Sarah Brown
Bees are dying in massive numbers, and one of the major causes is Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), a parasite known as Varroa destructor. Transmitting devastating RNA viruses, the worst of these diseases is the deformed wing virus (DWV), which robs bees of their flight and weakens their immune system. In 2015, experiments began where honey bees drank different mushroom mycelium extracts, and research indicates that these extracts provide essential nutrition that boosts the immune system of bees, translating into improved hive health. The two types of mushrooms that seem to help bees fight viruses are Fomes and Ganoderma, commonly known as amadou and reishi, respectively. The former typically grows on trees and is hoof-shaped, while the latter is prized in traditional medicine and found in Asian markets and health food stores. Both belong to an order of fungi known as polypores, which have potent antiviral properties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom Extract Type | Polypore Mushroom Mycelia |
| Mushroom Species | Fomes Fomentarius, Ganoderma Resinaceum, Rozites Caperata, Stropharia Rugoso-Annulata |
| Common Names | Reishi, Amadou |
| Administration Method | Mixed with sucrose solution and fed to bees using in-hive feeders |
| Benefits | Reduced DWV, LSV, and RNA virus titres, improved nutrition and immune system |
| Feeder | BeeMushroomed Feeder |
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of mushroom mycelium extracts for bees
Bees have been facing numerous threats in recent years, with Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) wreaking havoc on local honey bee colonies. As a result, honey beekeepers have lost about 30% of their hives annually, severely impacting honey production and, by extension, agricultural productivity. However, mushroom mycelium extracts have emerged as a promising solution to enhance bee health and combat various diseases.
Mushroom mycelium extracts have been found to provide essential nutrition that boosts the immune system of bees. This nutritional support translates into improved hive health, which is especially crucial given the loss of biodiversity and the subsequent reduction in natural food sources for bees. The extracts may thus serve as a powerful tool to support bees as they navigate increasingly challenging conditions in our ecosystems.
Research has demonstrated that extracts from specific mushroom species, such as Fomes (Amadou) and Ganoderma (Reishi), significantly reduce the levels of harmful viruses in bees, including the deformed wing virus (DWV) and Lake Sinai virus (LSV). These extracts exhibit strong antiviral activity, leading to remarkable reductions in virus levels within bee colonies.
Additionally, the insect-killing properties of certain fungi have been known for years, providing an alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. Some studies indicate that specific types of entomopathogenic fungi can weaken or even eradicate parasitic mites in beehives, such as Varroa mites, which have become resistant to synthetic miticides.
Overall, mushroom mycelium extracts offer a creative and effective solution to address the health challenges faced by bee populations worldwide. With dedicated research and innovation, such as the BeeMushroomed Feeder™ (BMF™), we can empower citizens to take action and create powerful points of health and nutrition for bees across our shared landscapes.
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How to make a mushroom extract bee feeder
The bee-keeping industry has been severely impacted by Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), which has resulted in an annual loss of about 30% of bee hives. This has led to a decline in US honey production, threatening the agricultural productivity of the country as bees are essential pollinators.
Research has shown that mushroom mycelium extracts provide essential nutrition that boosts the immune system of bees, thereby improving the health of hives. This has led to the development of feeders that can administer mushroom extract to bees.
One such feeder is the BeeMushroomed Feeder, which is currently in the development phase. However, you can make your own bee feeder at home with materials that are easily accessible. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a mushroom extract bee feeder:
Materials Required:
- A plastic pail with a snap-on lid
- A 1/8” drill bit
- A shallow container
- A gallon-size zip-seal baggie
- Sugar
- Water
- Small sticks or stones
Instructions:
- Using the 1/8” drill bit, drill 1-2 holes all the way around the pail just inside the lip of the plastic pail. Ensure that the pail has a lip that runs around the entire top, as this is necessary for the feeder to work.
- Mix sugar with water until fully dissolved to create a sugar solution. This concoction mimics nectar and will provide bees with a quick energy source.
- Pour the sugar solution into the baggie until it is about halfway full, then seal it, making sure it is leak-proof.
- Place the baggie flat in your chosen shallow container.
- Make a few small slits on the top of the baggie for the bees to access the sugar water, ensuring they are not too large to prevent bee drowning.
- Inside the container, place small sticks or stones around (but not on) the baggie to help any bee visitors avoid getting trapped in the liquid.
- Place the lid tightly on the pail and fill it with the mushroom extract solution as high as possible without leaking through the holes.
- Take the feeder anywhere within 30 feet of the bee yard and turn it upside down on a flat surface.
- The natural vacuum seal will take effect in a few seconds, and the bees will be able to discover the feeder.
