Honey Production Research Articles

Analysis of the Use of Gen Z Terminology on the Purchase of Fashion Trends of Jims Honey Products on the Tiktok Platform

The study aims to find out the level of use of the term gen z in the TikTok platform towards the purchase of Jims Honey fashion products. The research was also made to find out what words Jims Honey uses in their fashion content on TikTok. The information in this study was obtained by listening to words or terms written on TikTok social media videos. The method used in the study is the Qualitative Descriptive Method. Information processing is carried out using documentation on the TikTok platform. This study was also made to determine the influence of the use of the term gen z or slank language on costumer purchase decisions. The results of this study show that the level of use of the term gen z in the TikTok platform increases the attractiveness and interest of consumers or costumers in purchasing fashion trends on Jims Honey products.

The health profile of Lithuanian beekeepers and use of bee products for health purposes

Abstract Background There is little research about the health profile and attitude of beekeepers themselves who are the main suppliers of apitherapy products to the general public. The study aims to describe the health profile of Lithuanian bee keepers and identify their attitudes towards use of bee products for health purposes. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out from November 2023 to February 2024 among beekeepers in Lithuania. A representative sample of N = 369 (5% margin of error) has been enrolled in the study. A mixed-model approach was used for data collection. Research instrument consisted of a two-part questionnaire covering socio-demographic variables and questions on the use of bee products. Results 369 respondents participated in the study: 73% (n = 270) males and 27% (n = 99) of females. The mean age was 57.8 years (SD = 14.4). Beekeepers assessed their health as good and only 2% assessed it as bad, while the Lithuanian rate is 12%. 95% of the respondents used bee products for health purposes, 5% did not use at all. Large beekeepers (>100 beehives) were more likely not to choose bee products (p < 0.001). No correlation was found between chronic diseases and consumption of bee products, except for diabetes mellitus (p = 0.001). The most common reasons for choosing apitherapy products included respiratory (62%), digestive (31%) diseases, immunity boosting (77%), dermatological conditions (53%). Propolis was pointed out in the survey as being used by 74%. Elder beekeepers (>65 years) were found to be more likely to use propolis (p < 0.001). They were also more likely to use it for prevention (p < 0.001) and in case of toothache (p = 0.001). Conclusions The majority of beekeepers use bee products for health purposes. The most common reasons for consuming honey and other bee products are immunity boosting and colds. It was found that beekeepers over 65 years of age are more likely to use propolis for prevention and toothache treatment. Key messages • Although the consumption of bee products is high among beekeepers, elder generation and owners of smaller apiaries are more likely to use bee products for health purposes. • Chronic diseases are not associated with consumption of bee products, except for beekeepers with diabetes mellitus who do not consume it.

SIMPLE REARER AND YOUNG REVOLUTIONER

Insects are known as one of the most successful class of animals on earth, being a major player in the ecosystem. The economic importance of insects encompasses both their negative and positive importance. Often found on leaves, flowers and stems of crop plants, insects cause both direct (eat the leaves, fruits or vegetables of crop plants and many times too, do destroy the crops prior to fruiting) and indirect damage (transmit infections; viral, bacterial and fungal) to crops. Some insects are predaceous, they feed upon and destroy a large number of injurious insects. Stagomantis, a mantis is voracious, it feeds on flies, grasshoppers and caterpillars, some of which are injurious to crops. The larvae and adults of Chilomenes, a lady-bird beetle, feed on aphids which infect cotton plants. Novius, a lady-bird bettle, destroys scale worms which are pests of orange and lemon trees. Epicauta is a blister beetle, it deposits eggs where locusts occur, the larvae on hatching enter egg capsules of locusts and eat up masses of eggs. Calasoma, a ground beetle preys upon many kinds of lepidopterous larvae which destroy cereals and cotton. KEY WORDS: Honey bees, honey products, venom, royal jelly, pollen, propolis

