Search Results (505)

The four honeybee species native to Cambodia—Apis dorsata, Apis cerana, Apis florea, and Apis andreniformis—play a vital role in ecosystem health and agricultural productivity through their pollination activities. Beekeeping in Cambodia has primarily developed around the introduced species Apis mellifera. However, it remains underdeveloped compared to neighboring countries, with wild honey collection continuing to play a significant role. Although native bees are not at immediate risk of extinction, their crucial ecological and socio-economic roles, coupled with the threats to their populations, necessitate the urgent implementation of conservation policies. The beekeeping sector in Cambodia faces numerous challenges that hinder its development. These include a lack of documentation and official data, limited access to productive apiaries, inappropriate pesticide practices, insufficient knowledge about bee health, diseases, and parasites, inadequate organization and representation of beekeepers, the high cost of Cambodian honey, and a lack of consumer awareness and trust in local bee products. This paper provides an overview of the status and distribution of honeybee species, along with the production, value chain, and trade of bee products in Cambodia. It examines the challenges of conserving native honeybees and developing the beekeeping sector while proposing strategies to strengthen bee conservation and support the growth of beekeeping in the country. Key recommendations focus on integrating bee conservation strategies with broader conservation goals, such as reducing deforestation, promoting sustainable agriculture, and regulating the consumption of wild bee brood. Key strategies for the development of beekeeping are documenting and conserving bee floral resources and habitats, reducing the use of bee-toxic pesticides, developing research and training capacities in beekeeping, regulating bee imports, and enhancing quality and authenticity testing facilities. Additionally, building capacity among honey value chain stakeholders in areas such as quality control, authenticity, processing, packaging, and marketing is essential. Full article

This study comprehensively analyzes the mineral and heavy metal profiles of seven honey types, focusing on the contents of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), with particular emphasis on honey produced in eastern Morocco. Multifloral honey was found to have the highest total mineral content (661 mg/kg), while rosemary honey had the lowest (201.31 mg/kg), revealing the strong influence of floral and botanical origin. Darker honey, such as multifloral and jujube, were richer in minerals, with potassium consistently being the most abundant, followed by calcium, magnesium, and iron, while cadmium and lead remained within safe, trace-level concentrations. Additionally, sugar profiling showed that all samples contained fructose, glucose, maltose, turanose, erlose, sucrose, and palatinose, with particularly high fructose and glucose contents in multifloral honey. Principal component analysis (PCA) accounted for 75% of the variation and identified three distinct groups of honey based on mineral content multifloral, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Multifloral and eucalyptus honey had higher concentrations of iron, magnesium, and calcium, whereas rosemary honey was richer in zinc and copper. The findings underscore the potential of honey as a marker of environmental quality and suggest that eastern Morocco honey possesses favorable characteristics for national and international commercialization. Full article

Global climate change, intensive agriculture, and anthropogenic pollution adversely affect flowering plants and the vitality of bee colonies. In nutritional stress conditions, bees deplete the food reserves of their fat body to sustain colony life. Beekeepers play a critical role by providing supplemental nutrient solutions. This study examines the effects of various sugar syrups on the fat body development of worker bees (Apis mellifera macedonica). The colonies were divided into one control group and five experimental groups: one fed with 1:1 sugar/water syrup, one with 2:1 sugar/water syrup, one with inverted syrup (Apiinvert), one with HFCS (high-fructose corn syrup) (Isosweet), and one with 1:1 honey/water syrup. Fat body development was assessed through meticulous dissection, and the degrees of development were documented using a USB digital microscope (Bresser). The results indicate significant seasonal variations in fat body development, with winter depletion and recovery influenced by supplemental feeding. Apiinvert and honey/water syrup promoted higher fat body stages, while Isosweet led to elevated fifth degrees of development but raised concerns about potential toxicity due to the hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) formation of improperly stored syrups. This study concludes that adequate supplemental feeding with easily digestible sugars is critical for promoting fat body development, enhancing winter survival, and ensuring overall colony health. These findings provide practical guidance for beekeepers to optimize feeding strategies and support resilient bee colonies. Full article

