Science updates: Supplementary feeding & pollens & autumn & honey bees

 

Science updates:

Supplementary feeding & pollens & autumn & honey bees

 

The study investigates the impact of feeding honey bees with various pollen types on colony performance, wintering ability, and in vitro longevity. The research was conducted on 48 honey bee colonies divided into six groups, including a control, syrup, mixed pollen, Cistus creticus pollen (Pink rock-rose), Papaver somniferum pollen (Opium poppy), and commercial bee cake group. The study was motivated by the need for proper nutrition to ensure the survival and development of honey bee colonies, especially during autumn when natural pollen sources are limited.

 

The findings revealed that the group fed with P. somniferum pollen exhibited the highest performance in terms of the number of bee frames, brood area, and wintering ability, with a survival rate of 92.19%. This group also had the longest in vitro longevity at 23 days. The effect of nutritional differences on survival was statistically significant both in vitro and in the natural environment. The study also found that honey bees preferred P. somniferum pollen over other types, followed by C. creticus and mixed pollen.

 

The research highlights the importance of pollen nutrition for honey bee health and colony dynamics, suggesting that P. somniferum pollen is a valuable feeding option for beekeepers due to its rich nutritional content. The study contributes to the understanding of how different pollen sources can affect honey bee colonies and provides insights for developing a price policy based on pollen yield and quality.

 

 

Reference:

Topal, E., Mărgăoan, R., Bay, V., Takma, Ç., Yücel, B., Oskay, D., ... & Kösoğlu, M. (2022). The effect of supplementary feeding with different pollens in autumn on colony development under natural environment and in vitro lifespan of honey bees. Insects, 13(7), 588.

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