Identifying and modeling the impact of neonicotinoid exposure on honey bee colony profit

Abstract Pollination by the European honey bee, Apis mellifera, is essential for the production of many crops, including highbush blueberries (Vaccinum corymbosum). To understand the impact of agrochemicals (specifically, neonicotinoids, a class of synthetic, neurotoxic insecticides) on these pollinators, we conducted a field study during the blueberry blooms of 2020 and 2021 in British Columbia (B.C.). Forty experimental honey bee colonies were placed in the Fraser Valley: half of the colonies were located within 1.5 km of highbush blueberry fields (“near” colonies) and half were located more than 1.5 km away (“far” colonies). We calculated risk quotients for these compounds using their chronic lethal dietary dose (LDD50) and median lethal concentration (LC50). Pesticide risk was similar between colonies located near and far from blueberry forage, suggesting that toxicity risks are regionally ubiquitous. Two systemic neonicotinoid insecticides, clothianidin and thiamethoxam, were found at quantities that exceeded chronic international levels of concern. We developed a profit model for a pollinating beekeeper in B.C. that was parameterized by: detected pesticide levels; lethal and sublethal bee health; and economic data. For colonies exposed to neonicotinoid pesticides in and out of the blueberry forage radii, there were economic consequences from colony mortality and sublethal effects such as a loss of honey production and compromised colony health. Further, replacing dead colonies with local bees was more profitable than replacing them with imported packages, illustrating that beekeeping management selection of local options can have a positive effect on overall profit.

Examining the Use of Polyphenols and Sugars for Authenticating Honey on the U.S. Market: A Comprehensive Review

The rise in honey production and imports into the United States necessitates the need for robust methods to authenticate honey origin and ensure consumer safety. This review addresses the scope of honey authentication, with a specific focus on the exploration of polyphenols and sugar markers to evaluate honeys in the U.S. In the absence of comprehensive federal standards for honey in the United States, challenges related to authenticity and adulteration persist. Examining the global landscape of honey authentication research, we observed a significant gap in the literature pertaining to U.S. honeys. While honeys from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia have been extensively studied, the decentralized nature of the U.S. honey market and the lack of comprehensive standards have limited the number of investigations conducted. This review consolidates the findings of global honey studies and emphasizes the need for further research studies on honey authenticity markers within the United States. We also explore previous studies on the U.S. that focused on identifying potential markers for honey authenticity. However, the inherent variability in polyphenol profiles and the lack of extensive studies of the sugar contents of honey on a global scale pose challenges to establishing universal markers. We conclude that by addressing these challenges, the field of research on polyphenols and sugars in honey can move toward more reliable and standardized methods. This advancement will enhance the use of polyphenols and other constituents like sugars as authenticity markers, ultimately benefiting both researchers and the honey industry in ensuring honey quality.

Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Nepalese Honey

Nepal has a variety of honey and bee products that are dependent on floral sources available in a particular geographical region. The purpose of this study was to compare the physicochemical and antibacterial properties for the quality analysis of different honey samples. Honey samples were gathered from eight different districts of Nepal, which were assessed for their color, ash content, moisture, electrical conductivity, pH, acidity, formaldehyde content, protein concentration, reducing sugar, total reducing sugar, sucrose content, and antibacterial properties. The color and protein were determined using a colorimeter, ash content using a muffle furnace at 550°C, moisture using a refractometer, and electrical conductivity using a conductivity meter. Acidity, formaldehyde, reducing sugar, total reducing sugar, and sucrose content were determined by the titrimetric method while the antibacterial potential was determined by the agar well diffusion method. The results indicated that six honey samples were dark amber and others were light amber in color. The mean values were found ranging from 18.4+0 to 20.8+0.69% for moisture, 0.05+0.04 to 1.35+0.26% for ash, 0.03+0.01 to 1184+5.26 μs/cm for electrical conductivity, 4.5+0.06 to 7.47 +0.06 for pH, 90 to 137 meq/kg for acidity, 1 to 10 ml/kg for formaldehyde content, 0.28 to 0.73 mg/ml for protein concentration, 51.54% to 69.44% for reducing sugar, 65.35 to 80% for total reducing sugar, and 1.31 to 13.52% for sucrose. Out of the eight honey samples, four were able to show antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 while honey from Sindhupalchowk and Baitadi was also active against S. epidermidis ATCC 12228, and no other samples showed inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115. The honey sample from Lamjung was able to exhibit the highest antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 at 1250 mg/ml concentration, while the lowest antimicrobial activity was shown by the sample from Chitwan at 750 mg/ml concentration against S. aureus, thus reflecting the significance of using honey as a natural remedy. This study indicated the essence of quantitative assessment of honey samples in terms of physicochemical parameters to ensure the quality of honey samples.

