A groundbreaking food source has been introduced that can sustain honey bee colonies indefinitely, even without natural pollen. Researchers at Washington State University (WSU) and APIX Biosciences NV in Belgium have developed a nutritionally rich diet for honey bees, which mirrors the artificial diets used for livestock and pets.
The innovation addresses the growing issue of poor nutrition plaguing honey bee survival, caused by habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate extremes, and poor nutrition. Trials showed that colonies under nutritional stress thrived on this specially designed diet, with significant improvements in survival and growth rates.
According to study co-author Brandon Hopkin, “Honey bees are generalists and need variety in their diet to survive. This new food source provides a critical strategy against rising colony collapse.” The study revealed that a specific nutrient called isofucosterol plays a crucial role in bee survival, with its removal causing severe effects.
The researchers tested the diet on colonies in blueberry and sunflower fields, where poor pollen quality stresses colonies. The results showed that colonies receiving the complete diet maintained higher survival and growth rates, while those on commercial substitutes or no feed declined sharply.
This breakthrough has significant implications for global food security, as honey bees serve as vital pollinators for agriculture. With annual colony losses remaining alarmingly high, this innovation could reshape pollination practices, reduce losses, and strengthen the food systems that depend on honey bees. The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, with plans to make the product available to purchase in the U.S. by mid-2026.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-pollen-replacing-food-for-honey-bees-bringing-survival-hope