Beekeeping Practices Research Articles

Genomic diversity and population structure of Carniolan honey bee in its native habitat

BackgroundResearch into the genetic diversity of honey bee (Apis melliferaL.) populations has become increasingly significant in recent decades, primarily due to population declines attributed to human activities and climate change. As a species of great importance, breeding programs that leverage understanding of genomic diversity could offer solutions to mitigate these challenges. The objective of this study was to examine the genomic diversity and population structure of Carniolan honey bees (Apis mellifera carnica) using the Illumina SNP chip on a large honey bee sample collected from Central and South-Eastern European countries. The study also aims to offer recommendations for future breeding programs.ResultsOur analysis involved Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components (DAPC), heterozygosity, admixture analysis, fixation indices (FST), Neighbour-Joining tree, gene flow and Isolation-by-distance analysis. DAPC indicated distinct separation between the Carniolan and Italian honey bee (Apis mellifera ligustica) populations, whereas the admixture analysis revealed varying levels of gene flow and genetic admixture within the Carniolan honey bee populations, demonstrating closer relationships between specific geographic regions (confirmed by Isolation-by-distance analysis). Furthermore, the research of heterozygosity, genomic inbreeding, pairwise FST values, and Neighbour-Joining tree provided insights into the patterns of genetic differentiation and similarity among the populations of Carniolan honey bee within its natural habitat. We have observed genetic homogeneity of the Carniolan honey bee population when considered in a broader genetic/geographical context. However, the Carniolan honey bee has sufficient genetic diversity in its geographical home range that needs to be carefully monitored and maintained.ConclusionsThis study provides important insights into the genetic composition, differentiation, and relationships among Carniolan honey bee populations in Central and South-Eastern European countries. The findings are crucial for conservation efforts, breeding programs, and sustainable beekeeping practices. They emphasise the importance of considering genetic factors and population structure in the breeding and management of honey bees. By understanding these genetic relationships, we can develop strategies to preserve genetic diversity, improve breeding outcomes, and ensure the resilience of honey bee populations in the face of environmental changes and challenges. This knowledge can also inform policy makers and stakeholders on best practices to maintain healthy bee populations, which are vital for ecosystem services and agricultural productivity.

The Status of Beekeeping in Simada District, Amhara, Ethiopia, with Its Challenges and Opportunities

The study was designed to assess the existing beekeeping practices, constraints, and potential of honeybee production in Simada district. The study was carried out in four proportionally selected kebeles of highland, midland, and lowland agro-ecology. Accordingly, a total sample size of 146 beekeepers, depending on their potential, was interviewed using a structured and semi-structured questionnaire. A semi-structured questionnaire, field observation, and focal group discussion were employed to collect primary data. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. The majority of beekeepers in the district are mail-headed, and the majority can read and write. Beekeepers practiced three hive types but mostly used traditional hives. The majority of honeybee colonies are found in midland agro-ecology, but they are not significantly different (P<0.05). About 57.5% of beekeepers obtain their colony through buying, and their colony increases through reproductive swarming. Beekeepers construct both traditional and top-bar hives from the surrounding available material. Frame hives were obtained from GOs on a credit basis. Beekeepers indicated that the majority of honey was harvested in October and November. The second minor harvesting period was from May to June, which depends on the nature of the yearly rainfall conditions. As the respondent's described, they stored honey below one year in a plastic jar, clay jar, and plastic sack when plenty of products were obtained and for medicinal value, unless they used honey during harvesting as a source of income. Predators and pests are major constraints on honey bee production, followed by pesticides and herbicides in the study area. Other identified beekeeping constraints were shown in relative order of importance: drought, death of colony, lack of water, migration, and disease are some of the problems that hinder productivity. Honeybees required feed supplementation during the dry season; about 28% of beekeepers fed their colonies with higher supplements made from February to April. The commonly used supplements were peas and bean flour (Shiro), barley flour (Besso), sugar, honey, and others, including Niger.

Underexplored food safety hazards of beekeeping products: Key knowledge gaps and suggestions for future research.

