Good Nutrition Enhances Honey Bee Resilience

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign highlights the critical role of nutrition in enhancing honey bee resilience against multiple stressors, including viral infections and pesticide exposure. The research, published in *Science of the Total Environment*, found that bees fed natural pollen fared significantly better than those given artificial pollen when exposed to these threats. While previous studies often isolated one or two factors, this comprehensive approach underscores the importance of considering all three stressors simultaneously. Notably, the study revealed that low-level pesticide exposure might bolster the bees' ability to cope with viral infections, but only when they had proper nutrition. The findings are particularly relevant given the ongoing decline in bee populations and the implications for ecosystems reliant on these pollinators. Understanding these interactions is vital for developing strategies to support honey bee health and survival.