Honey BEE (apis mellifera) populations are experiencing high and unsustainable annual losses due to a number of stressors that weaken bees' innate defenses resulting in a downward spiral of health

To help restore honey BEE health, we will focus on ways to bolster their natural behavioral defenses, or social immunity, against pathogens and parasites. Propolis is composed of highly antimicrobial tree resins that honey bees collect and deposit in the nest cavity. Our objectives are to: 1) determine the role of propolis in the nest on modulating honey BEE immune response and pathogen defense; 2) quantify the potential benefit of propolis to health and productivity of colonies in commercial beekeeping; and 3) initiate a comprehensive breeding program for colony health, with emphasis on selecting for propolis collection and hygienic behavior; two important mechanisms of social immunity. Findings will reveal novel approaches to promote honey BEE health by defining, at a fundamental level, the use of naturally collected compounds and behaviors in mitigating disease. Collaborating with beekeepers to quantify benefits of propolis to colony health and survivorship, and selecting a new line of bees for mechanisms of social immunity will, in the long-term, result in colonies more able to defend themselves against various parasites and pathogens, and in beekeepers having to use fewer chemical treatments to maintain colonies. With the ultimate aim being to increase the sustainability of beekeeping, in turn increasing the economic viability of commercial beekeeping and enhancing food security, this project supports the pollinator health: research and application (code A1113) program area's priorities.