Beehives possess their own distinct microbiomes

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Ecology
• Apiculture

Background:

• Honeybees collect nectar and pollen, creating honey and beebread, which accumulate microbes.
• Beehive microbiomes are influenced by environmental factors and beekeeping methods.
• Understanding beehive bacterial communities is crucial for honeybee health and ecosystem monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate bacterial community composition in honeybee hives.
• To determine if proximity affects bacterial similarity between beehives.
• To identify factors shaping beehive microbiomes.

Main Methods:

• 16S rRNA meta-taxonomic analysis of honey and beebread samples.
• Samples collected from 15 apiaries in southeast England.
• Quantification of bacteria associated with different beehives.

Main Results:

• Significant bacterial diversity observed in honeybee products, including bee commensals, environmental bacteria, and pathogens.
• Bacterial diversity varied significantly between apiaries and even between hives within the same apiary.
• Fluctuations in bee commensals correlated with environmental bacteria and apiculture practices.

Conclusions:

• Each beehive exhibits a distinct microbiome, a unique microbial fingerprint.
• This microbiome is shaped by gathered nectar/pollen, apiary management, and surrounding bacterial communities.
• Beehive microbiomes can function as biosensors for honeybee and environmental health.