These days, a growing consumer demand and scientific interest can be observed for nutraceuticals of natural origin, including apiculture products. Due to the growing emphasis on environmental protection, extensive research has been conducted on the pesticide and heavy metal contamination of bee products; however, less attention is devoted on other food safety aspects. In our review, scientific information on the less-researched food safety hazards of honey, bee bread, royal jelly, propolis, and beeswax are summarized. Bee products originating from certain plants may inherently contain phytotoxins, like pyrrolizidine alkaloids, tropane alkaloids, matrine alkaloids, grayanotoxins, gelsemium alkaloids, or tutin. Several case studies evidence that bee products can induce allergic responses to sensitive individuals, varying from mild to severe symptoms, including the potentially lethal anaphylaxis. Exposure to high temperature or long storage may lead to the formation of the potentially toxic 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. Persistent organic pollutants, radionuclides, and microplastics can potentially be transferred to bee products from contaminated environmental sources. And lastly, inappropriate beekeeping practices can lead to the contamination of beekeeping products with harmful microorganisms and mycotoxins. Our review demonstrates the necessity of applying good beekeeping practices in order to protect honeybees and consumers of their products. An important aim of our work is to identify key knowledge gaps regarding the food safety of apiculture products.

Current Status and Challenges of Improved Bee Keeping Technology Adoption in Ethiopia: A Review

The aim of this review is to give an overview of current modern beekeeping technologies in Ethiopia and to highlight once again the challenges of adopting beekeeping technology. Bee-keeping in Ethiopia is common and one of the agricultural activities. Ethiopia is the leading honey producer in Africa and is one of the ten largest producers in the world (with around 23.6% of the African and 2.1% of the world production. Despite the long tradition of beekeeping in Ethiopia having the highest bee density and being the leading honey producer as well as one of the largest bee waxes exporting country in Africa, the share of sub sector in the GDP has never been commensurate with huge number of honey colonies and the country’s potential for beekeeping. To increase production and productivity of honey and bee wax, different improved technologies have been used in the last 7-10 year. Backyard beekeeping can not only be conducted with traditional, but also with transitional or modern beehives. Lack of bee-keeping equipment (like modern beehives, wax molds, honey extractors, queen excluders) and accessories, training on beekeeping technology, awareness creation, extension contact and market problem were the major determinant factors of adoption of modern beekeeping technology. Despite variations in distribution and adoption levels, the utilization of beekeeping technology has now commenced across all regions of the nation hives, adding and reducing supper. The management of bee colonies constitutes a fundamental aspect of contemporary beekeeping practices within the country. Beekeeping equipment and accessories must be readily available to beekeepers, with a significant focus on enhancing productivity and implementing proper management techniques for contemporary beehives. Such measures have the potential to enhance the likelihood of beekeepers adopting and utilizing modern beehive technology.

Peasant perception of beekeeping constraints and practices in large honey production areas in Burkina Faso

BackgroundIn recent decades, agricultural landscapes have been profoundly modified due to the intensification of agriculture, therefore leading to significant disturbances in all components of biodiversity. A survey on the knowledge of beekeeping realities and the use of phytosanitary products in areas of high honey production in Burkina Faso was carried out. Beekeeping realities design the state of beekeeping activities in the study localities.MethodsThe objective of this survey was to characterize Beekeeping operations and to assess the level of knowledge of beekeepers on the effects of the use of phytosanitary products through different beekeeping and agricultural practices. In this sense, 113 farmer beekeepers from the Boucle du Mouhoun, Hauts-Bassins and Nord regions in Burkina Faso were surveyed about their different beekeeping practices.ResultsThe results obtained indicated that beekeeping is a secondary activity (96.47%) and is mainly practiced by men (90.27%). The respondents have mostly an average of 22 traditional hives. The majority of beekeepers have not received training (84.07%) on the hazards of plant protection products on their beekeeping farms. However, a large amount of beekeepers (70.73%) acknowledged that the use of plant protection products could be harmful to their activity. Hives are usually installed in or near the fields. The plant protection products used for crop protection are herbicides (27%), insecticides (23%), fungicides (8%), but especially mixed (42%).ConclusionThe results show that beekeeping in Burkina Faso remains traditional and is practiced for sociocultural reasons. The use of pesticides close to beekeeping could play a role in bee colony collapse taking place in these regions. Training beekeepers on the dangers of the chemicals they use in fields near hives is therefore essential.

