Beekeepers in the US have been struggling with a pressing question: what has caused the disappearance of honey? After thorough research, experts have identified environmental deterioration as a major factor in declining honey production, impacting various bee species and other insects.

According to data from the US government, the average amount of honey produced by honeybee colonies has decreased by approximately 0.5 pounds per colony over the last ten years. This is despite a slight increase in the number of managed colonies.

According to Gabriela Quinlan, a research fellow at Penn State, beekeepers often express concerns about their declining honey production when attending meetings. This is a common issue observed in various states.

A recent research project, headed by Quinlan, examined the variables influencing the quantity of flowers present in various areas. This is a critical component in determining the amount of honey harvested by honeybees during their foraging activities. Honeybees rely on nectar, pollen, and water gathered from their surroundings to produce honey.

The study discovered that numerous elements are impeding the honeybees’ capacity to produce honey. These include a rise in the use of herbicides, the transformation of once flower-filled areas into single-crop farmland, and a decrease in soil fertility.

One of the main causes for changes in honey production since the 1990s has been the shifting climate. Increasing temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and severe weather have caused significant problems for beekeepers and their hives.

According to Christina Grozinger, a co-author and entomologist at Penn State, the results of the study heavily rely on weather conditions. It is not simply a matter of increasing temperatures and precipitation, but also unpredictable extreme events that make it difficult to predict future weather patterns.

It’s not feasible to control that. We can handle the land by minimizing pesticide use, but in the future, we need to consider which plants will thrive in the changing climate.

In recent years, there has been a significant decline in honeybee colonies during winter. This is due to various factors such as loss of habitat, the climate crisis, use of pesticides, and disease. These factors have also led to a larger crisis among bees and other insects, which could have negative impacts on food production and the health of ecosystems if not addressed promptly.

According to Grozinger, being a beekeeper will become increasingly difficult from an economic standpoint. However, these changes also suggest that there will be a decrease in the availability of floral resources for other bees and pollinators on the landscape.

Source: theguardian.com