What's Happening?
Researchers from the University of Oxford, in collaboration with other institutions, have engineered a food supplement that significantly enhances honeybee colony reproduction. The supplement, made from yeast engineered to produce essential sterols found in pollen, was tested in a study published in Nature. The study found that colonies fed with this sterol-enriched yeast reared up to 15 times more larvae to the viable pupal stage compared to those on a control diet. This development addresses the nutrient deficiencies caused by climate change and agricultural intensification, which have reduced the floral diversity necessary for bee health.
AD
Why It's Important?
The decline in honeybee populations poses a significant threat to global food security and biodiversity, as these pollinators are crucial for the production of over 70% of leading global crops. The new supplement offers a sustainable solution to enhance colony resilience without depleting natural floral resources. This could potentially reduce the annual commercial honeybee colony losses in the U.S., which have ranged between 40% and 50%. The supplement's success could also benefit wild bee species by reducing competition for limited pollen supplies, thus supporting broader ecological balance.
What's Next?
Further large-scale field trials are needed to assess the long-term impacts of the supplement on colony health and pollination efficacy. If successful, the supplement could be available to farmers within two years. This technology might also be adapted to develop dietary supplements for other pollinators or farmed insects, opening new avenues for sustainable agriculture.
