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Distribution of Melliferous Plants and Honeybee Mite Control

‘Thymus Mass Propagation Technology Training’ Conducted

Yeongju City in Gyeongbuk conducted a technical training session on the 26th at the Agricultural Technology Center's Agricultural Experience Education Hall and test field, linked with a mass propagation trial of Thymus quinquecostatus (Baekrihyang) to control honeybee mites and mass-propagate nectar plants.

Yeongju City Agricultural Technology Center conducting mass propagation technology training for thyme, a nectar source plant for beekeeping.

The city organized this training to assist beekeepers who are facing difficulties due to the recent sharp decline in bee populations caused by abnormal climate conditions and irregular blooming of nectar plants.

To address the sharp decline in bee populations caused by honeybee mite infestations and to promote the mass propagation and distribution of Baekrihyang, which can be used as a nectar plant, Yeongju Beekeeping Research Association conducted a mass propagation technical training in parallel with a cutting propagation demonstration trial of Baekrihyang.

Baekrihyang is a herb containing thymol, a natural oil effective against honeybee mites. Thymol is known to be effective in controlling Varroa mites, a type of honeybee mite. In Greece, honey from thyme herbs, which are the same species as Baekrihyang, is branded as "Greek Thyme Honey" and sold as a high value-added product.

In 2020, the city's Agricultural Technology Center supplied 2,000 Vitex plants, and in 2022, 2,000 Hovenia dulcis plants as nectar sources to local beekeepers. Through the mass propagation of Baekrihyang by cutting propagation this time, more than 7,000 plants have been made available for use by farmers, achieving significant distribution results.

In particular, Baekrihyang tea is known to be effective when consumed for sore throats or coughs, and it also helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as supports oral health.

Geum Dong-guk, 60, president of the Yeongju Beekeeping Research Association, said, "We have been struggling due to the recent mass disappearance of bees, but the Agricultural Technology Center has distributed Baekrihyang, which contains a large amount of the natural ingredient thymol, to the field through mass propagation technology. I am grateful that they have addressed the pressing needs of beekeepers."

For more detailed inquiries related to Baekrihyang and other nectar plants, please contact the Technical Development Team of the Technical Support Division at Yeongju Agricultural Technology Center.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.