Unraveling the Physicochemical, Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of the Honey Produced from the Fallopia japonica Plant.

Fallopia japonica (FJ), commonly known as Japanese knotweed, is now recognized as one of the most invasive plants in Europe and globally. Despite its widespread presence in Europe and its significant nectar production, there is currently limited scientific data on the unique unifloral honey derived from it. This study examines the physicochemical composition of Fallopia japonica honey (FJH) samples collected from various regions in Romania. Additionally, the nutritional and antioxidant profiles of FJH were assessed. The sensory analysis revealed a honey with a brown-caramel color and an intense flavor, characterized by fine, consistent crystals during crystallization. The results indicated that FJH has a high carbohydrate content (fructose: 35.12-40.65 g/100 g; glucose: 28.06-37.79 g/100 g); elevated electrical conductivity (387-692 µS/cm), diastase activity (9.11-17.01 DN), and acidity (21.61-42.89 meq/kg); and substantial total phenolic (89.87-120.08 mg/100 g) and flavonoid (18.13-39.38 mg/g) contents. These findings highlight FJH's favorable nutritional properties, aligning with the standard codex for honey. The antioxidant profile of FJH demonstrated strong DPPH and ferric reduction antioxidant power (FRAP) activities, comparable to those of buckwheat honey, underscoring its potential health benefits and commercial value. These results provide new insights into how this invasive plant can be harnessed as a valuable resource for sustainable beekeeping practices.

What proteomics has taught us about honey bee (Apis mellifera) health and disease.

The Western honey bee, Apis mellifera, is currently navigating a gauntlet of environmental pressures, including the persistent threat of parasites, pathogens, and climate change - all of which compromise the vitality of honey bee colonies. The repercussions of their declining health extend beyond the immediate concerns of apiarists, potentially imposing economic burdens on society through diminished agricultural productivity. Hence, there is an imperative to devise innovative monitoring techniques for assessing the health of honey bee populations. Proteomics, recognized for its proficiency in biomarker identification and protein-protein interactions, is poised to play a pivotal role in this regard. It offers a promising avenue for monitoring and enhancing the resilience of honey bee colonies, thereby contributing to the stability of global food supplies. This review delves into the recent proteomic studies of A. mellifera, highlighting specific proteins of interest and envisioning the potential of proteomics to improve sustainable beekeeping practices amidst the challenges of a changing planet.

The Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Nine Monofloral Honey Types

Honey is well known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which significantly contribute to its high demand among consumers. While there is plenty of information available about the antioxidant potential of honey, there is still a lack of research specifically focused on monofloral honeys, as most studies have been based on market samples. To address this issue, in the present study we analyzed the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of nine monofloral honey types produced in Greece: fir, chestnut, citrus, erica, cotton, Jerusalem thorn, pine, oak and thyme, in comparison with manuka honey. The samples were collected from beekeepers applying the appropriate beekeeping practices. In total, ninety-six representative monofloral honey samples meeting the microscopic, physicochemical, and sensory characteristics were analyzed. Oak honey stood out as the darkest type (L* = 33.67) with the highest total phenolic content (203.75 mg GAE/100 g) and antioxidant activity (106.2 mg AAE/100 g). Chestnut honey closely followed, having also the highest electrical conductivity (1.679 mS/cm). Although manuka honey had a high total phenolic content, its total antioxidant activity was found to be medium-low compared to fir, pine, and erica honeys. Citrus honey, being the lightest in color (L* = 37.2), exhibited the lowest total antioxidant activity (6.36 mg AAE/100 g). Statistical analysis revealed significant positive correlation between total antioxidant activity and electrical conductivity (ra-e = 0.587, pa-e = 0.000), and negative correlation between total antioxidant activity and L* parameter (ra-L = −0.424, pa-L = 0.000). Similar correlations were also observed regarding total phenolic content (rp-e = 0.457, pp-e = 0.000, rp-L = −0.455, pp-L = 0.000). In conclusion, oak and chestnut honeys seem to have a high antioxidant potential, that should be further explored, to highlight their value and help promote them worldwide.

