The honeybee

Nov 2011

Insect pollinators such as bees - and honeybees in particular - are critical for the pollination of at least 65% of all food crops. But the honeybee population is in decline thanks to a range of pests and pathogens, including viruses, fungi and bacteria. Our understanding of the mechanisms of action of honeybee pathogens is vital if we are to find ways of tackling them to reverse this decline. But the relationship between honeybees and microbes isn't all negative. The bacterial flora of the honey stomach and honey itself may contain substances that we can use to fight against microbial pathogens that affect the human population, and an insect-pathogenic fungus could provide part of the solution to control the dreaded varroa mite, a vector of many viral diseases in honeybees. Read on » Interactive Edition | PDF Edition

This issue of Microbiology Today also sees the launch of a new section. The 'Media' section will feature microbiology in the news, the work of the SGM press office and that of partner organizations we collaborate with to represent microbiology accurately through the media. The section will also include information on new podcasts, videos and blogs from SGM and our members.

Last updated 28 November 2011

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