Biology

Why should we study bee biology?

Honey bees are pivotal as primary pollinators for a diverse range of crops. Beyond its agricultural significance, honey bees and other pollinators are an essential constituent of the entomofauna, actively contributing to the reproduction of  many wild plant species. It is crucial to emphasise the urgent need for extensive research in bee biology to address the pressing challenges faced by these remarkable insects. If left unaddressed, these environmental challenges could have profound and far-reaching consequences for global food production due to their considerable impact on pollination and food security. Consequently, a deep dive into bee biology forms the cornerstone for acquiring in-depth insights and, ideally, developing effective solutions to safeguard these indispensable pollinators.

Our approach

Our planned activities are centred on pollinators genetics, physiology and behaviour, including honeybees, bumblebees, stingless bees, Osmia, and other Apoidea. More specifically, we intend to organise a symposium that will emphasise emerging research topics. We aim to integrate these symposium with other Apimondia Commissions, ensuring the delivery of quality research insights to the global beekeeping community.

President of the Apimondia Scientific Commission on Bee Biology

Dr. Gennaro Di Prisco

IPSP-CNR (Italian National Research Council – Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection)

Other Comission members

Dr. Cecilia Costa

Council for Agricultural Research and Economics – Agriculture and Environment, Italy

Dr. Raquel Teixeira de Sousa

Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK

Rui Gonçalves

Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK

Topics

Genetics (genome characterization)

  • Conservation and selection of subspecies
  • Breeding and artificial insemination
  • Cryopreservation of germplasm

Physiology (resilience and adaptation)

  • Temperature/humidity impact
  • Nutrition value of the bee food
  • Nutritional landscape modulating bee health

Behaviour (modulated by stress factors)

  • Learning, memory and cognitive activity
  • Flowers/pollinators interaction
  • Artificial intelligence applied to pollination services