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Central State University hosts 6th annual Queen Rearing and Grafting Workshop
By Rameshwor Pudasaini, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher of Entomology
Posted Jun 03 2025
Central State University’s Bee Research Lab recently welcomed 10 dedicated beekeeping enthusiasts for a two-day Queen Rearing and Grafting Workshop, designed to support and advance sustainable beekeeping practices in Ohio’s southwest region.
Held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 22–23, the workshop featured 13 sessions, covering topics from Central State bee genetics and breeding and grafting techniques to participant presentations on their ongoing beekeeping-related research.
Participants came eager to deepen their beekeeping skills and left with invaluable knowledge in queen rearing, colony health, and the science behind successful apiary management. They came from different counties in Ohio, reflecting the growing reach and impact of the University's bee research and outreach program.
“Queen grafting is one of the most important tools for selecting traits against Varroa mites, a serious issue in North American beekeeping.”
Dr. Hongmei Li-ByarlayResearch Associate Professor, Genomics and Entomology, and Principal Investigator, CSU Bee Research Lab
Highlights of the workshop included the opening session by Research Associate Professor of Genomics and Entomology Dr. Hongmei Li-Byarlay, discussing the importance of queen grafting, genetics, and breeding for mite-biting behavior in honeybees.
“Queen grafting is one of the most important tools for selecting traits against Varroa mites, a serious issue in North American beekeeping,” said Dr. Li-Byarlay, principal investigator of the CSU Bee Research Lab.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Associate Director of the Agricultural Research and Development Program and 1890 Land-Grant Programs, shared remarks on the role of Ohio's only public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in supporting research and development in Ohio.
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Postdoctoral researcher Dr. Rameshwor Pudasaini shared insights into traditional beekeeping with the Asian honeybee (Apis cerana) in Nepal, offering a global perspective.
Field technician Danielle Kroh demonstrated queen grafting techniques with a field session on preparing a cell starter colony and selecting and transferring 3-day-old larvae in artificial cups to produce better-quality queens.
For more information about Central State University’s bee research and annual Queen Rearing and Grafting Workshop, email Dr. Li-Byarlay at hli-byarlay@centralstate.edu.