Consumers’ Perceptions and Behaviors Regarding Honey Purchases and Expectations on Traceability and Sustainability in Italy

Traceability is a cornerstone of sustainable honey production and consumption. Honey fraud and a lack of traceability have been recently highlighted by the European Commission. Innovative systems aimed at guaranteeing food safety ’from farm to fork’ and improved controls are highly recommended. Within the framework of the BPRACTICES project, part of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, and the ERA-Net SusAn initiative—focused on Sustainable Animal Production Systems—an advanced traceability system has been developed. This system utilizes QR code and radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, along with a user-friendly web application, to facilitate direct interactions between producers and consumers. Despite existing research, studies on the information needs of Italian consumers regarding honey and its traceability remain limited. Understanding these needs is vital for creating effective communication strategies that enhance consumer satisfaction and trust. This study aims to identify the needs of Italian consumers’ honey during the purchasing and consumption decisions. To explore consumer perceptions, behaviors, expectations, and needs regarding honey, we employed diverse social research methodologies, including a quantitative online survey, paper-and-pencil interviews, and focus groups. The results of this study indicate a robust demand for more information on honey’s origin, production processes, and beekeeping practices, aligning with the recent EU Directive 2024/1438, which mandates clear labeling. Italian consumers would be willing to pay a premium for honey that offers detailed information about production practices and transparency. The positive reception of QR code technology by consumers suggests a growing openness to digital tools that enhance transparency and access to information. Ultimately, this research emphasizes the need for the beekeeping sector to adopt sustainable practices, improve traceability systems, and actively engage with consumers to foster trust and ensure long-term viability in the honey market. By addressing these information needs, the sector can align itself with increasing consumer demand for quality, sustainability, and transparency.

Development of a methodology for assessing economically useful signs of hyssop

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) refers to valuable spicy-aromatic, essential oil and medicinal crops and is widely used in traditional and folk medicine, perfumery, cosmetology, cooking and food industry. The main directions of selection of hyssop are increasing productivity, obtaining forms adapted to industrial cultivation technology, resistance to pests and diseases, valuable chemical and biochemical composition, different terms of onset of economic suitability, honey productivity, zoning (suitability for cultivation in specific soil and climatic conditions). The article presents the results of studies on the evaluation of the breeding material of hyssop by a complex of economically useful morphological, morphometric and phenological traits, including a new zoned author’s variety of the Belarusian State Agricultural Academy Zaveya. As a result of the research, the methodology for testing the distinctiveness, uniformity and stability of hyssop has been improved, which makes it possible to optimize the breeding process of this crop and conduct an extended assessment of the identification of varieties during state variety testing. The national methodology for testing for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability provides an opportunity for breeders to pay attention to the relevant characteristic and distinctive features of hyssop, which will contribute to the effective conduct of further breeding work to create forms and varieties with various economically valuable properties.

