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 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.
Dr. Gennaro Di Prisco
IPSP-CNR (Italian National Research Council – Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection)
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
Genetics (genome characterization)
Physiology (resilience and adaptation)
Behaviour (modulated by stress factors)