This study investigated the impact of volatile oils from onion flower nectar on honey bee colony health over two consecutive seasons (2023-2024). Six colonies were divided into a treatment group (pollinating onion flowers) and a control group. Colonies were monitored monthly for worker bee mortality and for diseases, including chalkbrood, stonebrood, Nosema, Varroa, and American foulbrood. Results demonstrated that the treatment groups exhibited a significant decline in bee mortality and a 61-74% reduction in chalkbrood incidence, while stonebrood was completely absent. Furthermore, treated colonies showed a complete clearance of Nosema, Varroa, and American foulbrood within weeks, maintaining a pathogen-free status. In stark contrast, control colonies experienced a significant increase in all disease parameters and mortality. Statistical analysis confirmed a 73% reduction in Nosema, a 79% reduction in Varroa, and a 58% reduction in mortality in onion-pollinated colonies, with all comparisons highly significant (p 0.001). The study concludes that onion flower volatile oils possess strong bioactive properties, offering a potent, sustainable alternative to chemical treatments for enhancing bee health and suppressing disease.
Omran et al. (Sat,) studied this question.