Determination of Naphthalene Concentration in Honey a New Method using by HS-GC/MS (Headspace-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry)

Honey is seen by people as a very significant food. It is included in diets and used for the treatment of many diseases. However, contamination of honey, which is a source of healing, with harmful components from the outside makes honey harmful. Pesticides are known to be detected in honey. These pests are transmitted to honey by environmental conditions or incorrect beekeeping practices. Naphthalene is used by beekeepers to prevent mothballing of honeycombs or honey contaminated with honey due to environmental reasons. Naphthalene, which has carcinogenic properties, also causes different diseases. Therefore, the concentration of naphthalene in honey should not exceed a certain limit. For the determination of this, many different analysis methods are developed and applied.
 In this study, the naphthalene concentration of honey from Bingöl province and its districts, one of the important beekeeping centers in Turkey, was determined by a new HS-GC/MS method that does not require sample preparation. No naphthalene concentration was detected in eight different honey samples. The fact that naphthalene concentration was not detected in honeys from Bingöl province indicates that beekeepers do not use naphthalene and that naphthalene is not contaminated by environmental factors.

Investigating the effect of postharvest conditions on the microbial quality and physicochemical characteristics of bee pollen

Considering the scarcity of information on postharvest management of bee pollen, especially its fresh form, this study aims to investigate the effect of storage conditions and duration on the microbial load of fresh and dried pollen, while also considering changes in physicochemical parameters. Specifically, microbiological analyses were applied to record the growth of Mesophilic Total Viable Counts (MTVC), Yeasts & Moulds (Y&M), Enterobacteriaceae (ENT), Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), and Escherichia coli. The results showed that fresh pollen can be stored in the freezer (-18 °C) for one year, without exceeding the legislative limits for the studied pathogens, as after storing for 12 months, the mean counts of MTVC, Y&M, ENT, and LAB were 3.93, 4.04, 1.71, and 2.82 log cfu/g, respectively, whereas moisture, protein and lipid content, fatty acid composition, and colour remained unchanged. When fresh pollen was stored at 4 °C, over a six-month period, the MTVC & ENT counts were out of limits, and changes were observed in colour, total lipid content (32.18% decrease), and fatty acid composition (31.68% for C18:2 and 21.56% for C18:3 reduction, 31.5% increase for C18:0). Finally, storing fresh pollen at 25 °C is deemed insufficient for maintaining quality characteristics. Dried pollen demonstrated better results, compared to fresh pollen, maintaining values of microbial load within legislative limits at all storage temperatures, thus making long-term storage easier. The data gathered during this study may form the basis for a guide including proper beekeeping practices and postharvest bee pollen treatment and management, contributing to the optimization of pollen production.

Ecology and Management of African Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.).

In Africa, humans evolved as honey hunters of honey bee subspecies adapted to diverse geographical regions. Beekeeping today is practiced much as it was when Africans moved from honey hunting to beekeeping nearly 5,000 years ago, with beekeepers relying on seasonally available wild bees. Research suggests that populations are resilient, able to resist diseases and novel parasites. Distinct biomes, as well as environmental pressures, shaped the behavior and biology of these bees and in turn influenced how indigenous beekeeping developed. It appears that passive beekeeping practices that enabled free-living populations contributed to the overall resilience and health of the bee. There is clearly a need for research aimed at a deeper understanding of bee biology and the ecosystems from which they benefit and on which humans depend, as well as a growing realization that the management of these bees requires an indigenous approach that reflects a broader knowledge base and the economics of local communities and markets.

UV Radiation Effect in New Materials Developed for the Construction of Beehives.

