Honey bee pathogenesis posing threat to its global population: a short review

Abstract

Pollination and ecosystem sustainability are the two chief varieties of services provided by honey bees and they play a paramount role in the functioning of an ecosystem and human lives. Apis cerana, Apis mellifera, Apis florea and Apis dorsata are the main species of honey bees found all over the world. Honey, beeswax, royal jelly and propolis are the core products produced by honey bees. This review aims to emphasize and bring together the facts and ground realities leading to the decline of the honey bee population. The declining population of bees is a serious threat to ecosystem services therefore researchers around the world are consequently interested in understanding the causes and concerns. The reasons responsible for the fall in the honey bee population were bacteria, viruses, parasites and other invaders, including certain chemicals, toxic substances, improper nutrition and dirty farming practices. Conservation and management strategies are much needed to counter the decline of these important insects in the interest of global ecosystem services and commercial benefits.