The suitability of different agroecosystems (native forest, soybean, artificial forest with Eucalyptus sp., mixed horticulture and fruticulture, and dairy prairies) for settling and managing hives for honey production were appraised via holistic surveys of the spatial and seasonal occurrence of floral resources. Metadata were obtained from a project developed by our group, which took place between 2014 and 2017. Species richness, abundance, growth habit (tree, shrub, stand, scrub or stem, accompanying species), and the flowering period for each melliferous plant across the different seasons in 120 samples were measured. Using the Shannon–Wiener diversity index and the floral characteristics of the different species in each environment, an Agroecosystem Apibotanical Index was developed. It revealed that the best agroecosystems for honey production were the most biodiverse native forest as well as mixed horticulture and fruit culture. Knowledge of the floral characteristics and species arrangement enabled the categorization of agroecosystems, aiming for rational management to enhance honey production. Full article

The study aimed to verify whether urban beekeeping affects the strength of the honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies from urban apiaries and the variability of the crucial for their health and long-life protein—vitellogenins. For this purpose, honeybees were kept in two locations—in a city apiary on a roof in the city center and in agricultural areas. Each of the apiaries consisted of six colonies, with the sister queens artificially inseminated with semen from the same pool of drones. The bee colony strength and the variability of the vitellogenins in various tissues in foragers from both apiaries were analyzed from May to August. Here, we revealed that colonies from the urban apiary were more abundant than those from the rural apiary. We observed the compensation mechanism during periods of worker deficiency in the bee colony, which was expressed as a change in the Vgs level in the forager tissues. Using the vitellogenin level as a biomarker of the honeybee colony strength can predict the fate of colonies, especially those with low numbers. The high level of Vgs can be a candidate for bee colony depopulation biomarker. Full article

Honey robbing, which typically occurs during times of food scarcity, is a perilous foraging strategy for bee colonies and presents a formidable challenge in the realm of beekeeping. This article provides a comprehensive and multifaceted exploration of honey robbing, including the morphology, behavioral traits, timing, and scope of this phenomenon. This exploration elucidates the specific manifestations of honey robbing, offering readers a deeper understanding of its various facets. Next, this article investigates the root causes of honey robbing by examining both abiotic and biotic factors. The resulting harms are outlined, and corresponding preventive and control measures are suggested. Finally, the article succinctly summarizes the current obstacles in research related to honey robbing and outlines promising avenues for future exploration. The objective of this study was to elucidate the occurrence mechanism of honey robbing, ultimately aiming to contribute to the sustainable growth of the beekeeping industry. Full article

The worldwide value of the honey bee as an agricultural animal is increasingly being recognized. Not only does the honey bee directly produce useful agricultural products, but also large portions of crops are dependent on the pollination activities of honey bees. Apis cerana (A. cerana), the native honey bee of China, is widely distributed in the country. Studying the biological environment and colony management of A. cerana is important for its conservation and breeding. This study investigated the apiculture of A. cerana among a total of 201 beekeepers in the eastern, southern, northwestern and central regions of China and conducted data analysis on the surveyed data. The results showed that the most favorite traits for beekeepers are colony size, colony health and honey production. Compared with Apis mellifera ligustica, A. cerana is more adaptable to low temperature and scattered nectar sources. The results help to optimize the breeding programs of A. cerana and further contribute to substantive breeding accomplishments with honey bees which have enhanced their role in modern agriculture. Full article