In recent decades, there has been an increasing focus on the alarming decline in global bee populations, given their critical ecological contributions to natural pollination and biodiversity. This decline, marked by a substantial reduction in bee colonies in forested areas, has serious implications for sustainable beekeeping practices and poses a broader risk to ecological well-being. Addressing these pressing issues requires innovative solutions, one of which involves the development and fabrication of beehives crafted from composite materials that are ecologically compatible with bee biology. Importantly, these materials should also exhibit a high resistance to environmental factors, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, in order to maintain their mechanical integrity and longevity. To investigate this, we conducted accelerated UV degradation tests on a variety of composite materials to rapidly assess their susceptibility to UV-induced changes. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) served as the matrix material and was reinforced with natural fibers, specifically fique fibers (Furcraea bedinghausii), banana fibers, and goose feathers. Our findings indicate that UV radiation exposure results in a noticeable reduction in the tensile strength of these materials. For example, wood composites experienced a 48% decline in tensile strength over a 60-day period, a rate of deterioration notably higher than that of other tested composite materials. Conversely, HDPE composites fortified with banana fibers initially demonstrated tensile strengths exceeding 9 MPa and 10 MPa. Although these values gradually decreased over the observation period, the composites still displayed favorable stress-strain characteristics. This research underscores the substantial influence of UV radiation on the longevity and efficacy of beehive materials, which in turn affects the durability of natural wood hives exposed to these environmental factors. The resultant increased maintenance and replacement costs for beekeepers further emphasize the need for judicious material selection in beehive construction and point to the viability of the composite materials examined in this study.

Exploring a Potential Avenue for Beekeeping in Ireland: Safeguarding Locally Adapted Honeybees for Breeding Varroa-Resistant Lines.

Beekeeping in Ireland has been strongly impacted by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, whose introduction caused alarming honeybee colony losses. If unmitigated, these losses could lead to the disappearance of the native honeybee subspecies, Apis mellifera mellifera, with severe consequences for local biodiversity. Although beekeepers play a pivotal role in mitigating this crisis, beekeeping in Ireland is less intensive compared to other European regions, lacking significant infrastructure or support. These circumstances offer a unique opportunity for the development of national programmes that promote sustainable beekeeping practices for varroa control. Notably, local accounts highlight an increasing number of beekeepers successfully managing colonies in the absence of treatments, indicating a potential avenue for developing varroa-resistant stocks through selection of local colonies. Through a survey, we explored beekeeper's opinions and attitudes towards future national projects focused on the development of sustainable beekeeping practices and selection for varroa resistance. The findings confirm the hobbyist nature of Irish beekeepers and their preference for the native honey bee. Some beekeepers were reported to be effectively controlling varroa without treatment, yielding comparable survivals to those using treatments. The majority expressed preference towards a varroa-resistant line if it were of native origin; a few were open to importing non-Irish lines. Overall, a strong willingness to participate in a national breeding programme was expressed. These findings highlight a prime opportunity for Ireland to establish a community-driven strategy based on sustainable beekeeping practices for safeguarding native honeybees and local biodiversity.

Diseases and Pests Harmful to Honeybees (Apis spp.) and Their Management Tactics: A Review

Honeybees (Apis spp.) play a vital role in pollination and contribute significantly to global agriculture. However, the health and survival of honeybee colonies are threatened by a range of harmful insect pests and diseases. This review provides an overview of the major pests and diseases that impact honeybee colonies and explores the diverse management tactics employed to mitigate their effects. The primary focus is on key pests such as the Varroa mite (Varroa destructor), which inflicts considerable damage by parasitizing adult bees and their brood, facilitating the transmission of debilitating viruses. Management strategies for Varroa mites encompass chemical treatments, integrated pest management (IPM) approaches, and organic treatments to curtail mite populations and prevent colony collapse. Another significant threat discussed is the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida), a beetle species that disrupts hives by laying eggs in comb and consuming stored resources. Hive manipulation, traps, and chemical controls are among the tactics utilized to control small hive beetle populations and mitigate their impact. The review also addresses wax moths (Galleria mellonella and Achroia grisella), which target hive comb, potentially causing comb destruction and honey fermentation. Hive maintenance, freezing, and pheromone traps are outlined as effective strategies to combat wax moth infestations. Additionally, the review covers Nosema infections (Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae), and microsporidian parasites that compromise adult bee health by weakening immune systems and reducing foraging efficiency. Hive hygiene, medications, and genetic selection are explored as methods to manage Nosema infections and bolster colony resilience. To effectively manage these harmful pests and diseases, a holistic and integrated approach is recommended. Beekeepers are encouraged to remain informed about the latest research findings and implement appropriate measures, considering local conditions and sustainable beekeeping practices. By combining scientific knowledge with practical application, the resilience of honeybee colonies can be enhanced, ensuring the vital role they play in pollination and global food security.

