Sunflower pollen protects bees

Good accessibility to flowers and sunflower pollen can help vulnerable bees avoid pathogens.

In experiments conducted by researchers at North Carolina State University and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, scientists discovered that bees that eat chalk with sunflower have an infection rate caused by two agents. Less common diseases.

Bumblebee , the scientific name Bombus impatiens often eats sunflower pollen, is less likely to be infected with Crithidiabombi , a parasite commonly found in bumblebees. European honeybees, scientific name Apismellifera, eat sunflower pollen, when tested, are also less likely to be positive for Nosemaceranae parasites .

Sunflower pollen works as a protective bee.

Both of these pathogens are involved in the development of bacteria that cause higher mortality rates in bee populations.

In controlled bee groups, bumblebees feed on sunflowers with lower mortality rates. And they also show signs of improved health and better growth.

Rebecca Irwin, professor of applied ecology in NC State, said: 'We tried other monochromatic pollen, or pollen coming from a non-sunflower flower, but seemed to indicate a direction Positive is the only species that can produce this effect. "

While sunflower pollen acts as a bee-protective drug, it also has a low protein content and some amino acids, which may explain why mortality of honey bees increases if they only eat this kind of pollen. Sunflowers should not be used as the main source of honey bee diets, but should only be an additive.

"Sunflower can be a good supplement for a diverse wild population like bees," Irwin said .

Honey bees and bees are general examples. They have the best life when blended into the variety of flowers. Unfortunately, industrial monoculture has reduced plant diversity, harming bee health.

In future trials, Irwin and her colleagues plan to measure the effect of sunflower pollens on other bees.