It is important to note that open feeders may attract other bees from nearby apiaries and increase the risk of disease transmission. Regularly clean and refill your feeders to prevent mould growth and fermentation, ideally every few days or as needed.
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The science behind mushroom extract's impact on bee viruses
Bee populations have been declining due to various viruses, such as the deformed wing virus (DWV) and the Lake Sinai virus (LSV), which are spread by Varroa mites. These viruses have had devastating effects on bee colonies, with DWV causing bees' wings to shrivel and reducing their lifespans.
To combat these viruses, researchers have been investigating the effects of mushroom mycelium extracts on bee health. Experiments led by Paul Stamets of Fungi Perfecti, an environmentally conscious company, began in 2015, where honey bees drank different mushroom mycelium extracts. The research indicated that these extracts provide essential nutrition that boosts the bees' immune systems.
In field trials, colonies fed mycelium extract from amadou (Fomes) and reishi (Ganoderma) fungi exhibited a significant reduction in virus levels. Specifically, there was a 79-fold reduction in DWV and a 45,000-fold reduction in LSV compared to control colonies. The antiviral properties of these extracts have been compared to their effects on other viruses, such as swine flu, pox viruses, and HIV.
While the exact mechanism by which the extracts reduce virus titres in bees is still unknown, the research offers a promising solution to the devastating effects of bee viruses and provides a potential tool for beekeepers to improve bee health and, consequently, global food systems, economies, and ecosystems.
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The future of bee health with mushroom extract
Bees are essential for pollinating plants, enabling them to reproduce. However, they are under threat from numerous fronts, including the parasite Varroa destructor, which has led to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). This has seen beekeepers lose roughly 30% of their hives annually, with US honey production suffering as a result.
However, research has indicated that mushroom mycelium extracts can provide bees with essential nutrition that confers an immune benefit. This can translate into improved hive health and help bees endure more challenging conditions in our ecosystems.
Fungi Perfecti, a company specialising in using mushrooms to improve the health of the planet, has been at the forefront of this research. Its founder, Paul Stamets, first observed bees sipping on sugar-rich fungal roots in his backyard. He then theorised that the fungi found in old-growth forests could provide health benefits to bees.
Stamets, along with Dr Steve Sheppard and the Washington State Beekeepers Association, conducted experiments where honey bees drank different mushroom mycelium extracts. The research indicated that these extracts provide essential nutrition that boosts the bees' immune systems.
The BeeMushroomed Feeder, a delivery system for mushroom mycelium extract, is currently in development. This will allow anyone to help feed local bees with this extract, creating powerful points of health and nutrition for bees across our shared landscapes.
The future of bee health looks promising with the use of mushroom extract. This natural solution offers an effective approach to combat the serious threats affecting bee populations and, in turn, food biosecurity worldwide.
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Types of mushrooms used to make bee extracts
Mushrooms have been used to improve the health of bees, which have been facing threats such as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and a loss of biodiversity. Research has shown that mushroom mycelium extracts provide essential nutrition that boosts the immune system of bees, translating into improved hive health.
The following are types of mushrooms whose extracts have been used to support the health of honey bee populations:
Polypore Mushrooms
Also known as Order Polyporales, extracts from the mycelial cultures and fruiting bodies of these mushrooms have demonstrated antiviral activity against viruses such as pox virus, HIV-1, and H1N1 influenza. In field trials, extracts from specific types of polypore mushrooms, Fomes fomentarius (Fomes) and Ganoderma resinaceum (G. resinaceum), significantly reduced virus levels in bees.
Rozites caperata
An antiviral substance, RC-183, was isolated and partially characterized from this mushroom.
Basidiomycetes
Aoki et al. discovered that this group of mushrooms produces antiviral substances with systemic effects.
These mushrooms, with their ability to produce antiviral substances, offer a creative and effective solution to the threats faced by bee populations.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms have been found to provide essential nutrition to bees, boosting their immune systems and helping them fight viruses, including the deformed wing virus.
Paul Stamets, the founder of Fungi Perfecti, first noticed bees sipping on the mycelium of mushrooms in his backyard. He then spent several years dosing sugar-water feeders with mushroom extracts and analyzing the effects on infected bees.
Mushrooms belonging to the genera Fomes and Ganoderma, also known as amadou and reishi, have been found to be beneficial to bees.
You can purchase a BeeMushroomed Feeder, which is a delivery system for mushroom mycelium extract, making it easily available to bees. Alternatively, you can grow Stropharia rugoso-annulata, also known as the Garden Giant or Wine Cap, which has been observed attracting bees.
