Diet Supplementation Helps Honey Bee Colonies in Combat Infections by Enhancing their Hygienic Behaviour

Abstract The hygienic behavior in honey bees is a complex polygenic trait that serves as natural defense mechanism against bacterial and fungal brood diseases Varroa destructor mites infesting cells. aim of this study was to evaluate the effect dietary amino acids vitamins supplement “BEEWELL AminoPlus” on Apis mellifera colonies combating microsporidial viral infections. experiment performed during one-year period 40 alloted five groups: one supplemented infected with Nosema ceranae four viruses (Deformed wing virus - DWV, Acute bee paralysis ABPV, Chronic CBPV Sacbrood – SBV), three not supplemented, but N. and/ or viruses, negative control group. Beside l isted pathogens, trypanosomatids were also monitored all groups. induced significant consistent increase spite effects significantly consistently decreased behavior, threatened survival colonies. tested showed anti- effect, since infection level declined only Among groups, remained Lotmaria passim -free throughout study. In conclusion, diet supplementation enhances helps them fight most common infections bees.