New research offers hope for healthier honey bee colonies and stronger berry production
Honey bees play a major role in modern agriculture. Many fruit and vegetable crops depend on these pollinators to produce high-quality yields. Among these crops are blueberries, which require effective pollination to develop larger berries and strong harvests.
Researchers are now studying a promising solution that could support bee health while helping farmers improve crop production. A recent study found that a special bee feed supplement may help increase the size of honey bee colonies.
The research was led by Washington State University in collaboration with H4Bees, an agricultural technology company. The findings were published in the scientific journal Entomological Communications.
The study focused on honey bee colonies used for blueberry pollination. Researchers tested a powdered supplement known as Nano-B-Feed™. The product is placed at the entrance of a beehive, allowing bees to consume it without requiring beekeepers to open the hive.
“We don’t know exactly why the losses happen, but fear has led some beekeepers to avoid blueberry pollination season entirely,” said Lisa DeVetter, a professor of small fruit horticulture at Washington State University’s Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center. “We want to help beekeepers maintain the health of their colonies while also helping blueberry growers produce the best crop.”
Results showed that colonies receiving the supplement experienced a significant increase in bee population compared to untreated colonies. A larger population is often considered an indicator of stronger colony health and improved pollination potential.
Healthy bee colonies are especially important for blueberry production. Commercial blueberry farms depend heavily on managed honey bee colonies to ensure successful pollination. Without enough pollinators, berry size, crop quality, and overall yields can decline.
In recent years, some beekeepers have reported unexpected colony losses after pollinating blueberry fields. While researchers have not identified the exact cause, concerns over these losses have made some beekeepers hesitant to provide colonies during blueberry pollination season.
“This involved nearly a decade of field trials and collaboration with researchers, growers, and beekeepers,” said Yuval Eshed, a co-author on the paper and chief technology officer at H4Bees. “Our development work began in Israel, where the product is now used commercially across crops including apples, blueberries, cherries, plums, kiwifruit, almonds, and seed-production crops such as onions, cotton, and herbs.”
Scientists believe the new supplement may help address some of these challenges. The feed contains a blend of minerals and organic compounds mixed with powdered sugar. According to researchers, all ingredients are recognized as safe for use.
One advantage of the product is its ease of application. Since the supplement is placed outside the hive, bees can access it naturally. This method reduces disturbance to the colony and helps improve safety for beekeepers.
Researchers say they have tested various products over the years in an effort to improve honey bee performance. However, positive responses have been limited. The increase in colony population observed during this study makes the results especially encouraging.
Although additional research is needed, scientists believe the supplement may help bees better manage exposure to pesticide and fungicide residues encountered while foraging. Honey bees often travel long distances and can encounter agricultural chemicals from multiple crops and locations.
Crop protection products remain important tools for farmers managing diseases and pests. Researchers note that many growers already take steps to reduce pollinator exposure during bloom periods. A feed supplement that strengthens bee colonies could add another layer of support for pollinator health.
The product was developed by H4Bees after years of research, testing, and collaboration with researchers, beekeepers, and growers. The company reports that the supplement is already being used commercially on various crops, including apples, cherries, almonds, kiwifruit, plums, onions, cotton, and blueberries.
Interest in pollinator health continues to grow worldwide because bees are essential for food production. Stronger colonies can improve pollination efficiency, support crop yields, and contribute to a more reliable food supply.
“International collaborations like this study are vital to producing food for the entire world,” said Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. “I’m excited about this initial study and look forward to seeing the impact of more research in the future to help berry growers.”
Researchers plan to expand their work in future growing seasons by conducting larger studies and involving honey bee specialists. These efforts will help scientists better understand how the supplement works and how it can be used effectively in different agricultural systems.
The early findings provide encouraging news for both beekeepers and growers. As the agriculture industry continues searching for ways to protect pollinators, innovations that support bee health and crop productivity could play an important role in the future of farming.
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