Pollen is a source of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals for honey bees, and pollen nutri- tion is important for bee health and winter survival. In this study, we investigated the pollen supply of honey bees in Danish landscapes with a view to elucidate the significance of the seasonal development and land use in the…
We invite you to apply for this position, and/or forward this email onto your units or other interested parties. Thank you! The successful candidate will develop an innovative, internationally recognized and externally funded research program related to honey bees by engaging in teaching courses, mentoring and advising students, and outreach related to honey bees. This…
The application of treatments to reduce/control the number of Varroa destructor mites within Apis mellifera colonies is a common apicultural practice. The effectiveness of the treatments in reducing Varroa mites from colonies has been extensively studied, however, the effects of these treatments on the bees within the colonies are poorly characterised. This work utilised label-free…
COLOSS members confirm the first findings of the harmful Tropilaelaps mercedesae mite in Western Georgia. Infested honey bee colonies in three different apiaries showed high levels of infestation. In these colonies, T. mercedesae was found together with the harmful mite, Varroa destructor, both showing high reproductive success. This discovery raises alarms for beekeeping in Georgia…
COLOSS members confirm the first findings of the harmful Tropilaelaps mercedesae mite in Western Georgia. Infested honey bee colonies in three different apiaries showed high levels of infestation. In these colonies, T. mercedesae was found together with the harmful mite, Varroa destructor, both showing high reproductive success. This discovery raises alarms for beekeeping in Georgia…
The global challenge to increase agricultural production goes along with the need of decreasing pesticide risks. The European Union (EU) therefore evaluates and controls the risks posed by pesticides by regulating their authorisation through the science-based Risk Assessment process. Member States can however act in derogation to this process and grant the Emergency Authorisation (EA)…
Pollen collected by pollinators can be used as a marker of the foraging behavior as well as indicate the botanical species present in each environment. Pollen intake is essential for pollinators’ health and survival. During the foraging activity, some pollinators, such as honeybees, manipulate the collected pollen mixing it with salivary secretions and nectar (corbicular…
The nutritional status of a honey bee colony is recognized as a key factor in ensuring a healthy hive. A deficient flow of nectar and pollen in the honey bee colony immediately affects its development, making room for pathogen proliferation and, consequently, for a reduction in the activities and strength of the colony. It is,…
Despite their ecological significance, wild Apis mellifera populations remain critically understudied. Addressing this research gap requires the study and monitoring of free-living colonies to identify potential self-sustaining populations. However, a lack of standardized methodologies has hindered these efforts. To address this challenge, Honey Bee Watch, an international coalition dedicated to studying free-living honey bees, has developed a…
Pollen and nectar consumed by honey bees contain plantsecondary metabolites (PSMs) with vital roles in plant–insect interactions. While PSMs can be toxic to bees, theycan also be health-promoting, e.g. by improving pesticideand pathogen tolerances. As xenobiotics, PSMs undergopost-ingestion chemical modifications that can affect theirbioactivity and transmission to the brood. Despite theimportance of understanding honey bee…