Molecular Entomology, 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-10 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 3 3.2 Seasonal feeding strategies Winter feeding is critical for colony survival and health during the cold months when natural food sources are unavailable. Research has shown that colonies fed with artificial diet cakes and sucrose syrup supplemented with Vitamin C for extended periods (up to 18 weeks) exhibited marked improvements in colony growth parameters and antioxidant systems, which are essential for reducing oxidative stress during overwintering (Tawfik et al., 2020). Additionally, the type of carbohydrate used for winter feeding can influence colony health. Colonies fed with honey or sucrose syrup showed better survival rates and larger adult populations compared to those fed with high-fructose corn syrup (Quinlan et al., 2023). During the summer, when colonies are actively foraging and pollinating, supplemental feeding can enhance colony strength and productivity. A study on the effects of spring protein feeds found that colonies supplemented with protein in advance of the summer pollination season had increased brood rearing and adult bee populations, which are crucial for effective pollination (Hoover et al., 2022). Moreover, feeding colonies with sucrose syrup and protein supplements in early spring was shown to improve drone reproductive quality, which is vital for queen fecundation (Rousseau and Giovenazzo, 2016). 3.3 Nutritional supplementation Protein supplements are essential for the development and maintenance of healthy bee colonies. Various studies have demonstrated the benefits of different protein sources. For example, feeding colonies with pollen sources of different protein content significantly affected colony performance, wintering ability, and in-vitro longevity, with Papaver somniferum pollen showing the best results (Topal et al., 2022). Another study found that protein feeding modulates both individual and social immunity, with mixed pollen diets leading to higher vitellogenin levels and better stress protein profiles in bees (Sarioğlu-Bozkurt et al., 2022). Carbohydrate supplements are equally important, especially during periods when natural nectar is scarce. Research comparing different carbohydrate sources for overwintering found that while sucrose and invert syrups are commonly used, there were no significant differences in colony condition or honey production between the two, although invert syrups were more expensive (Přidal et al., 2023). Another study highlighted that colonies fed with honey or sucrose syrup had better nutritional states and gene expression profiles compared to those fed with high-fructose corn syrup (Quinlan et al., 2023). 3.4 Environmental and floral diversity impacts on nutrition The availability and diversity of floral resources significantly impact the nutritional status and health of bee colonies. A comprehensive review emphasized the importance of a well-balanced diet rich in proteins and carbohydrates, which can be achieved through diverse floral sources or well-formulated artificial diets (Lata et al., 2023). The study noted that proper hydration and the use of electrolyte solutions are crucial for supporting honeybee thermoregulation, digestion, and overall colony maintenance. The presence of diverse pollen sources, such as Cistus creticus and mixed pollen, was shown to positively affect the health and longevity of honey bees (Figure 1) (Branchiccela et al., 2019; Sarioğlu-Bozkurt et al., 2022; Topal et al., 2022). Optimizing bee feed through artificial diets, seasonal feeding strategies, and nutritional supplementation is essential for maintaining healthy and productive colonies. The choice of diet components, timing of feeding, and the diversity of nutritional sources all play critical roles in enhancing colony health and resilience. By understanding and implementing these techniques, beekeepers can significantly improve the sustainability and productivity of their apiaries. Branchiccela et al. (2019) presents a timeline-based experimental setup examining the seasonal activity and strength of honeybee colonies. It highlights the Eucalyptus grandis bloom period during autumn (March to May), where two groups of colonies (Group M and Group P, each with 31 colonies) were fed polyfloral pollen pie every 15 days. Six sampling events were conducted from March to September (autumn to spring) to assess colony strength. After the autumn season, the colonies were relocated from Rivera to Colonia to adapt to winter
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