Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 12, 2025

Empirical, Metagenomic, and Computational Techniques Illuminate the Mechanisms by which Fungicides Compromise Bee Health
Published on: October 9, 2017
Plant-based supplement containing B-complex vitamins can improve bee health and increase colony performance
Nemanja M Jovanovic1, Uros Glavinic1, Biljana Delic2
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
Abstract:
It is common knowledge that nutritive stress resulting from decreased diversity and quality of food, pollution of food sources and beekeeping errors may lead to increased susceptibility of bees to pathogens and pesticides. The dearth of adequate food is frequently compensated with supplements. Thus, this research was aimed to study the effects of the plant-based supplement B + on colony strength (assessed according to open and sealed brood area, honey and pollen/bee bread reserves, and the number of adult bees). In addition, Nosema ceranae spores and viruses were quantified and the level of infestation with Varroa destructor assessed. The experiment was conducted in late summer and early spring. In colonies which were given B + in feed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the parameters of colony strength were noticed in comparison to the control (colonies fed on sugar syrup). Moreover, it was proven that the bees from these colonies had significantly lower (p < 0.05) N. ceranae spore counts, and acute bee paralysis, deformed wing and sacbrood virus loads. Our results suggest that the addition of B + supplement to the colonies provide them with nutrients, contribute to their strengthening, might prevent nutritive stress and increase the success of bees in combating pathogens.
Related Concept Videos
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Vitamins
Biodiversity and Human Values
Mineral, Vitamin and Water Absorption
Plant Hormones
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition

