KRTP Projects
Current Projects
Oxalic Acid Glycerin Strips Winter Experiment
Evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of oxalic acid glycerin treatments in the indoor wintering setting (currently not a registered or recommended application). We are in our second winter of experimentation. (Collaboration with U of S)
Field Trials on Norroa, product of GreenLight Biosciences
The KRTP has completed three years of field trials on Norroa. With 2026 spring evaluations to come. Find the 2024 results on our YouTube page in the 2025 convention update presentation.
Province-wide Survey of Miticide Resistance
Collecting varroa samples for an NBDC 2026 project surveilling prevalence genetic mutations associated to miticide resistance in our mite populations. (Click image for more details.)
Evaluating possible virus reduction effect from Dalan's AFB queen vaccine.
2025-2026 field experiment in progress.
Planning Stage: Oxalic Acid glycerin treatment work May-October.
Beekeeper input encouraged. Reach Matthew: krtpmb@gmail.com
Past Research Projects & Activities
Research Projects
Knowledge Transfer: Industry Engagement & Activities
Field trial of Greenlight Biosciences RNA varroa control product (2023, 2024, 2025)
Purpose: Evaluate efficacy of varroa control product under Manitoba conditions
Status: Complete
Collaborator: Greenlight Biosciences
Impacts of Feed Quality on Wintering (2023/2024)
Purpose: Assess impacts of various quality syrups on wintering, specifically acidic syrups that have been degraded by time, temperature or other factors. Status: Complete
Collaborator: University of Manitoba (Dr. Rob Currie)
Winter Experiment Oxalic Acid Extended-Release Strips (Varroxsan) (2024/2025/2026)
Purpose: Assess the safety and efficacy of OA glycerin strips in indoor wintering settings.
Status: Complete
Collaborator: University of Saskatchewan (Dr. Sarah Wood & Dr. Alvaro De la Mora)
Field trial of Dalan’s queen vaccine to impact on virus levels (2025/2026)
Purpose: Evaluate potential reduction in viral levels, specifically DWV -A & B, in vaccinated vs unvaccinated colonies
Status: Ongoing
Collaborator: University of Manitoba (Dr. Nuria Morfin). Funded by Project Apis m.
Acaricide Resistance Assessments:
Purpose: Assess efficacy of Apivar® using Apiarium bioassays on mite populations of special interest as well as collecting mites for genetic analysis at NBDC.
Hygienic Behaviour and UBeeO Testing:
Purpose: Assist beekeepers to evaluate honey bee stock for hygienic traits using UBeeO and freeze-kill brood assays. 142 colonies tested in 2024 – more comprehensive and targeted evaluations planned for 2025.
Syrup Testing Service:
Purpose: Assist beekeepers to identify degraded syrups (pH, titratable acidity, BRIX) that may negatively impact colonies, especially pre-winter.
Bee Health Monitoring Program:
Purpose: Assist beekeepers with assessing health of their apiaries by inspecting and sampling colonies for varroa, nosema, viruses, and foulbrood diseases.
Manitoba Queen Breeders Group:
Purpose: KRTP has been tasked with helping to re-establish a group that connects beekeepers and provides support to those working to breed, propagate queens for sale, and encourage proven practices in local and domestic self-sufficiency.
Educational Engagements:
Purpose: Provide relevant, high-quality learning opportunities for the Manitoba beekeeping community including annual queen rearing workshop, presentations at regional association meetings addressing: feed quality, IPM, amitraz-resistance; and KRTP contributes guest lectures and semester long teaching assistance to the U of M beekeeping course.