Science updates: Dietary supplementation with abscisic acid & honey bees

 

Science updates:

Dietary supplementation with abscisic acid & honey bees

 


The study investigates the effects of dietary supplementation with abscisic acid (ABA) on Apis mellifera colonies during overwintering in nucleus hives. The research focuses on the adult honey bee population, nosemosis (a disease caused by Nosema spp.), and the expression of nutrition- and immune-related genes. Despite the potential benefits of ABA suggested by previous studies, the current research found no significant effects of ABA supplementation on the parameters studied. However, the authors suggest further studies with more colonies and consideration of blooming periods and plant species to better understand the potential impact of ABA on honey bee health and colony dynamics during overwintering.

 


The introduction of the document highlights the decline in honey bee populations due to various stressors, including pathogens, environmental changes, and agricultural practices. Nosema spp. is identified as a significant pathogen affecting honey bee colonies, with cold temperatures promoting its intensity. The reduction in plant diversity due to conventional agriculture leads to malnutrition in honey bee colonies, making them more susceptible to diseases.

 


The study was conducted at the Social Bee Research Centre in Argentina, using local honey bee ecotypes. The experimental design involved feeding honey bee nuclei with sugar syrup supplemented with ABA and comparing them to control nuclei fed with sugar syrup alone. The population dynamics, Nosema spp. levels, and gene expression were monitored throughout the overwintering period.

 


Results indicated that ABA supplementation did not significantly affect the adult bee population, Nosema spp. levels, or the expression of nutrition- and immune-related genes. However, there was a tendency for colonies fed with ABA to maintain higher adult bee levels during winter. The authors note that the lack of significant results may be due to the small sample size and variability in environmental factors such as blooming periods.

 


In conclusion, while the study did not find significant effects of ABA supplementation on honey bee colonies during overwintering, the authors encourage further research with a larger number of colonies and a focus on environmental factors that could influence the health and survival of honey bees. The document also includes a detailed methodology, statistical analysis, and references to support the research findings.

 


Reference:

Szawarski, N., Lamattina, L., Eguaras, M. J., Ramos, F., Mitton, G., Olivera, E., ... & Maggi, M. D. (2022). Effects of dietary supplementation with abscisic acid on Apis mellifera colonies confined in overwintering nucleus: studies on the adult honey bee population, nosemosis, and expression of nutrition-and immune-related genes. EUNK Revista Científica de Abejas y Apicultores, 1(1), 17-27.

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