New Feed Boosts Honey Bee Colonies
Nano-B-Feed supplement shows promise in increasing bee colony size after blueberry pollination, a challenge for farmers in Washington, the top blueberry-producing US state
Washington State University researchers have made a breakthrough in addressing honey bee declines after blueberry pollination. A new feed supplement called Nano-B-Feed has been found to increase the size of honey bee colonies, a challenge for farmers in Washington, which produces more blueberries than any other US state.
The study, published in the journal Entomological Communications, was led by Lisa DeVetter, a professor of small fruit horticulture at Washington State University's Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center. DeVetter collaborated with a company called H4Bees to conduct the research.
Nano-B-Feed is a powdered supplement made of minerals and organic compounds mixed with powdered sugar. Each ingredient in the supplement is listed as generally recognized as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration. The supplement was tested on honey bee colonies, with the results showing a statistically significant increase in the number of bees in treated colonies compared to a control group.
Beekeepers have been reluctant to provide bees to blueberry farms due to increased bee colony losses after blueberry pollination. This has made it challenging for farmers to obtain the necessary pollinators for their crops. The use of Nano-B-Feed could help alleviate this issue, supporting the health of bee colonies and promoting successful blueberry pollination.
## Why it matters The health of honey bee colonies is crucial for the production of blueberries and other crops. Larger colonies are often a strong characteristic of colony health, and increased population sizes can support more effective pollination. With Washington producing more blueberries than any other US state, the development of Nano-B-Feed could have significant implications for the industry. By promoting the health of honey bee colonies, farmers may be able to improve pollination rates and increase crop yields.
The research on Nano-B-Feed is a positive step forward in addressing the challenges faced by beekeepers and farmers. As the importance of pollination in commercial settings continues to grow, the development of effective supplements like Nano-B-Feed could play a vital role in supporting the health of honey bee colonies and promoting successful crop production.
