Impact of beneficial bacteria supplementation on the gut microbiota, colony development and productivity of Apis mellifera L.D. Alberoni Related information1Department of Agricultural Science, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, 40127 Bologna, Italy
, L. Baffoni Related information1Department of Agricultural Science, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, 40127 Bologna, Italy
, F. Gaggìa Related information1Department of Agricultural Science, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, 40127 Bologna, Italy
*Corresponding author:
francesca.gaggia@unibo.it, P.M. Ryan Related information2Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
3APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
, K. Murphy Related information2Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
3APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
, P.R. Ross Related information2Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
3APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
, C. Stanton Related information2Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
3APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland
, D. Di Gioia Related information1Department of Agricultural Science, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, 40127 Bologna, Italy
*Corresponding author:
francesca.gaggia@unibo.itBeneficial Microbes: 0 (0) - Pages: 1 - 10
https://doi.org/10.3920/BM2017.0061http://www.wageningenacademic.com/doi/a ... M2017.0061AbstractHoney bees are important pollinators of several crops and ecosystems, having a great ecological and economic value. In Europe, the restricted use of chemicals and therapeutic agents in the beekeeping sector has stimulated the search for natural alternatives with a special focus on gut symbionts. The modulation of the gut microbiota has been recognised as a practical and successful approach in the entomological field for the management of insect-related problems. To date, only a few studies have investigated the effect of bacterial supplementation on the health status of colonies, colony productivity and gut symbionts. To this purpose, a preparation of sugar syrup containing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli isolated from bee gut was sprayed on the frames of an apiary located in open field once a week for four weeks. Treated and control hives were monitored for two months for brood extension, honey and pollen harvest. The presence of beneficial gut microorganisms within bee gut was investigated with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and next generation sequencing. The administered bacteria led to a significant increase of brood population (46.2%), pollen (53.4%) and harvestable honey in honey supers (59.21%). Analysis of the gut microbiota on the new generation of bees in treated hives showed an increase in relative abundance of Acetobacteraceae and Bifidobacterium spp., which are known to be involved in bee nutrition and protection.
Cogito ergo summ.
Ich summe, also bien ich.