Canola-good for bees?

[OzBuzz]

Hey everybody, just wondering what canola is like for bees? Found an unexpected crop of it in flower today not far from my place...

[lenape13]

Yes, and it's good for fries, too!

[rdy-b]

they tell me that it crystallizes fast -should be fine in your area-RDY-B

[JP]

they tell me that it crystallizes fast -should be fine in your area-RDY-B

If that's the case, you may want to consider using it for creamed honey if you have a good starter.


...JP

[rdy-b]

         that is good -but the problem is it crystalizes in the comb-and if in the brood nest makes                                                   it less than ideal for wintering-but in AUS.wouldnt think it would matter-RDY-B

[Culley]

Pretty sure we have GM canola in Aus. Not sure if it matters or not.

[AllenF]

Ya canola will crystallize in 3 weeks.    I heard they say pull it as soon as it makes, that stuff will crystallize between the uncapper and the extractor.

[beee farmer]

Ya canola will crystallize in 3 weeks.    I heard they say pull it as soon as it makes, that stuff will crystallize between the uncapper and the extractor.

LOL  that stuff must be related to Cotton honey. I had it crystalize in the comb between the yard and honey house.

[OzBuzz]

I'm interested in it for colony build up rather than surplus honey

[Geoff]

Have heard that its like trying to extract concrete after a few days only at times.

[Pete]

Canola is a product name. Canadian Oil Low Acid. Do you own research before eating it, ESPECIALLY if you are going heat iot and use it for frying...but i am guessing bees make honey from plenty of stuff thats bad for us?

Yes we STUPIDLY have GM Rapeseed (Canola) crop here :(

[AllenF]

Genetically engineered canola which is tolerant to herbicide was first introduced to Canada in 1995. Today 80% of the acres sown are genetically modified canola.  A 2010 study found transgenes in 80% of wild or "feral" varieties in North Dakota, meaning 80% of those were of "genetically modified" or genetically engineered varieties. The researchers stated that "we found the highest densities of [such transgene-containing] plants near agricultural fields and along major freeways, but we were also finding plants in the middle of nowhere" adding that "over time,..the build-up of different types of herbicide resistance in feral [natural] canola and closely related weeds,..could make it more difficult to manage these plants using herbicides."   Copied from wiki

I think you will be hard pressed to find any rapeseed out there that has not been crossed with GM plants.  But I have not seen any harm to the bees from GM canola,  like some varieties of GM corn (maize) with bt on bee larvae.

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[OzBuzz]

I'm located in Australia and to date, to the best of my knowledge, we don't use GM crops

[AllenF]

The introduction of the genetically modified crop to Australia is generating considerable controversy.  Canola is Australia's third biggest crop, and is often used by wheat farmers as a break crop to improve soil quality. As of 2008 the only genetically modified crops in Australia were non-food crops: carnations and cotton. In 2003, Australia's gene technology regulator approved the release of canola altered to make it resistant to the herbicide Glufosinate ammonium    Copied from wiki.

[asprince]

Farmers in my area grow lots of canola if the fields are not to wet in November - December. It starts blooming in February. It is unreal how rapidly the bees build up on it. The honey is almost clear and yes it will crystallize quickly but it has never been a problem for us. The bees draw some very pretty white wax. Commercial beeks in the area love to get their bees on canola due to the rapid build up before spring. A large number of spring nucs and packages that are sold in Georgia start out on canola when available. 


Steve

[OzBuzz]

I think i'm going for a drive tonight to see if i can find the farmer who owns the canola crop!