Honey bees are threatened!

Stating that factors such as the loss of natural environment and the expansion of urbanization play an important role in the decline of honey bees, experts say that climate change affects the bee population by causing negative effects on plant diversity. Noting that the decline of honey bees can lead to negative effects on food security and ecosystem balance, experts emphasize that one of the main reasons contributing to the decline of honey bee populations is the widespread use and exposure to pesticides.

Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services Medical and Aromatic Plants Program Head Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman evaluated the issue of bee deaths and expressed what needs to be done to prevent the decrease in honey bees.

The widespread use of pesticides is causing honey bee populations to decline!

Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman stated that "One of the main reasons for the decline in honey bee populations is the widespread use of pesticides and exposure to them," and Kaman continued her remarks as follows: "Especially insecticides such as neonicotinoids weaken the immune systems of bees. It affects reproductive success by impairing navigation abilities, which can lead to colony losses and population decline over time. In addition to neonicotinoids, other pesticides (chemicals used in agriculture) such as organophosphates and pyrethroids also pose a risk to honey bees. It has been reported that these chemicals change the electric field of plants, and accordingly, the way bees perceive flowers changes. Moreover, these chemicals can have acute or non-lethal effects on bees."

Loss of natural environment is the reason for the reduction!

Explaining that the loss of natural environment, the expansion of urbanization and monocultured agricultural areas also cause the decrease in honey bees, Tuğba Kaman stated that "Honey bees rely on various nectar and pollen sources throughout the year to meet their nutritional needs. The loss of these various feed sources limits the availability of essential nutrients, weakening honey bee colonies and making them more vulnerable to other stressors."

Varroa mites weakens the immune systems of bees...

Noting that modern agricultural practices may cause honey bees to not find flowering plants and nutritional deficiencies during critical foraging periods, Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman said that "This can endanger the general health and survival of bees. Honeybees also face significant challenges from parasites and diseases. The bee mite (Varroa destructor) is one of the most destructive pests affecting honey bee colonies worldwide. These parasitic mites invade honey bee hives, feeding on the bees' blood and spreading viruses. Varroa mites weakens the immune systems of bees and shortens their lifespan. If left untreated, it can cause entire colonies to collapse."

Stating that honey bees are susceptible to various viral, bacterial and fungal infections, Dr. Kaman noted that diseases such as Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), which can cause deformations and decreased flight abilities in bees, and Nosema, a fungal disease that affects the digestive system of bees, also weaken honey bee colonies.

Climate change is also affecting bee populations...

Expressing that "The effects of climate change on plant diversity can also directly and indirectly affect the bee population, causing a decrease in the bee population," Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman stated that "Climate change can cause the flowering period to be affected in some plants and the loss of flowers in some plants. Honey bees, which cannot reach enough pollen and nectar, may experience losses due to hunger."

Bees transfer pollen, facilitating the reproduction of the plant

Noting that pollinators of bees and other insects are an important issue for our ecosystems and biodiversity, Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman said that "The decline of honey bees can disrupt the complex network of interactions within ecosystems and potentially lead to imbalances and gradual effects on biodiversity. Bees are one of the most important pollinators and transfer pollen from one plant to another, facilitating plant reproduction. A decrease in the bee population leads to a decrease in pollination. Reduced pollination by honeybees can lead to a decrease in plant species diversity and a change in the composition of plant communities."

Bees are responsible for pollinating a significant part of the world's food crops

Expressing the effects of the decrease in the bee population on human health, Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman said that "Pollinators such as bees are very important for the global food supply chain. Thanks to pollination with bees, a large amount of dietary diversity is ensured. In addition, pollination can increase the yield, quality and durability of crops. Not all food crops are pollinated by bees, but bees are primary pollinators and are responsible for pollinating a significant portion of the world's food crops. Without pollinators, we cannot grow many of the crops we need as food. This will lead to a decrease in the production of many fruits, vegetables, and nuts. There will be rising food prices and some crops being hard to find."

Emphasizing that the decrease in the number and diversity of the populations of bees and other pollinators will affect food security along with potential losses in agricultural yield, Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman stated that "The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) warns that if this trend in bee population decline continues, it will have a major impact on global nutrition and food availability."

Beekeepers should be trained on hive management and disease prevention

Pointing out the importance of understanding the causes and effects of the decline in honey bees and developing effective conservation strategies, Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman said that creating bee-friendly habitats by reducing the use of pesticides will play a vital role in mitigating the effects of the decline of honey bees, and also by training beekeepers on hive management and disease prevention, adopting sustainable practices that improve bee health and reduce colony losses and how it is also necessary.

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)