Beekeeping: Science updates

  Science updates: Changes in cold tolerance & the overwintering of Italian honey bees   The study investigates the changes in cold tolerance of Apis mellifera ligustica honey bees during the overwintering period. The research aims to understand the physiological responses of honey bees to cold temperatures and the role of various metabolites in their cold hardiness.   The study was carried out from late October 2016 to March 2017 in Taian, China. The researchers measured the super-cooling points (SCPs) of the bees, which ranged from -7.41 to -6.49°C, and found them to be lower than the average daily lowest temperature in January (-4°C). The protein content in the bees increased initially and then decreased during winter, while glycogen levels, a major energy source, dropped sharply in the middle of overwintering. The researchers also identified glycerol and low-molecular weight sugars and polyols (mannitol, sorbitol, and trehalose) as primary cryoprotecta...

  Science updates: Immune-related gene & honey bees & cold stress   The research investigates the impact of cold stress and dietary Abscisic Acid (ABA) supplementation on the immune-related gene expression of Apis mellifera larvae. The study aims to understand how these factors influence the immune system of honey bee larvae, which is crucial for their survival and the health of the colony, especially during winter in temperate climates.   The authors found that cold exposure induces the expression of several immune-associated genes in honey bee larvae, indicating an active immune response during cold stress. Additionally, the ingestion of ABA alone increased the expression levels of genes related to the Toll pathway receptor and nitric oxide synthase, which were also induced by low temperatures. This suggests a potential connection between the honey bees' response to cold stress and ABA.   The study highlights the importance of the immune sys...

  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....

  Science updates: Dietary supplementation & honey bee larvae after trauma   The study investigates the impact of dietary supplementation with L-Arginine and Abscisic Acid (ABA) on the immune response of honey bee (Apis mellifera) larvae, particularly focusing on nitric oxide (NO) production and granulocyte immune activation following traumatic events such as wounding or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection.   The introduction highlights the importance of honey bees in ecosystems and agriculture, and the concern over their annual losses due to various biotic and abiotic stressors. These stressors can lead to immunosuppression, contributing to colony losses. The study aims to enhance bees' fitness by understanding their immune system, particularly the cellular components.   Honey bees have innate immune defenses, including physical and chemical barriers, and cellular and humoral responses as a second line of defense. NO, a multifunctional free radica...