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Extracts of Polypore Mushroom Mycelia Reduce Viruses in Honey Bees

Summary

This groundbreaking research shows that extracts from certain mushrooms can help protect honey bees from harmful viruses. Scientists found that feeding bees extracts from mushroom mycelia (the root-like growing portion of fungi) significantly reduced levels of two major viruses that threaten bee health. This natural treatment could provide beekeepers with a new tool to keep their colonies healthy. Impacts on everyday life: • Could help ensure stable food supplies by protecting bees needed for crop pollination • Demonstrates new potential uses of mushrooms for natural medicine • May lead to reduced chemical treatments in beekeeping • Could help lower costs of honey and pollination services • Shows promise for developing natural antiviral treatments

Background

Honey bees are critical for crop pollination and food security worldwide, contributing over $15 billion annually to US agriculture. In recent years, beekeepers have experienced dramatic colony losses averaging over 30% annually, largely due to parasitic Varroa mites and associated viruses. Currently there are no approved antiviral treatments available for beekeepers.

Objective

To evaluate if extracts from polypore mushroom mycelia could reduce virus levels in honey bees, specifically focusing on deformed wing virus (DWV) and Lake Sinai virus (LSV). This research was inspired by observations of honey bees foraging on mushroom mycelium in nature.

Results

In laboratory trials, extracts from Fomes fomentarius and Ganoderma applanatum significantly reduced DWV levels in a dose-dependent manner, with F. fomentarius reducing DWV over 800-fold compared to controls. In field trials, colonies treated with G. resinaceum extract showed a 79-fold reduction in DWV and a 45,000-fold reduction in LSV compared to control colonies.

Conclusion

Extracts from polypore mushroom mycelia demonstrated significant antiviral activity against both DWV and LSV in honey bees. The extracts were readily consumed by bees and showed effectiveness both in laboratory and field conditions, suggesting potential applications for beekeepers to help control viral infections in managed bee populations.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Laboratory and Field Trial,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-018-32194-8
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