Beekeeping: Science updates

  Science updates: Nosema and honey bees   The research article titled "Production, Characterization and Therapeutic Efficacy of Egg Yolk Antibodies Specific to Nosema ceranae" published in PLOS ONE presents a study on the development of alternative prophylactic and curative strategies for the treatment of Nosema disease in honey bees. The study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of specific egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgY) on Nosema disease caused by Nosema ceranae, a single-celled fungal microsporidian parasite. The research involved the production of IgY antibodies from chicken egg yolks through vaccination with live and inactivated vaccines derived from N. ceranae. The IgY extraction and purification were performed, and the presence of N. ceranae-specific IgYs was investigated using Western Blot and indirect ELISA methods.   The study found that specific IgYs showed high therapeutic efficacy on Nosema disease in naturally infected bee colonies. F...

  Science updates: Solitary Bees and almond pollination   The study "Use of a Managed Solitary Bee to Pollinate Almonds: Population Sustainability and Increased Fruit Set" investigates the sustainability and impact of using Osmia cornuta, a managed solitary bee, for pollinating almond orchards. The research demonstrates that Osmia populations can be sustained in orchard environments and have a significant impact on fruit set, even with honeybees being 10 times more abundant than Osmia. The study also identifies important factors limiting the growth of Osmia populations released in orchards, such as winter mortality, low female establishment, low fecundity, progeny mortality, and male-biased progeny sex ratios. The findings suggest that even a small population of a highly effective pollinator can significantly impact crop pollination service and fruit set. The study provides encouraging results for the use of Osmia managed populations and emphasizes the importance of p...

  Science updates: Bees and almond pollination   The study examines the pollinator independence of the Independence almond variety, a self-fertile almond variety that has gained popularity among California growers. The research aimed to evaluate the impact of honey bee pollination on fruit set, yield, and nutritional quality of the Independence almond variety. The findings revealed that bee pollination significantly increased fruit set, resulting in a 20% increase in kernel yield. Despite the positive effect on yield, there was no evidence that bee visitation affected the nutritional quality of the almonds. The study emphasizes the importance of bees, whether wild or managed, in maximizing yields, even in self-fertile almond varieties. It also highlights the potential economic repercussions and social conflicts that could arise due to misinformation about the pollinator dependence of crop varieties, particularly concerning almond growers and beekeepers.   Almo...

  Science updates: Honey adulteration   The document "The Toxic Impact of Honey Adulteration: A Review" delves into the concerning issue of honey adulteration and its impact on human health, shedding light on the methods, detection techniques, and health implications of this deceptive practice. The document begins by emphasizing the natural and therapeutic properties of honey, highlighting its increasing consumption worldwide. However, it points out the vulnerability of honey to adulteration and the potential risks associated with consuming adulterated honey. The review provides an overview of different types of adulterants, common sugar adulterants, and detection methods, underscoring the impact of honey adulteration on human health. It outlines how adulteration can lead to increased blood sugar, diabetes, abdominal weight gain, obesity, elevated blood lipid levels, and high blood pressure. The document also discusses the adverse effects of honey adulterants on inter...