Search Results (119)

In Algeria, honey plays an important role in nutrition, traditional medicine and sustainable food practices. However, little is known about how consumers perceive and use this product in their daily lives. This study aims to explore how honey consumption patterns among a specific segment of Algerian households, mainly young, educated, and digitally active individuals, relate to traditional practices and contribute to sustainable food systems and cultural heritage. An online survey remained open for four months, and the final number of participants was 770 individuals from 51 wilayas, using convenience sampling through academic and social media networks. As this was an exploratory study, no fixed statistical population was defined. Chi-square tests revealed significant associations between age and honey consumption frequency (χ² = 45.33, p = 0.0010), annual purchase quantity (χ² = 111.49, p < 0.0001), and buying frequency (χ² = 47.26, p < 0.0001), as well as between climatic zone and buying source (χ² = 34.90, p = 0.0097). The findings highlight honey’s multifunctional role, not only as a food product, but also as a traditional remedy and cosmetic ingredient, embedded in cultural routines and health practices. Consumer preferences are shaped by sensory attributes such as taste, type, and appearance, while purchasing decisions are strongly influenced by trust-based relationships, with most respondents favoring direct acquisition from beekeepers or known individuals. These informal sourcing habits reflect sustainable traditions that support local producers and reinforce consumer confidence. However, widespread misconceptions, such as the belief that crystallized honey is adulterated, reveal a need for targeted consumer education. To promote sustainable honey consumption, the study recommends clearer labeling, school-based programs, and public awareness campaigns. Full article

Honeybees require diverse nutrients for larval growth, adult development, and colony health. Pollen quality significantly impacts reproduction, productivity, and growth. Bioactive substances from honeybee glands enhance colony health, with recent studies showing that optimal citric acid intake extends lifespan, boosts pollen consumption, accelerates mandibular gland development, and improves royal jelly quality. This review examines organic acid feeding’s effects on gland development and overall health, offering insights for beekeeping and supplementary food development to support sustainable apiculture. Research gaps in organic acid supplementation, gland development, and health benefits are identified. The impact of varying organic acid concentrations on 10-HDA biosynthesis in mandibular glands and key regulatory proteins influencing 10-HDA expression is summarized. Findings highlight the benefits of organic acid supplements for worker bee gland development and health, guiding future research and practical applications in beekeeping. Full article

Honey production is influenced by multiple factors, including climatic conditions, hive management practices, and harvest scheduling. This study evaluated the predictive capacity of statistical modeling techniques using data mining algorithms (MARS, CHAID, CART, and Exhaustive) and artificial neural network algorithms (Multilayer Perceptron, MLP) to estimate honey yields in apiaries located in northeastern Peru. A structured survey was conducted with sixty-nine beekeepers across nineteen districts in the Chachapoyas province. Variables included beekeeper experience, instruction, hive count, visit frequency, harvest frequency, additional income-generating activities, and geographic location. Descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, Spearman correlations, and exploratory factor analysis were applied to identify latent structures. A linear mixed-effects model was used to assess the combined influence of predictors on honey production, with district included as a random effect. Results indicated that hive number, beekeeping experience, harvest frequency, and exclusive engagement in apiculture were statistically associated with increased honey yields. The model explained a substantial proportion of variance, supporting the integration of technical and socio-demographic variables in production forecasting. These findings demonstrate the utility of predictive modeling for informing hive management strategies and improving the operational efficiency of small-scale beekeeping systems in Andean regions. Full article

Despite the advantages associated with social living, one of the main costs of sociality is an increased exposure to pathogens. For honey bees, these costs are artificially inflated in the unnatural and densely crowded apiary environments common to commercial operations. Modern beekeeping practices have not only exacerbated these problems but have also led to the introduction of novel parasites. One newly introduced parasite of honey bees is Nosema ceranae, a unicellular, spore-forming gut parasite that has achieved a cosmopolitan distribution in recent decades. N. ceranae is widely considered a dangerous pathogen for both individual bees and colonies as a whole. The parasite can infect every member of the honey bee colony; however, it remains to be understood whether there are asymmetrical contributions to spreading N. ceranae spores by particular castes. Here, we test the long-held suspicion that honey bee drones may be important for driving pathogen transmission between colonies in modern apiary settings. Although we find sparse evidence that N. ceranae infection causes enhanced transmission by changing drone or worker behavior, we do confirm that infected drones drift at high rates and are accepted by foreign colonies. Our results thus present a grim picture for enhanced diseases transmission by males in crowded apiaries. Full article

