Beekeeping: Science updates

  Science updates: Nursing Honey bee Behavior & Deformed Wing Virus Variant A     The team performed olfactory sensitivity analyses and behavioral assays using a larvae-emitted alarm pheromone component to stimulate infected nurse bees. They found that high levels of DWV-A replication in the bees' heads and antennae altered their behavioral response, reducing attraction to the pheromone component and decreasing the gene expression of OBPs and brain genes. This suggests that DWV-A infection could compromise internal hive cohesion and the behaviors of nurse bees.   The study used a Y-tube olfactometer to analyze the bees' response to the pheromone compound benzyl alcohol and Mentha piperita essential oil. The results indicated that non-inoculated bees were generally more attracted to the pheromone compound than DWV-A-inoculated bees, particularly in 10- to 15-day-old bees. The gene expressions of OBP5, OBP11, neuroxin-1, and neurogilin-1 were signific...

  Science updates: Pollinator competition, nectar depletion & honey bees   The research article investigates the dynamics of nectar depletion during the mass flowering of rosaceous fruit trees in early spring, specifically in the context of pollinator competition. The study, conducted in central Germany, compares nectar depletion rates to those observed in a previous summer study, testing two hypotheses: H1, that resource production and consumption are seasonally matched, and H2, that a mismatch in early spring creates a period of relaxed resource limitation.   The findings show that nectar depletion rates in spring are generally lower than in summer but vary significantly throughout the day and across sampling days. Afternoon depletion rates sometimes exceeded 80%, and differences in depletion rates were observed across simultaneously sampled floral species. These results support the seasonal mismatch hypothesis (H2), indicating that pollinators experienc...

  Science updates: The synergistic toxicity of synthetic pesticides & honey bees   The study investigates the effects of four pesticides—Emamectin benzoate, Chlorpyrifos, Imidacloprid, and Acetamiprid—on honey bee eggs, larvae, and adults in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan. The research, conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, applied these pesticides at regionally recommended concentrations and assessed toxicity through contact exposure.   The study found that all pesticides, except Emamectin Benzoate, had significant adverse effects on honey bee behavior, including agitation, narcotic-like symptoms, and reduced proboscis extension. Chlorpyrifos showed the highest toxicity against adult bees, while Emamectin Benzoate was the least toxic. For honey bee eggs and larvae, Chlorpyrifos, Imidacloprid, and Acetamiprid caused notable mortality, with Emamectin Benzoate again showing lower toxicity. The findings underscore the need for sustainable pesticide use th...

  Science updates: Brewers’ Spent Grain and bee feeding   The study investigates the potential of using brewers' spent grain (BSG), a by-product of beer production, as a protein supplement in honey bee feed. The research is motivated by the need for sustainable protein sources for bee colonies, especially during seasons with limited pollen availability, which is crucial for the health and productivity of honey bees.   The study compares the effects of feeding honey bees with two types of BSG—from light beer and dark porter beer—against a control group fed with sugar cake and a group fed with pollen. The findings indicate that BSG, particularly from porter beer, can improve the protein content in the hemolymph of bees, although it does not fully match the protein levels achieved with pollen. This suggests that BSG could serve as a substitute protein source in honey bee diets.     The research also examines the impact of different protein sources...