Why does bee health matter?

A colony of healthy honey bees is like a superorganism—individual bees provide the cohesiveness and interplay among its cells and tissues by delivering pollen and nectar containing nutrients necessary for growth and survival. Better nutrition gives the colony a strong immune system and the means to stay healthy.

Many recent indicators point to a decline in honey bee health. Sick and weakened bees diminish the colony's resiliency, leading to a condition often referred to as colony collapse disorder. Most scientists agree that there are four main stressors affecting the bees: parasites, pathogens, pesticides, and poor nutrition.

Led by Task Force Chair Marla Spivak, the authors of this commentary examine the state of honey bee health, including recent declines in population. They also explain why the public should be concerned. Honey bee pollination "contributes directly to the economy and food security. Human nutrition depends heavily on honey bees."

This science-based paper looks at the stressors threatening colony health. The task force authors then offer concrete ways that bees could be protected:

Integrated pest management approaches
Best management practices such as curtailing pesticide drift and preventing off-label use
Better record keeping and communication about management and practices
Increased availability of high-quality floral nutrition for bees in urban and agricultural settings
Land management activities and policy decisions that are informed through science

Most scientists and beekeepers agree that honey bee health decline is the result of multiple stressors. The authors of this paper believe that solutions will come by increasing pollinator foraging opportunities and enriching the natural habitat. "Careful and appropriate pesticide use, conservation, and sustainable agriculture practices will help ensure the availability of the pollinators needed to secure a stable food supply."

This CAST Commentary and its companion Ag quickCAST are available online at the CAST website, along with many of CAST's other scientific publications.

Source: CAST