From nutrition to disease: the challenges facing honey bees (Apis mellifera) in today's world

Authors

1 Animal Science Research Department, East Azarbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Tabriz, Iran

2 Animal Science Department Research, Kurdistan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Sanandaj, Iran

10.22034/hbsj.2025.368878.1187

Abstract

Honeybees are facing a dual challenge: the decline in food resources (due to intensive agriculture) and the invasion of diseases and pests (such as Varroa mites and Nosema), which seriously threaten their health. These two factors reinforce each other in a vicious cycle: poor nutrition weakens the immune system, and diseases, by depleting the body's reserves, exacerbate hidden malnutrition. Studies show that dietary diversity (using diverse pollen) not only strengthens the bees' immune system but also increases their resistance to diseases. On the other hand, the conversion of natural grasslands into agricultural land has limited access to high-quality food resources and reduced the resilience of colonies. The solution to this crisis is to restore habitats by planting native species, creating pollination corridors, and prioritizing nutrient-rich plant species—an approach that improved bee health by 40% in France. Additionally, the development of smart nutritional supplements with an optimal combination of macronutrients and compatibility with the gut microbiome is proposed as a complementary solution. Alongside these measures, combating Varroa mites—which threaten colony survival by transmitting viruses and reducing fat reserves—requires a tripartite collaboration between beekeepers, farmers, and governments to develop regional guidelines. Improving bee nutrition not only saves their populations but also transforms the global ecosystem by restoring native pollinators and promoting sustainable agriculture. Saving bees requires redesigning nature as a protective shield, where every planted flower is a step toward food security and a sustainable future.

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