This study aimed to determine the possibility of deploying an innovative electrical method and to establish the usefulness of conductivity and dielectric parameters for assessing the quality of Polish honeys, as well as for distinguishing their botanical origin. An attempt was also made to determine which standard physicochemical parameter could be replaced by conductivity and dielectric parameters. The experimental material consisted of seven varieties of honey (linden, rapeseed, buckwheat, goldenrod, phacelia, multifloral, acacia), obtained from beekeepers from northern Poland. Their quality was assessed based on their physicochemical parameters, biological activity, and color. Electrical parameters were measured using a measuring system consisting of an LCR meter, and own-construction sensor. Conductivity (Z, G) and dielectric (Cs, Cp) parameters were measured. Statistical analysis of the results of measurements of electrical parameters of the seven types of honey tested allowed classifying them in terms of their conductivity properties into two groups of single-flower honeys and one group of multi-flower honeys. This proves the feasibility of identifying their botanical origin using the electrical method, which is characterized by non-invasiveness, measurement speed, and high sensitivity. The usefulness of parameters Z and G in replacing quality parameters was confirmed mainly for single-flower honeys: buckwheat, linden, rapeseed, and phacelia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Crickets are recognized as an alternative source of chitosan. This study aimed to assess the potential of cricket-derived chitosan as a natural source to develop chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs). Methods: Chitosan were isolated from different cricket species, including Gryllus bimaculatus, Teleogryllus mitratus, and Acheta domesticus. The isolated chitosan were characterized by their functional groups, crystallographic and thermal properties, molecular structure, morphology, water solubility, molecular weight, binding capacity, irritation potential, and cytotoxicity in comparison to commercial shrimp-based chitosan. CNPs were developed through an ionotropic gelation method, followed by the evaluation of particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. Results: The findings of this study indicate that chitosan can be successfully isolated from the three cricket species, with yields ranging from 4.35% to 5.22% w/w of the dried material. The characteristics of cricket-based chitosan were similar to those of commercial chitosan, except that the cricket-based chitosan displayed a higher crystallinity and a lower molecular weight. Additionally, CPNs were successfully produced from cricket-based chitosan using sodium citrate as a crosslinking agent. All cricket-based chitosan exhibited no irritation or cytotoxicity. Chitosan derived from A. domesticus however was found to be the most suitable to develop CPNs, as it produced the smallest particle size (522.0 ± 12.1 nm) with a comparatively narrow PDI (0.388 ± 0.026) and an acceptable positive zeta potential (34.2 ± 4.4 mV). Conclusions: Cricket-derived chitosan compares favorably with crustacean-derived chitosan and showed potential for a range of applications, including the use as a nanocosmeceutical delivery system in topical and cosmetic formulations. Full article

Background: Beekeeping plays crucial natural and economic roles but also poses health risks, as bee stings can cause severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires timely intervention. Understanding symptoms and the proper use of adrenaline autoinjectors is essential to minimize risks. This study aimed to assess the need for education on anaphylaxis and to develop a health education program to enhance beekeepers’ preparedness and safety. Methods: A qualitative descriptive interpretative method was employed. Two focus groups were conducted, one with eight health care professionals specializing in allergy and clinical immunology and the other with six active beekeepers. The data were analyzed via content analysis using QDA Miner^® Lite v3.0.5 software. Results: The analysis structure comprises five thematic areas: (1) the management of anaphylaxis; (2) the prevention of anaphylaxis; (3) health education approaches; (4) systemic approaches in prevention; and (5) adrenaline autoinjectors. The results highlight key challenges, including the need for better strategies to manage anaphylaxis, improve prevention, and provide practical educational programs for beekeepers. There is also a need for better collaboration between health care professionals and beekeepers, as well as improved access to and knowledge of adrenaline autoinjectors. Conclusions: Targeted education for beekeepers on recognizing anaphylaxis symptoms and using adrenaline autoinjectors is essential for timely intervention and preventing severe outcomes. Given their exposure to bee stings, beekeepers require proper training and regular practice to improve preparedness and safety. This research underscores the need for a comprehensive educational program to reduce anaphylaxis risk and enhance safety in beekeeping. Full article

This paper aims to define and identify the Honey Bee Welfare Practices (HBWPs) that beekeepers should adopt within a modern framework for sustainable apiculture. Once identified, HBWPs were categorized according to the Five Domains Model used in other animal species. Drawing on findings of the European BPRACTICES Horizon 2020 project, we identified, for the first time, 243 HBWPs: while all practices were considered impacting the mental state domain, 38 were assigned to nutrition/hydration, 90 to environment, 220 to health, and 50 to behavior. The proposed HBWPs aim to fill existing gaps by introducing a new approach that more fully respects honey bee behavior and helps prevent unnecessary suffering for each bee and the whole beehive at the same time. Future efforts should focus on maximizing welfare benefits within the One Welfare framework, moving beyond the previously considered One Health perspective. This welfare-oriented focus benefits honey bees, supports beekeepers, and promotes environmental sustainability, aligning with the principles of One Welfare. Full article

