Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Effect of peak bloom timing on the transmission of the bumble bee pathogen Crithidia bombi (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae).

Environmental entomology·2026
Same author

Pangenomes of the human oral microbiome.

Microbiology resource announcements·2026
Same author

Spatial ecology of the <i>Capnocytophaga</i> genus in the human oral cavity.

Microbiology spectrum·2026
Same author

Effects of a 1-h cycling trial on post-exercise plasma metabolomics after 2-week supplementation with dairy products-based, high-flavonoid exercise recovery drink: a randomised controlled crossover trial.

The British journal of nutrition·2026
Same author

Shorter seasonal snow cover poses a risk to solitary bee populations in a mountainous ecosystem.

Proceedings. Biological sciences·2026
Same author

Chromosome-level genome assembly of trypanosomatid parasite Lotmaria passim links chromosome duplication and divergence with infection of honey bees.

BMC genomics·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2025

Empirical, Metagenomic, and Computational Techniques Illuminate the Mechanisms by which Fungicides Compromise Bee Health
08:36

Empirical, Metagenomic, and Computational Techniques Illuminate the Mechanisms by which Fungicides Compromise Bee Health

Published on: October 9, 2017

9.8K

Comparative analysis of 3 pollen sterilization methods for feeding bumble bees.

James P Strange1,2, Amber D Tripodi3, Craig Huntzinger1

  • 1USDA-ARS-Pollinating Insect Biology Management and Systematics Research Unit, Logan, UT 84341, United States.

Journal of Economic Entomology
|March 17, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Ethylene oxide (EO) fumigation effectively sterilizes honey bee-collected pollen, reducing pathogen risks like deformed wing virus (DWV) and chalkbrood. This method retains pollen palatability and supports bumble bee development for commercial rearing.

Keywords:
chalkbrooddeformed wing virusethylene oxideirradiationozone

More Related Videos

Methods for Comparing Nutrients in Beebread Made by Africanized and European Honey Bees and the Effects on Hemolymph Protein Titers
08:42

Methods for Comparing Nutrients in Beebread Made by Africanized and European Honey Bees and the Effects on Hemolymph Protein Titers

Published on: March 17, 2015

10.7K
A 3D Printed Pollen Trap for Bumble Bee Bombus Hive Entrances
07:19

A 3D Printed Pollen Trap for Bumble Bee Bombus Hive Entrances

Published on: July 9, 2020

5.4K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Aug 6, 2025

Empirical, Metagenomic, and Computational Techniques Illuminate the Mechanisms by which Fungicides Compromise Bee Health
08:36

Empirical, Metagenomic, and Computational Techniques Illuminate the Mechanisms by which Fungicides Compromise Bee Health

Published on: October 9, 2017

9.8K
Methods for Comparing Nutrients in Beebread Made by Africanized and European Honey Bees and the Effects on Hemolymph Protein Titers
08:42

Methods for Comparing Nutrients in Beebread Made by Africanized and European Honey Bees and the Effects on Hemolymph Protein Titers

Published on: March 17, 2015

10.7K
A 3D Printed Pollen Trap for Bumble Bee Bombus Hive Entrances
07:19

A 3D Printed Pollen Trap for Bumble Bee Bombus Hive Entrances

Published on: July 9, 2020

5.4K

Area of Science:

  • Entomology
  • Plant Science
  • Veterinary Science

Background:

  • Commercial bumble bee rearing relies on honey bee-collected pollen, which can transmit pathogens like deformed wing virus (DWV) and Ascosphaera apis (chalkbrood).
  • The origin of honey bee pollen is often unknown, posing risks to bumble bee health and commercial operations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of three sterilization methods (gamma irradiation, ozone, ethylene oxide) for honey bee-collected pollen.
  • To determine if sterilization treatments impact pollen quality, palatability, and suitability for rearing bumble bees.

Main Methods:

  • Honey bee pollen was intentionally contaminated with DWV and A. apis.
  • Pollen samples underwent gamma irradiation (GI), ozone fumigation (OZ), or ethylene oxide fumigation (EO).
  • Sterilization efficacy was assessed by testing A. apis spore viability, viral presence (PCR), bacterial growth, and bumble bee palatability.

Main Results:

  • Ethylene oxide (EO) and gamma irradiation (GI) demonstrated superior pathogen suppression compared to ozone (OZ).
  • EO treatment exhibited the highest sterilizing capacity under commercial conditions.
  • EO sterilization maintained pollen palatability and supported bumble bee development effectively.

Conclusions:

  • Ethylene oxide fumigation is a promising method for sterilizing honey bee-collected pollen for bumble bee rearing.
  • EO treatment effectively reduces pathogen load while preserving essential pollen quality for bee nutrition.
  • Sterilization ensures a safer and more reliable pollen supply for commercial bumble bee production.