Evaluating maturity indicators in stingless bee honey: The role of soluble solids over pot condition in harvesting standards

In stingless bee honey (SBH) harvesting, beekeepers often collect honey without accurately assessing its maturation stage, which can impact its physicochemical diversity. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of storage pot condition on SBH maturity by examining honey from open pots (OP) and closed pots (CP). It is commonly assumed that honey in OP is immature and honey in CP is mature. Our physicochemical analyses, including moisture content, soluble solids (°Brix), sugars, and aliphatic organic acids (AOA), tested this hypothesis. The findings revealed that 40 % of SBH samples from OP were mature, challenging the initial assumption. Furthermore, AOA analysis showed that gluconic, acetic, and lactic acids are predominant in SBH, but no direct correlation between AOA concentration and honey maturity was observed. Based on these results, we conclude that OP and CP are not reliable indicators of SBH maturity. This was a preliminary study, providing results that can be further investigated through the validation of the applied methodology and with a larger number of samples. Nevertheless, this study is an important step towards standardizing SBH and assisting producers during the harvest, ultimately optimizing the collection process. To standardize SBH maturity, we recommend using °Brix values, with values above 55 suggesting mature honey with a moisture content below 40 g 100 g⁻¹. Implementing °Brix measurements can improve harvesting practices, enhance honey quality, reduce bee stress, and increase both honey production and market availability.

Phylogenomic insights into the worldwide evolutionary relationships of the stingless bees (Apidae, Meliponini)

Stingless bees (tribe Meliponini) are remarkable for their characteristically large social colonies, their capacity to produce honey and other useful products, and their morphological and behavioral diversity. They have a disjunct pan-tropical distribution, primarily occurring in warm and humid environments in the Neotropical, Afrotropical, and Indo-Australasian regions. Even though phylogenetic hypotheses have been proposed for Meliponini based on morphology and molecular data, many questions are still unsolved regarding the evolutionary relationships and systematics of the tribe. In this contribution, we present a large phylogenomic dataset comprising over 2,500 ultra-conserved element (UCE) loci sequenced for 153 species of Meliponini, representing all known genera of stingless bees. The genera Camargoia, Paratrigonoides, Plectoplebeia, Cleptotrigona, Ebaiotrigona, Papuatrigona, Pariotrigona, Platytrigona, and Sahulotrigona were included in molecular phylogenetic analyses for the first time. Concatenated and species-tree analyses were performed using different partitioning strategies and summary methods. We performed gene-genealogy interrogation (GGI) on several recalcitrant nodes to resolve discordances among recovered tree topologies. Results were mostly consistent among analyses, recovering three main lineages of Meliponini congruent with the biogeographic domains to which they are associated. Within major clades, discordances were found in relation to previous works. The genus Frieseomelitta was recovered as paraphyletic in relation to Trichotrigona, and the genus Lepidotrigona was revealed to be composed of two independent lineages. Even though concatenated and weighted ASTRAL analyses were mostly effective in recovering the relationships favored by GGI, they retrieved different results in relation to the phylogenetic placements of Oxytrigona and Cephalotrigona. The most favored hypothesis in GGI analyses was not found in any other analyses, being more congruent with morphological evidence and highlighting the relevance of exploring the support given to alternative hypotheses through topological tests. Recent advances in our capacity to generate molecular sequences from old specimens using modern sequencing methods allowed for unparalleled sampling across genera, yielding a backbone for the phylogenetic relationships of stingless bees, which will further investigations into their systematics and evolution.