Findings from monitoring Greek fir forests in central Greece regarding radial growth, insect infestations, plant communities, and climate response have highlighted the urgent need for expanded field research to address critical conservation challenges within the fir forest ecosystem on Giona and Parnassus mountains. This underscores the urgency of adopting measures to mitigate the impacts of both abiotic and biotic factors. Our findings so far, encompassing biometric data, tree ring analysis, observations on plant communities, climatic response, and insect infestations—primarily Choristoneura murinana (European Bud Moth)—across various stands on the mountain, have revealed significant local infestations of varying degrees. In many instances, these infestations were detected in adult trees, particularly in sunny areas or near country roads. Furthermore, our research has revealed the varied ability of the fir trees to adapt to both minor and significant climatic variations. The proposed research aims to monitor, preserve, and protect the fir trees, utilizing new knowledge for informed decision-making in their management. The project’s scope includes studying the growth characteristics of the fir forest, mitigating threats from biological factors (primarily the moth Choristoneura murinana-Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) by involving pheromones and other biological methods, promoting natural regeneration, preserving biodiversity, and evaluating the water status of the fir trees in response to climate change. Investigating their interactions and understanding the ecosystem’s status concerning the previously mentioned aspects is a significant priority for biological and genetic diversity, landscape aesthetics, recreation, and sustainable regional development (with economic impacts on local beekeepers and guesthouse owners). The evaluation of the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy in Greece has shown partial or minimal progress in addressing new threats and challenges, as well as in promoting new approaches. The proposed project, with specific actions, aligns with the spirit of the National Biodiversity Strategy and contributes to the strategy goals within the framework of conservation, restoration, and the strengthening of nationwide enhancement actions. Full article

Pests and diseases have caused significant problems since the domestication of crops, resulting in economic loss and hunger. To overcome these problems, synthetic pesticides were developed to control pests; however, there are significant detrimental side effects of synthetic pesticides on the environment and human health. There is an urgent need to develop safer and more sustainable pesticides. Industrial hemp is a reservoir of compounds that could potentially replace some synthetic bactericides, fungicides, and insecticides. We determined the efficacy of industrial hemp extracts against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci (PSTA), Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (PSTO), and Erwinia carotovora (EC). The study revealed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2.05 mg/mL and a non-inhibitory concentration (NIC) of 1.2 mg/mL for PSTA, an MIC of 5.7 mg/mL and NIC of 0.66 mg/mL for PSTO, and an MIC of 12.04 mg/mL and NIC of 5.4 mg/mL for EC. Time-kill assays indicated the regrowth of E. carotovora at 4 × MIC after 15 h and P. syringae pv. tomato at 2 × MIC after 20 h; however, P. syringae pv. tabaci had no regrowth. The susceptibility of test bacteria to hemp extract can be ordered from the most susceptible to the least susceptible, as follows: P. syringae pv. tabaci > P. syringae pv. tomato > E. carotovora. Overall, the data indicate hemp extract is a potential source of sustainable and safe biopesticides against these major plant pathogens. Full article

Robinia pseudoacacia L., commonly known as black locust, is a nitrogen-fixing species characterized by multiple uses. Among these uses, black locust is of special interest to beekeepers due to its abundant flowering and delicious honey. Given the great importance of honey production in Italy, beekeepers are looking for genotypes that have a delayed flowering time. As a consequence, the aim of the present study was to develop a complete protocol of micropropagation for genotypes, which have been selected in the Veneto region due to their delayed flowering, i.e., about 3 months, in comparison with the normal flowering time (from late April to early June). The subsequent steps of the micropropagation protocol (explant decontamination, shoot induction, proliferation, and rooting) were investigated and optimized. The most effective decontamination treatment of explants (axillary buds from shoots developed in a greenhouse) was obtained using 50 mg/L AgNO₃ for 20 min. This method resulted in the highest survival and regeneration rates for the explants (90%), although contamination was slightly higher than when using HgCl₂ and NaOCl. The best medium for shoot establishment was MS with 1 mg/L of mT, which achieved 100% regeneration of the explants. In comparison with BA, mT at 1 mg/L was shown to be the best stimulator of shoot proliferation, especially in combination with 0.7 mg/L GA₃ (Proliferation Rate, 4.7). An intermediate 2 h treatment with AgNO₃, in combination with mT, was shown to be beneficial in improving the shoot proliferation and quality in the subsequent subculture in a gelled medium. As for shoot rooting, the shoots that were pre-treated in NH₄NO₃-free and mT-free MS medium gave the highest ex vitro rooting percentage in a cell tray (80%) and the highest number of roots per shoot (3.6). This optimized protocol opens the door to the massive micropropagation of valuable genotypes of black locust selected for delayed flowering. This is an outcome of extraordinary importance for beekeepers. Full article