Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Entomology
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
To support honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colony health in the context of modern agricultural systems, which are often characterized by many interacting abiotic and biotic factors that harm pollinator health, beekeepers tend to implement a variety of hive treatments. The exact treatment regimen used can depend on beekeepers’ geography, operation size, and goals, but most often includes supplemental nutrition, miticide treatments, and antibiotics. Growing awareness of the downsides of artificial and synthetic chemical inputs, in addition to some longstanding beekeeper preferences for “natural” management styles, has contributed to the popularization of natural product-based feed additives to support colony health. However, despite the widespread use and anecdotal benefits of such products, several knowledge gaps persist regarding their specific effects on bee health.
In this dissertation, I investigate the impacts of plant- and microalgae-derived natural product feed additives on honey bee health, focusing on the impacts on worker nutrition, immunity, and gut microbiota. Essential oils and propolis extracts exhibited mostly positive impacts on worker lifespan while supporting a healthy core gut microbiome. Spirulina and Chlorella feed additives improved longevity, and spirulina additionally stimulated key immune responses. These immunostimulatory effects, however, did not translate to improved survival or resistance to the microsporidian gut parasite Nosema ceranae. Additionally, artificial diets containing microalgae ingredients result in distinct gut microbiome composition and reduced gut symbiont strain diversity compared to diets containing natural pollen, those these effects were mediated by the honey bee’s genetic background. These findings contribute to a stronger understanding of how natural product feed ingredients can support honey bee health and open the door for future research to further optimize feed additives for bees.
Date
11-17-2025
Recommended Citation
Martin, Allyson M., "Supporting Managed Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Health with Diverse Natural Products: Impacts on Nutrition, Immunity, and Gut Microbiota" (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6951.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6951
Committee Chair
Husseneder, Claudia