The quest for a sustainable solution to the pressing issue of colony collapse has led scientists to develop a groundbreaking food source designed to sustain honey bee colonies indefinitely without natural pollen. This innovative approach, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, marks a significant milestone in the fight against this devastating phenomenon. Addressing the Nutritional Challenges
Honey bees face numerous environmental pressures that compromise their nutrition, including changes in land use, urban expansion, and extreme weather. These factors contribute to a decline in pollen availability, making it increasingly difficult for bees to find a continuous supply of nutrients. As a result, beekeepers and researchers have turned to a man-made diet, similar to that of livestock and pets, to support the health and well-being of these vital pollinators. Isofucosterol: The Key to Lifelong Nutrition
One of the critical discoveries made in this research is the role of isofucosterol, a molecule found naturally in pollen that plays a vital role in honey bee nutrition. Colonies fed with isofucosterol-enriched food were able to survive an entire season without pollen access, while those without it experienced severe declines, including reduced larval production, adult paralysis, and colony collapse. This finding has significant implications for the development of a lifelong food source for honey bees. The Man-Made Diet
The new food source, resembling human Power Bars, is designed to provide all the necessary nutrients for honey bees. Young bees process and distribute the essential nutrients to larvae and adult bees, ensuring the colony’s overall health and vitality. This approach addresses the lack of variety in pollen diets, which is a significant challenge for honey bees.
“Changes in land use, urban expansion, and extreme weather all negatively impact nutrition for honey bees and other pollinators,”
says Brandon Hopkins, a professor of pollinator ecology at Washington State University and coauthor of the paper. “The reported scientific work shows in commercial field conditions that providing nutritionally stressed colonies with our pollen-replacing feed results in a major measurable step change in colony health compared to current best practices,”
emphasizes Patrick Pilkington, CEO of APIX Biosciences US.
- Collaboration is Key
- Field Trials Validate Efficacy
- Impact on Beekeepers and Growers
The research was a culmination of over a decade of work involving extensive collaboration among three teams: APIX Biosciences, Washington State University, and leading beekeepers in California.
| Table 1: Comparison of Colony Health Outcomes | ||
| Colony Health Outcome | Colony Fed Isofucosterol-Enriched Feed | Colony Fed Standard Commercial Feed |
| Survival Rate | 100% | 20% |
| Larval Production | 100% | 30% |
| Table 2: Comparison of Colony Growth | ||
| Colony Growth Rate | 20% | 5% |
The researchers conducted field trials with nutritionally stressed colonies in blueberry and sunflower fields, both known for poor pollen quality for bees. Compared to colonies receiving standard commercial feed or no supplementation, those fed the new food source thrived, demonstrating increased survival and colony growth. Real-World Applications
The severe challenge of high annual colony mortality, with recent reports indicating crisis-level losses, underscores the urgency of this innovation. Beekeepers may soon benefit from this discovery, as the new food source has the potential to positively impact colony health and survival rates. Mid-2026 Availability
Patrick Pilkington, CEO of APIX Biosciences US, expresses optimism about the discovery’s impact. “We are confident that the product will positively impact beekeepers and growers once it’s available to purchase in the US, which is targeted for mid-2026. Meanwhile, we are working with WSU and the beekeeping community across the USA to develop the best way to make use of this new tool in agricultural settings.”
Conclusion
The development of a lifelong food source for honey bees is a significant breakthrough in the fight against colony collapse. This innovative approach addresses the nutritional challenges faced by honey bees and has the potential to positively impact beekeepers and growers worldwide. As the research continues to unfold, it is essential to recognize the critical role that these pollinators play in maintaining global food supplies. By supporting the health and well-being of honey bees, we can ensure a sustainable future for our planet.
