Abstract
Wild and managed bees provide pollination services to crops and wild plants, as well as a variety of other services beneficial to humans. Honey bees are the most economically valuable pollinator worldwide. It has been calculated that 9.5% of the total economic value of agricultural production comes from insect pollination, thus amounting to just under USD 200 billion globally. More than 100 important crops depend on pollination by honey bees. The latter pollinate not only a wide number of commercial crops but also many wild plants, some of which are threatened by extinction and constitute a valuable genetic resource. Moreover, as pollinators, honey bees play a significant role in every aspect of the ecosystem by facilitating the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants that serve as food and shelter for many large and small creatures. In this paper, we describe how the reduction in honey bee populations affects various economic sectors, as well as human health.
Highlights
The honey bee plays a significant role as a pollinator of a wide range of agricultural and wild plant species [1,2]
This review provides data about the vital role of the honey bee as the main pollinator. It surveys data regarding the essential role of honey bees in ecosystem services and human nutrition, as well as the medicinal significance of honey bee products
Ireland Assembly received reports of a decline of over 50% in honey bee colonies [11]
Summary
The honey bee plays a significant role as a pollinator of a wide range of agricultural and wild plant species [1,2]. Numerous studies have documented a significant decline in the diversity and range of non-managed wild pollinators over the past three decades worldwide [5]. Many animal pollinators (birds and mammals) are going extinct and have been narrowing their habitats globally over the past 25 years [6]. This review provides data about the vital role of the honey bee as the main pollinator. It surveys data regarding the essential role of honey bees in ecosystem services and human nutrition, as well as the medicinal significance of honey bee products
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