The health and economic dimensions of honey production in Imo state, Nigeria

A study was conducted on honey production in Imo state of Nigeria, with a focus on the health and economic dimensions of the industry. The research was carried out using a multi-stage sampling procedure, and a sample size of 80 honey-producer respondents was selected. Data was collected through a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that honey producers in the area had a mean age of 51 years, 11 years of education, 21 years of farming/bee-keeping experience, and a household size of 6 persons. The average annual household income was €709.10, with a farm size/number of hives kept of 72 hives per farmer and a quantity of honey produced per annum of 145 litres. The cost and returns analysis showed that the cost of production of honey per litre and profit per litre were €0.40 and €2.40, respectively. The study also determined the nutritional uses and health benefits of honey (e.g. healing wounds, treating ulcers, controlling sore throats and colds, boosting immunity, and as an antibacterial agent). Several factors, including uncontrolled bush burning, bee forage shortage, deforestation, theft of beehives, colony absconding, and poor agricultural practices which strongly constrain honey production has been observed. It is concluded that honey production is a very profitable venture with numerous uses and health benefits and venturing youths into honey production as a source of livelihood should be encouraged, and extension education should be tailored to technologies in beekeeping and the identification of genuine honey to minimize the success of adulteration, among others.

Kelayakan Usaha Madu Berbasis Eduwisata Lebah Tanpa Sengat Di Pondok Pesantren Kabupaten Lebong

The demand for honey has increased from year to year, based on BPS data, the number of honey imports has increased significantly every year, however, according to the Indonesian Beekeeping Association, honey consumption in Indonesia is still low per year, namely 15-20 grams/capita/year. The Nurul Qur'an Islamic boarding school in Lebong Regency has a stingless bee educational tour to provide education about bees and honey directly as a promotion to visitors. The aim of this research is (1) to determine the feasibility of various non-financial aspects of an edutourism-based honey business through market aspects, technical aspects, legal aspects, management aspects, social, economic and cultural and environmental aspects. (2) to measure the financial feasibility analysis without a training package and homestay facilities (scenario 1) compared to an edutourism-based honey business with a training package and homestay facilities (scenario 2) using investment criteria, namely NPV, Net B/C, IRR, and Payback Period, . Data collection methods include surveys, interviews and document studies, the sampling technique uses purposive sampling. The results of the analysis of non-financial aspects which include market aspects, technical aspects, management and legal aspects, social and economic aspects, and environmental aspects show that this business is feasible to run. The results of the financial analysis seen from the calculation of Payback Period, IRR, NPV and Net B/C show that scenario 1 is more profitable compared to scenario 2. Then for the results of sensitivity analysis using switching values product prices and honey production are more sensitive compared to total fixed costs. costs) and variable costs, so it is recommended to maintain product availability and quality and improve marketing with various effective approaches.

Bee–plant interactions identified by pollen analysis of honey from the stingless bee Tetragonisca fiebrigi (Schwarz, 1938) in southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Pollen analysis of honey reveals information about bee–plant interactions and networks that, in some cases, are lost through mere observation of bees on flowers. This information on bee–plant interactions is valuable for the protection of bees and vegetal speciesand pollination of crop plants. To provideinsights into bee–plant interactions, palynological evidence was developedfromthe collection of honey. The objective of this study is to determine the plants that the bees (Tetragonisca fiebrigi) visit for honey production in southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul). For this, 24 honey samples were collectedfrom five regions of northeastern Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. A total of 64 pollen types were found in the honey samples fromT.fiebrigi in southern Brazil, mainly from trees. The most common pollen types in the samples were from Schinus terebinthifolia, Schizolobium parahyba, Handroanthus sp., Morus nigra, and Rosa cf. grandiflora. The pollen grains show a high diversity of plants, including those with important ecological functions.

A descriptive study of the biometrics of the stingless bee Lepidotrigona flavibasis in northern Thailand

Stingless bees play a crucial role in tropical and subtropical ecosystems, contributing significantly to biodiversity and pollination services. The species Lepidotrigona flavibasis (Cockerell 1929) (Apidae: Meliponini), found in Southeast Asia, has attracted attention for its unique nesting habits and valuable honey production. The objective of this study was to compare colony size and productivity between different nesting cavities. Twelve colonies of L. flavibasis were collected in Chiang Mai province, Thailand, to study biometrical data. Six colonies were housed in hollowed logs, previously occupied by Apis cerana, and six in bamboo cavities. The colony ages ranged from 8 months to 5 years. This study found that log cavity colonies had larger populations and more brood cells than bamboo cavity colonies. Results show that log cavity colonies had an average number of workers (3,842.6 ± 2036), drones (288.2 ± 511), brood cells (5,914.5 ± 3026), honey pots (290.5 ± 210), and pollen pots (96.8 ± 90). The bamboo cavity colonies were found to have an average number of workers (1,628.2 ± 575), drones (64 ± 58), brood cells (2,333.7 ± 1875), honey pots (127.3 ± 95), and pollen pots (94.8 ± 57). Overall, the log cavity colonies demonstrated greater colony size and productivity regarding adult bees and brood.

