Abstract
The purpose of this article is to discuss gaps in our knowledge concerning how honey bee primer pheromones mediate worker activities and colony functions. We first review the chemical structure and functions of queen mandibular pheromone (QMP), but then focus primarily on areas of potential future research interest. We discuss the mode of action that QMP may have on workers, address the issue of why QMP is a complex blend of five components, propose an evolutionary pathway for pheromone complexity in the genus Apis, discuss biochemical differences between worker and queen mandibular glands, review the evidence for additional queen pheromones besides QMP, examine how queen and brood pheromones interact to mediate colony biology, and discuss the relative importance of congestion and population size in pheromone transmission. Finally, we suggest some research areas that involve commercial applications of honey bee pheromones for beekeeping and crop pollination.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