Multiple Honey Harvesting Strategy - migratory Beekeeping in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, India

Commercial beekeeping in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry depends on Indian bee, Apis cerana indica. The State had occupied first position in honey production in the country until 1990’s. In commercial beekeeping, migration has assumed really important dimensions. Our results demonstrated that total brood area reached the highest area of 1286.86 cm2 at January II at Puducherry site and lowest brood area at May II (527.38 cm2) at Chidambaram sites. Similarly, a significant difference was noticed in the mean total brood area, pollen area and queen prolificacy between the different migratory sites. Pollen area (cm2) was 155.22±7.88 to 272.56±9.61 cm2. The largest fortnightly mean pollen area was in February I (272.56±9.61 cm2) at Puducherry site, while the lowest was in June II (165.46±7.30 cm2) Chidambaram site. Egg laying area peaked in January II (297.81±4.75 cm2) at Puducherry site and rapidly declining through February, March, and April to reach its lowest point in May II (122.05±4.26 cm2) at Chidambaram site. In contrast, a non-significant difference was observed in nectar area and honey yield at different migratory sites (P>0.05). Current findings add to our understanding the honey yield was high in all the migratory sites without any differences by the way multiple honey harvest was possible in migratory beekeeping practices.

Uncovering untapped potentials: diversifying business may yield profitable earnings, yet it remains an overlooked strategy among beekeepers

Beekeeping is a rewarding business that offers numerous opportunities beyond just honey production. While most beekeepers are solely focused on honey production, this approach can be limiting due to the fluctuation of weather and market conditions. Therefore, it is essential to diversify your business by exploring other honey bee products and services. Our research investigated the beekeeping practices of 100 beekeepers from seven regions in southern Brazil to identify the most common practices and potential opportunities for diversification. Our study focused on ten major beekeeping practices, including products or services as honey, queen rearing, swarm, propolis, pollen, beeswax, royal jelly, sanitary control activity, digital technology enthusiasm, and migratory beekeeping. We used a semi-structured questionnaire consisting of 86 questions that were analysed with generalized Procrustes analysis and clustered heatmap. Overall, we found that honey production, digital technology enthusiasm, and migratory beekeeping are the most common beekeeping practices among beekeepers, regionally. Conversely, the exploitation of beeswax, pollen, swarm, and royal jelly production were relatively rare, creating opportunities for beekeepers looking to diversify their earnings and reduce competition. Additionally, our research revealed that certain regions have adopted specific beekeeping practices better than others, which suggests that there are possibilities for improvement and growth in the beekeeping industry. Finally, our research demonstrates the potential for beekeepers to diversify their business beyond just honey production. By exploring other honey bee products and services, beekeepers can reduce the impact of market limitations caused by weather and market fluctuations, ultimately creating a more resilient and profitable business.

Tracing nickel smelter emissions using European honey bees

This study investigated trace element contamination in honey bees inhabiting urban areas around the South Pacific's largest and longest operating nickel smelter in Nouméa, New Caledonia. There remains a paucity of research on the environmental impact of nickel smelting, and to date, there has been no assessment of its effects on the popular practice of beekeeping, or whether honey bees are a suitable tracer for nickel smelting emissions. Honey bees and honey were sampled from 15 hives across Nouméa to ascertain linkages between nickel smelter emissions, environmental contamination, and trace element uptake by bees. Comparison of washed and unwashed bees revealed no significant difference in trace element concentrations, indicating trace elements bioaccumulate within the internal tissues of bees over time. Accordingly, trace element concentrations were higher in dead bees than those that were sampled live, with smelter related elements chromium, cobalt and nickel being significantly different at p < 0.05. Except for boron, trace element concentrations were consistently higher in bees than in honey, suggesting that the transfer of trace elements from bees during honey production is negligible. Elevated concentrations of potentially toxic trace elements including cobalt, chromium and nickel in bees declined with distance from smelting operations (Spearman's Rho, p < 0.05), indicating the relationship between environmental contamination and the uptake of trace elements by bees. The findings of this study emphasise potential environmental and human health risks associated with trace element contamination from nickel smelting operations and affirm the use of honey bees as a biomonitor of potentially harmful nickel smelting emissions.