Does cluster beekeeping improve the efficiency of honey production in participant households in southwestern Ethiopia?

The purpose of this study is to understand the determinants of participation in cluster beekeeping and its impact on the technical efficiency of honey production in southwestern Ethiopia. To this end, cross-sectional data from a household survey conducted in 2023 from 385 sample households in 3 districts were used for the analysis. An endogenous switching regression model with a probit model was used to analyze the impact of clustering beekeepers on the technical efficacy of honey production. The results of the study showed that honey production was significantly and favorably affected by the total number of hives, type of hive, and distance to an accessible forest. As indicated by the average technical efficiency (TE) at 72 %, the actual quantity of production differed from the desired production volume. The results show that the gender of the household head, access to training, access to credit, market information, frequency of extension contacts, and age of the household head are the most important determinants of households' decision to participate in group beekeeping. In addition, the result of the endogenous switching regression (ESR) model shows that participation in group beekeeping has a positive and significant effect on honey production efficiency as measured by technical efficiency (TE). Farmers who participated in cluster beekeeping were technically less inefficient than those who did not participate. Therefore, policies and development strategies that encourage further participation in cluster beekeeping could improve the efficiency of honey production of smallholder farmers in Jimma Zone, southwestern Ethiopia.

Infectious diseases of bees and their impact on the vital activity and honey productivity of honey bee colonies in Ukraine

The article presents the results of the study of the mass mortality of honey bee colonies in different apiaries from different regions of Ukraine. The epizootic status of 102 honey bee colonies was studied and 607 samples of pathological material were analyzed in 2021–2023. According to the results of the monitoring of the epizootic situation in Ukrainian beekeeping it was found that the share of parasitic diseases (54.4%, 74.0%, 69.3%) constantly prevails over infectious diseases. It was noted that the incidence of varroosis in honey bees (34.4%, 71.4%, 41.47%) remains the highest among other diseases. Against the background of severe damage to honey bee colonies by the Varroa mite, infectious diseases began to appear in an atypical form, which significantly complicates their differential diagnosis. A probable increase in the incidence of nosemosis in adult bees and the detection of Nosema cysts in the intestines of bees, both in spring and summer, and the detection of cysts in honey indicate the spread of another pathogen, Nosema cerana, which causes nosemosis in the summer season. The reason for the periodic mass death of bees in Ukraine is the combination of a high number of parasitic Varroa mites in the honey bee colony with the presence of bee infection with microsporidia Nosema spp. These pathogens negatively affect the immunity of the honey bee colony, and cause exacerbation of latent infections in bees, which leads to a decrease in the number of honey bee colonies, weakening their viability and reducing the quality of honey products

Causal network linking honey bee (Apis mellifera) winter mortality to temperature variations and Varroa mite density

