ABSTRACT
Several factors, including environmental degradation, air pollution, intense urbanization, excessive agriculture, and climate change, endanger the well-being of animals and plants. One of the major issues with an increasingly negative impact is agricultural contamination with pesticides and antibiotics. Seed coatings with neonicotinoid insecticides used as a protective layer against pests are shown to exceed the permissible limits in most cases. Neonicotinoid compounds bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, therefore affecting the honey bees' brain. Heavy metals in higher concentrations are lethal for honey bees, and the residue in bee products might pose a threat to human health. Highly effective acaricides used to treat Varroa destructor infestations in honey bee colonies have negative effects on honey bee reproduction, olfaction, and honey production. Furthermore, amitraz and fluvalinate are mostly found in the highest amounts and lead to decreased honey production and reduced colony reproduction, along with decreased learning ability and memory. However, scientific studies have shown that honey bees act as a reliable bio-indicator of environmental pollution. In response to the growing demand for bee products, the effects of adulteration and improper storage conditions have gotten worse and represent a new risk factor. In light of the shifting global economy, it is important to analyze consumer expectations and adjust manufacturing accordingly. By ensuring the manufacture of high-quality, traceable products devoid of drug residues, consumers will be better protected from subsequent health problems. This review's objectives are based on the necessity of identifying the risks associated with honey bees and bee products.
ABSTRACT
Honey bees need pollen and nectar sources to survive in nature. Particularly, having young bees in colonies is vital before wintering, and proper feeding is necessary to achieve this. In the present study, the effect of feeding with pollen sources of different protein content on colony performance, wintering ability and in-vitro longevity of colonies that weakened after feeding with pine honey in autumn, or that needed to enter the winter period, was investigated. The experiment was carried out in 48 colonies divided into six groups as follows: control, syrup, mixed pollen, Cistus creticus pollen (Pink rock-rose), Papaver somniferum pollen (Opium poppy), and commercial bee cake groups. In particular, the P. somniferum pollen group was different (p < 0.01) from the other experiment groups with the number of bee frames (3.44), the area with brood (1184.14 cm2) and the wintering ability of 92.19%. The effect of nutritional differences on survival was found to be statistically significant in vitro and this supports the colony results in the natural environment (p < 0.001). The P. somniferum group has the longest longevity with 23 days. Pollen preferences of honey bees were P. somniferum, C. creticus, and mixed pollen, respectively.
ABSTRACT
Climate change affects plant phenology and, as a result, can damage nectar and pollen sources, which are the basic needs of bees during flowering. This situation creates nutritional stress for bee colonies in the region. Changing climatic conditions, the use of agricultural lands adversely affects honeybees and beekeepers. The aim of this study is to determine the annual development performance of fixed honeybee colonies linked with the chemical and mineral profile of bee collected pollen. According to the research findings, in terms of colony development parameters, the number of bee frames (9.17) was found to be at the highest level in May, and in terms of brood area (4652.35â cm2 ) in April (P<0.05). March, April, and May are the most abundant months in terms of pollen collection of the colonies (P<0.05). The pollen samples collected are rich in potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, silicon, and iron. There are differences between months in terms of pollen sources and mineral levels. Especially in stationary beekeeping, additional feeding is required during critical periods. The existing flora is insufficient for the future of the honey bee. In periods when the flora is weak, important plants for the honey bee should be grown in the region.