Determination of quinolones, macrolides, sulfonamides and tetracyclines in honey using QuEChERS sample preparation and UHPLC-MS/MS analysis

Monitoring beehive health and timely prevention of possible infections by bacteria, mould, viruses or parasites is exceptionally important in beekeeping. Antibiotics originating from the environment can be found in honey and due to improper beekeeping practices. Enabling the detection of antibiotic residues in honey and suppressing the development of antibiotic resistance require the development of a sensitive multi-class method for the determination of antibiotics. For the purpose of analysing honey, a screening and confirmatory method for the determination of 36 antibiotics was developed. The QuEChERS procedure and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was selected to achieve high sensitivity and selectivity. Validation according to the new Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/808 included the following performance characteristics: selectivity, trueness, precision, decision limit (CCα), detection capability (CCβ) and relative matrix effect. The method was validated in the measurement range from 1 to 10 μg/kg, where maximum trueness and acceptable coefficients of variation were achieved. The detection capability (CCβ) equals the lowest concentration level for all analytes, ranging from 0.1 μg/kg to 2.5 μg/kg, as the false compliant rate less than 5% was confirmed at this level of interest. For unauthorised pharmacologically active substances, the CCα was determined and ranged from 0.16 μg/kg for sulfaquinoxaline to 3.67 μg/kg for difloxacin. The high matrix influence of floral and chestnut honey indicated the need for quantitative analysis using the matrix calibration curve.

Prevalence of Varroa destructor in Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Farms and Varroosis Control Practices in Southern Italy.

The majority of honeybee farms in industrialized countries currently base their Varroa destructor control programs on the use of acaricides in conjunction with other management practices. However, the outcomes of these practices are often misunderstood and have only been studied to a limited extent. Better yields are guaranteed by having hives with low infection levels in the spring. Therefore, it is crucial to understand which beekeeping practices can result in increased control effectiveness. This study aimed to analyze the potential effects of environmental factors and beekeeping practices on the dynamics of V. destructor population. Experimental evidence was obtained by interpolating percentage infestation data from diagnoses conducted on several apiaries in the Calabria region (Southern Italy) with data acquired from a questionnaire on pest control strategies. Data on climatic temperature during the different study periods were also taken into account. The study was conducted over two years and involved 84 Apis mellifera farms. For each apiary, the diagnosis of infestation was made on a minimum of 10 hives. In total, 840 samples of adult honeybees were analyzed in the field to determine the level of infestation. In 2020, 54.7% of the inspected apiaries tested positive for V. destructor, and in 2021, 50% tested positive, according to a study of the field test findings (taking into account a threshold of 3% in July). A significant effect of the number of treatments on parasite prevalence was found. The results showed a significant reduction in the infestation rate in apiaries that received more than two treatments each year. Furthermore, it was shown that management practices, such as drone brood removal and frequent queen replacement, have a statistically significant impact on the infestation rate. The analysis of the questionnaires revealed some critical issues. In particular, only 50% of the interviewed beekeepers diagnosed infestation on samples of adult bees, and only 69% practiced drug rotation. In conclusion, it is only possible to maintain the infestation rate at an acceptable threshold by implementing integrated pest management (IPM) programs and using good beekeeping practices (GBPs).

Analysis of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Honey Selled in the Free Fair of a Municipality Located in the Legal Amazon – Brazil

Honey is a food of natural origin produced by bees, which stands out as one of the most valued products. The practice of beekeeping and the increase in honey consumption by the population has been shown to be a promising and profitable activity for producers and the economy of Brazil. This research aimed to conduct analysis of the physicochemical properties of honey samples sold at the free fair of a city in the region of the Legal Amazon, located in the interior of Rondônia. Six samples from different sources were selected to evaluate their physical and chemical properties, including color, water content, hydroxymethylfurfural content (HMF), gray content, lund reaction and lugol reaction. The results were compared to the standards set by Normative Instruction No. 11 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Map) of 2000, using the methodologies proposed by the Adolfo Lutz Institute. The results presented obtained variations between the samples, since the composition of honey differs according to the floral species and region in which it comes from, in addition to their storage and management conditions. It is observed that some of the honey samples, without proper inspection, marketed at free markets in Brazil, do not meet the standards required by Brazilian legislation for honey.