Nosemosis is an intestinal infection caused by intracellular fungal organisms from the Vairimorpha (formerly Nosema) group, which seriously harms honeybee colonies and is a factor in their worldwide decline. With the ban on fumagillin use in European apiculture and the limitations of conventional treatments, it is essential to identify sustainable alternative solutions. This study presents new environmentally friendly microbe-based strategies to prevent and treat infection, focusing on probiotics, postbiotics, synbiotics, and mixes with plant extracts, as well as suggesting a new approach for the future. This review discusses the latest results based on using beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus and Enterococcus faecium) and their byproducts to decrease the spore levels and modulate the gut bacteria pattern. Moreover, innovative approaches, such as genetically engineered gut bacteria to target pathogen gene expression through RNA interference, have been mentioned. Although results vary depending on microbial strain, delivery method, season, and ecological context, microbial treatments represent a promising, safe, and adaptable alternative for modern apiculture. The paper is necessary to validate these strategies’ real-world efficacy and to develop standardized microbial formulations suitable for practical implementation by beekeepers. Full article

Honey bee health and productivity are strongly linked to management practices and biosecurity measures. We collected and analyzed 744 practice records from 191 peer-reviewed field studies published since 1995, each documenting the impact of a specific hive intervention on colony health or productivity parameters. Practices were categorized into good beekeeping practices (n = 128, 17.2%) and biosecurity measures (n = 616, 82.8%) and grouped by management or pathogen theme, geographic region, and season. Most research originated from Europe (34.6%) and North America (33.4%), with nearly all focused on Apis mellifera (99.9%). Varroa control dominated (57.0%), followed by general apiary management (17.2%) and american foulbrood (9.7%). For varroosis, “soft” acaricides such as oxalic and formic acid accounted for 58.5% of records, while “hard” synthetic products represented 21.0%. Within general apiary management, colony management was most frequent (46.9%). For american foulbrood, antibiotics (41.7%) and biotechnical methods (22.2%) were prominent. Tropilaelaps app. treatments relied mainly on “soft” acaricides (81.5%), while small hive beetle control focused on in-hive traps (55.9%). Seasonally, most interventions occurred from August to October, with AFB measures peaking in spring and early summer. The dataset highlights regional research gaps and offers a structured, expandable framework to guide future research and support evidence-based decision-making in beekeeping and advisory services. Full article

Stakeholder participation is increasingly promoted in ecological monitoring programmes, yet it raises critical questions about the spatial representativity and scientific robustness of resulting datasets. This study evaluates the representativeness of BeeNet, Italy’s national honeybee monitoring network (2019–2025), in depicting the agricultural landscape despite the non-randomised placement of selected apiaries. Apiaries were selected from voluntary beekeepers, balancing stakeholder participation with the objectives of the project. The distribution of over 300 workstations was assessed across Italian regions in relation to surface area and agricultural land-use composition, using Corine Land Cover (CLC) data aggregated into macro-categories. The analysis revealed that, although regional imbalances persist, particularly in mountainous areas or regions with challenging climatic conditions, the network broadly reflects the agricultural landscape in accordance with project objectives. Agricultural categories such as “orchards,” “meadows,” and “complex agricultural surfaces” are often well represented, though limitations in CLC classification likely lead to underestimation in mosaic agroecosystems, such as mixed olive groves and vineyards. An overrepresentation of “anthropic” areas indicated a tendency to situate apiaries in rural yet accessible locations. By combining spatial analyses with field observations and apiary-level data, a refined categorisation of land types and explicit consideration of beekeeping practices, such as nomadism, could strengthen the interpretative capacity of such network. The results underline the importance of spatial validation of stakeholder-driven monitoring to ensure ecological datasets are reliable, policy-relevant, and scientifically robust. Full article