Winter season is a critical time for honey bees (Apis mellifera) colonies when individual mortalities may lead to total colony losses or diminish productivity in subsequent seasons. A deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of winter mortality is required. In this study, we analyzed winter (November–March) individual bee mortality in an apiary in Central Europe from 1991 to 2023. We observed consistency in mortality times among years, but also some systematic departures from the shared trend. We distinguished four clusters of year-specific mortality trajectories. However, we found no statistically significant differences in means of spring (March–May), autumn (October), winter (November–March) temperatures, or autumn Varroa destructor density among clusters. Nevertheless, our insights into the dynamics of individual bee mortality may be important for determining critical moments during wintering when implementing additional protective measures could prove beneficial. Hypothesis-driven path analysis indicated causal links in our study system, including both direct and indirect influences. The density of V. destructor in autumn was positively related to temperature, especially in the preceding spring, but to a lesser extent also in autumn. Increased winter mortality was related to lower winter temperatures and a higher mite infestation in autumn. We found no significant effects of individual winter mortality on honey harvests in subsequent seasons. Honey harvest was determined by bee abundance in spring, and the latter, unexpectedly, was not related to winter mortality. Our study adds to accumulating evidence of the major role of weather and climatic conditions in the resilience of honey bee colonies and improves our understanding of mortality processes. We highlighted the importance of causative factors, especially seasonal temperatures and V. destructor density, and their potential as predictive indicators of individual winter mortality, bee colony fate, and honey productivity.

A LITTLE KNOWN BEE PRODUCT WITH THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME A FUNCTIONAL FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT: APILARNIL

Beekeeping plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural sustainability and the economy through pollination and the production of honey and other bee products. Among these products is Apilarnil, a less known substance derived from drone larvae that provides health benefits. Apilarnil is rich in essential nutrients and has been reported to have favourable effects on the reproductive system, autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular health. In addition to its natural medicinal properties, its nutritional and pharmaceutical potential is increasingly recognised, leading to the commercial production of Apilarnil. This bee product is very important for health as it contains amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, hormones and antioxidants. Apilarnil is recognised as a complete food and is included in various food products. Research emphasizes Apilarnil's androgenic, estrogenic, antioxidant and immune system boosting effects. Animal studies indicate its potential to improve reproductive health, reduce stress and promote growth and development. It also shows promise in protecting against oxidative stress and improving general health. In this review, information on apilarnil and its uses is compiled.

An approach to protected designation of origin (PDO) for bee honey utilizing the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)

ABSTRACT A methodology designed to monitor vegetation changes over multiple years in the vicinity of an apiary is presented. This approach relies on the utilization of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The findings of the analysis substantiate the viability of effectively tracking vegetation changes in a cost-efficient manner, thereby facilitating the determination of suitable geographical locations for obtaining protected designation of origin (PDO) status for bee honey. In this study, an apiary located in Malta was specifically examined for the production of Maltese autumn honey, which is harvested during December. The results conclusively showed that the vegetation surrounding the apiary remained highly stable between 2018 and 2022, providing strong evidence in support of the PDO status for the honey under examination. The proposed methodology is expected to greatly assist in the comprehensive evaluation of geographic areas for potential PDO logo. The detailed steps have been outlined, and additional studies utilizing diverse geographical regions and various types of honey are encouraged.

Evaluation of Some Pollen Substitutes on Productivity of Honey bee Colonies (Apis cerana F.)

This study examined the effects of different pollen substitutes on the performance of honey bee colonies in Assam, India. Natural Corbicula pollen (CPF) and six artificial diets were compared with a sugar syrup control for 15 days. CPF consistently outperformed other treatments in all parameters. Regarding the honey area, the CPF reached 22.63 cm2 and 22.65 cm2 in 2021 and 2022, respectively, while in the control group it was 15.61 cm2 and 15.72 cm2, respectively. CPF also had the highest pollen area (15.59 cm² and 15.68 cm²) and brood area (20.19 cm² and 20.35 cm²) in both years. Colony strength was maximized in the CPF (7.55 and 7.59 for frames 2021 and 2022). Among artificial foods, OUAT-PS (soy flour, honey, yeast, multivitamin) generally performed best, with no significant difference from CPF in colony strength. All pollen substitutes stimulated honey production and brood development with foods rich in proteins, vitamins and amino acids, and significantly improved colony performance compared to controls. These results can help beekeepers select appropriate additional nutrients in times of pollen shortage.