Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
APIDOLOGIE, cilt.57, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) play a crucial role in agricultural productivity and the sustainability of ecosystems. However, environmental stressors and insufficient nutrition can adversely affect the health and colony resilience of these important insects. This study investigated the effects of different protein substitute patties on honeybees' physiological and behavioral responses. The research evaluated levels of the HSP70 stress protein in the bees' brain tissues, HSP70 immunohistochemical staining in hypopharyngeal glands (to assess tissue-specific stress localization), Malpighian tubule diameters, and aggression scores. Statistically significant differences were observed among groups. Patty consumption levels and gut weights also varied significantly. Patties containing spirulina (Patty II) were associated with beneficial effects on Malpighian tubule length and stress protein levels, whereas patties containing active fresh yeast (Patty V) induced elevated HSP70 levels, potentially signifying metabolic stress. Increased aggression levels were observed in groups fed with type II and type III patties. In contrast, the control group, fed natural pollen, displayed low HSP70 levels and balanced aggression scores. These findings highlight that protein substitute patties on honeybee health and colony performance are relatively multifaceted and that patties ought to be optimized considering palatability, bioavailability, and physiological effects. Our study provides valuable insights for the improvement of bee nutrition strategies and the enhancement of their resistance against environmental stressors.