Honeybee populations are increasingly threatened by various environmental stressors, including pesticides, pathogens, and climate change. Emerging research highlights the vital role of pollen polyphenols in supporting honeybee health through a network of antioxidants, immune responses, and detoxification mechanisms. This review synthesizes current findings on the chemical diversity, bioactivity, and functional relevance of polyphenolic compounds in honeybee nutrition. Pollen polyphenols, which include flavonoids and phenolic acids, possess remarkably high antioxidant potential, up to 235 times greater than that of nectar. They also significantly increase the expression of antioxidant enzymes, immune system genes, and detoxification pathways such as cytochrome P450s and glutathione-S-transferases. These compounds also demonstrate antimicrobial effects against key pathogens and mitigate the toxic effects of pesticides. The content and composition of polyphenols vary seasonally and geographically, impacting the resilience of honeybee colonies. Field and laboratory studies confirm that polyphenol-rich diets improve survival, gland development, and stress resistance. Advanced analytical techniques, including metabolomics, have expanded our understanding of polyphenol profiles and their effects on honeybee physiology. However, knowledge gaps remain in pharmacokinetics and structure–function relationships. Integrating this evidence into conservation strategies and good beekeeping practices, such as habitat diversification and targeted feed supplementation, is crucial for maintaining honeybee health and ecosystem services in a rapidly changing environment. Full article

Beneath the promise of clean energy, the rapid rise of wind energy farms has stirred mounting concern for pollinator-dependent livelihoods—particularly in beekeeping. This study investigates the effect of wind energy farms on honey-related income using data from six provinces in Turkiye’s Aegean region and the propensity score matching method. Results show that beekeepers operating near wind energy farms experience significantly higher incomes—an average treatment gain of 45,107 TL, with treated groups earning 56,515 TL more—backed by several robust statistical evidence such as placebo and bootstrap techniques. Certain groups—such as younger, nomadic, and family-trained beekeepers, and those receiving financial support—exhibit greater resilience. The findings highlight the need for land-use strategies that balance renewable energy development with ecological and economic concerns. Introducing bee-friendly vegetation around turbines is proposed as a practical solution. This approach can foster a mutually beneficial relationship between wind energy farms and beekeeping, supporting both rural livelihoods and the broader goals of sustainable development. Full article

Over the past years, increasing attention has been drawn to the adverse effects of agricultural pesticide use on pollinators, with honeybees being especially vulnerable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of residues detectable and/or quantifiable of neonicotinoid pesticides and other pesticides in biological materials (bees, bee brood, etc.) and beehive products (honey, pollen, etc.) applied as seed dressings in rapeseed and sunflower plants in two growing seasons (2020–2021) in fields located in three agro-climatic regions in Romania. The study involved the comparative sampling of hive products (honey, pollen, adult bees, and brood) from experimental and control apiaries, followed by pesticide residue analysis in an accredited laboratory (Primoris) using validated chromatographic techniques (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS). Toxicological analyses of 96 samples, including bees, bee brood, honey, and pollen, confirmed the presence of residues in 46 samples, including 10 bee samples, 10 bee brood samples, 18 honey samples, and 8 pollen bread samples. The mean pesticide residue concentrations detected in hive products were 0.032 mg/kg in honey, 0.061 mg/kg in pollen, 0.167 mg/kg in bees, and 0.371 mg/kg in bee brood. The results highlight the exposure of honeybee colonies to multiple sources of pesticide residue contamination, under conditions where legal recommendations for the controlled application of agricultural treatments are not followed. The study provides relevant evidence for strengthening the risk assessment framework and underscores the need for adopting stricter monitoring and regulatory measures to ensure the protection of honeybee colony health. Full article

Honey bees are vital to ecosystem conservation, agricultural production, and biodiversity, yet their welfare has often been overlooked. This study introduces the integration of Honey Bee Welfare Practices (HBWPs) into the One Welfare framework, addressing the interconnectedness of honey bee welfare, environmental welfare, and human wellbeing. We analysed and re-evaluated the 243 HBWPs already identified and categorised within the context of the Five Domains model in 2024 by Giovanni Formato et al., and we explored their broader impacts. By incorporating the One Welfare approach, we assessed each practice’s effect on bee welfare both as individuals and as a superorganism, human wellbeing, and environmental welfare, as well as their economic and time-related implications for beekeepers. The aim of this study was to obtain a list of One Welfare Practices in Beekeeping, considering all stakeholders as equally important. The analysis highlights the multidimensional nature of beekeeping, with 280 practices positively affecting honey bee welfare, while also considering their potential impact on human wellbeing, environmental health, and production. Challenges such as balancing beekeeper time constraints and welfare goals are discussed, with recommendations for practical compromises. This approach can offer a holistic and sustainable model for apiculture, ensuring that welfare is maintained across all stakeholders, and provides a flexible framework applicable to various beekeeping systems worldwide. Full article

