Invention:
Flavonoids are nutraceutical molecules used to improve health in humans and animals. This invention explores the use of flavonoid, rutin, to protect honey bees from the harmful effects of pesticides, specifically neonicotinoid imidacloprid. Pesticides can impair both the cognitive and immune functions of bees, making them more susceptible to diseases. This innovation demonstrated that rutin not only prevents the suppression of the immune system caused by imidacloprid but also enhances overall immune responses. This includes improving both cellular and humoral immune functions, such as the encapsulation response, which is crucial for bees to fight off infections. The findings suggest that flavonoid-based compositions could be a promising solution to mitigate the adverse effects of pesticide exposure on honey bees, thereby supporting their health and the broader ecosystem they sustain through pollination.
Background:
This innovation aims to address the detrimental impact of pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids like imidacloprid, on honeybees. These pesticides impair both the cognitive and immune functions of bees, making them vulnerable to diseases and significantly affecting their ability to pollinate, which is crucial for global food production. Current solutions mainly focus on reducing pesticide usage or finding alternative pest control methods, but these measures have not been entirely effective in mitigating the harm to bee populations. This new innovation offers a unique proactive approach to protect and enhance the immune system for resilience to pesticide exposure. The primary advantage of this approach is its ability to not only prevent immune suppression but also improve overall immune responses, which is not addressed by current technologies. This makes it a promising alternative to safeguarding bee health and ensuring the stability of pollination processes.
Applications:
- Bee health management
- Pollination services
- Apiculture
Advantages:
- Improved overall immune protection
- Enhanced bee health
- Mitigates adverse effects of pesticides
- Supports pollination processes
