What's Happening?
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have uncovered a key reason behind the replacement of queen bees in colonies, known as supersedure. This process begins when worker bees sense that their
queen is no longer producing enough eggs, often due to viral infections that cause her ovaries to shrink and reduce pheromone production. The decline in pheromones signals to the workers that the queen is unfit, prompting them to raise a new queen. This mechanism, while beneficial in wild colonies, can disrupt managed hives, leading to reduced pollination and honey output.
Why It's Important?
Queen bee health is critical for global food security, as bees pollinate approximately one-third of crops worldwide. The study highlights viral infections as a major contributor to queen failures, which have been increasingly noted by beekeepers. Understanding the impact of viruses on queen health can lead to improved management strategies, such as supplementing colonies with synthetic pheromones to stabilize hives during peak productivity periods. This research underscores the importance of maintaining healthy colonies free from parasites like varroa mites, which spread viruses.
What's Next?
The findings suggest new strategies for beekeepers to manage queen health and prevent costly disruptions in hive productivity. Researchers are exploring the use of synthetic pheromone blends to reduce the likelihood of supersedure. Continued research into viral infections and their impact on bee colonies could lead to more effective treatments and management practices, ensuring the stability of pollination services essential for agriculture.