Epigenetics, as an important scientific field that bridges genomic function and phenotypic plasticity, increasingly demonstrates its value in bee research. In recent years, with the rapid development of omics technologies, there have been significant advancements in the study of epigenetics in honeybees. This article reviews the role of epigenetic regulation in the development, behavioral regulation, and immune response of honeybee larvae from the perspectives of DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA. With the continuous deepening of related research, honeybee epigenetics not only opens new paths for understanding the formation mechanisms of complex traits in social insects but also provides solid theoretical support and innovative perspectives for the study of social insects and beekeeping practices. These insights also inform sustainable beekeeping practices. Full article

This study examined the transhumance of bee colonies from the perspective of Hungarian beekeepers. Hungarian scientific literature on this topic is minimal. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the sustainability of the Hungarian beekeeping sector using a research method based on a survey of beekeepers. This research was based on a questionnaire (N = 1067). Basic statistical tools were used to analyse the data. To evaluate the differences between the individual category variables, we used the chi-square test for cross-stability and non-parametric tests were used. In this study, we defined four farm (apiary) size categories based on the number of bee colonies. Our results revealed statistically significant correlations between apiary size and transhumance, payment for the use of bee pastures and transhumance, as well as between the type of hive used and transhumance. Transhumance is mainly characteristic of semi-professional and professional apiaries. Hungarian beekeepers (typically small-scale and professional apiary size) traditionally give honey as a “gift” to landowners for the use of bee pastures, which is related to transhumance. In terms of the type of hive used, a significant difference can be seen between transhumance (28 kg/colony) and stationary apiaries (21 kg/colony) in the case of vertical hives. Full article

Identifying the growth period of bee colonies can guide beekeepers to make better decisions and promote the development of bee colonies. Unlike traditional manual experience-based recognition, this paper proposes a new approach, which combines multivariate temperature feature extraction and machine learning to intelligently recognize the growth period of bee colonies. Firstly, the year-round temperature data from 38 hives in Tai’an and Guilin was collected. Then, the 17 time domain characteristic indices were extracted from this dataset. To acquire the most sensitive features, the impact of different time scales on temperature feature extraction was analyzed. Subsequently, principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to reduce the dimensionality of the original feature vectors, thereby decreasing computational load and enhancing feature sensitivity. Finally, six machine learning algorithms, including both supervised and unsupervised learning, were utilized to identify the growth period of bee colonies. The results demonstrate that the proposed features can effectively characterize the growth period of bee colonies, and the BP method performs best in predicting growth period categories, with an MAE of only 1.45%. Moreover, the identification results of different regions also prove the practicability of the proposed method. Full article

There is a growing interest in using agri-food by-products and a demand for natural substances that might help maintain healthy honey bee colonies. We investigated a by-product of the wine industry, a grape pomace (GP) of the autochthonous Prokupac grape cultivar from Serbia. A hydroethanolic extract (50% (w/v) ethanol) of GP (Prokupac GP extract) obtained by the pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) method was subjected to qualitative profiling of phenolic composition by liquid chromatography with OrbiTrap Exploris 120 mass spectrometer. Then, the extracts’ antioxidant and redox-modulatory activities were evaluated through Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Finally, the extract’s potential to modulate cellular redox status was evaluated using cultured AmE-711 honey bee cells. The results show that the Prokupac GP extract contains a wide array of flavonoids, anthocyanins, stilbenes, and their various conjugated derivatives and that anthocyanins, particularly malvidin-based compounds, dominate. EPR measurements showed strong scavenging activity against superoxide anion (O₂^•−) and hydroxyl radicals (^•OH), with inhibition efficiencies of 84.37% and 81.81%, respectively, while activity against the DPPH radical was lower (17.75%). In the cell-based assay, the Prokupac GP extract consistently provided strong antioxidant protection and modulated the cellular response to oxidative stress by over 14%. In conclusion, while the Prokupac GP extract demonstrated antioxidant properties and the ability to modulate cellular responses to oxidative stress, in vivo studies on honey bees are required to confirm its efficacy and safety for potential use in beekeeping practice. Full article