshelf

BEE GENETICS AND BREEDING

edited by Thomas Rinderer 2008 reprint (first published 1986) 426 pages £28 (€39) Code R900

A thorough review and introduction to the science of bee genetics and breeding. Part 1 discusses bee genetics with world authorities providing overviews of knowledge of bee evolution, classification and the genetics involved. Part Il covers practical aspects of bee breeding and provides detailed information on selection, mating designs, the storage of genetic material, instrumental insemination and what bee breeding can achieve. This part of the book will be of value to those who are practically involved in queen rearing and honey bee selection text for those with serious interest in bee breeding and genetics.

ECOLOGY OF INSECTS

Martin R Speight, Mark D Hunter and Allan D Watt 2008 2nd edition 628 pages 39.99 (€60) Code $775

This second edition provides a thorough approach to pure and applied insect ecology. Following an overview, a treatment of all the important themes is presented: insects and climate; insect herbivores; resource limitations; natural enemies and insect population dynamics; evolutionary ecology; physiological ecology; insects in ecosystems; biodiversity; insect conservation; insects and disease and insect pest management. An excellent textbook for students and professionals.

KEEPING BEES - A COMPLETE PRACTICAL GUIDE

Paul Peacock 2008 144 pages £10.99

A guide to beekeeping as practised in the UK, very concisely introducing all that having and caring for bees entails. A useful introduction for a would-be beekeeper in western Europe. Beautifully printed with many excellent pictures.

A PRACTICAL MANUAL OF BEEKEEPING

David Cramp 2008 304 pages £14.99 (€22.50) Code C750

A guide to beekeeping, this one suitable for anyone keeping European races of Apis mellifera in frame hives. The author has experience of beekeeping in New Zealand, Spain and the UK, and in this text seeks to share ail his knowledge with the reader. Compared with Peacock’s text (reviewed above) this book contains a much greater depth of information. However there are relatively few illustrations and it is more appropriate for the practising beekeeper who needs to know more.

HONEY BEES - A GUIDE TO MANAGEMENT

Ron Brown 2008 reprint 128 pages £9.99 (€15) Code B910

A reprint of Ron ‘beeswax’ Brown's book first published in 1988, and revised in 1998 after Varroa had become established in the UK. Still a very readable and useful guide, that provides enough information for the beginner, along with plenty of expert tips from this seasoned beekeeper.

BEE-SIEGED - BEES IN WARFARE

Ray Jones 2008 103 pages £7.99 (€12) Code J500

It is often stated that bees have been used in warfare, and in this book Ray Jones has endeavoured to document some of the many odd ways in which bees have been exploited. For example: in 400 BC the Greek historian Xenophan related that 10,000 mercenaries were forced to retreat after eating unripe honeycomb produced from Rhododendron ponticum and Azalea pontica nectar, containing toxins that caused them to suffer vomiting and diarrhoea and made them unable to stand. Other bee products are discussed in chapters that include Beeswax, magical, malicious and medicinal, and Pollen bee food or chemical agent? A useful source of many obscure and unusual anecdotes about bees and their products.