Could mushrooms be the key to saving bees?

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SUMMARY

Mushrooms, particularly their mycelium, have been identified as a potential ally in saving declining bee populations, as noted by mycologist Paul Stamets. His observations from 1984 revealed that bees were attracted to the mycelium of mushrooms he cultivated, suggesting a symbiotic relationship. Scientific discussions highlight the role of neonicotinoid pesticides in harming bees, while glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is not directly linked to bee mortality but may weaken their immune systems, making them susceptible to diseases.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mycology and the role of mycelium in ecosystems
  • Knowledge of bee biology and behavior
  • Familiarity with neonicotinoid pesticides and their effects on pollinators
  • Awareness of glyphosate and its implications for bee health
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the symbiotic relationships between fungi and pollinators
  • Investigate the effects of neonicotinoids on bee navigation and reproduction
  • Study the impact of glyphosate on the gut microbiota of honey bees
  • Explore sustainable agricultural practices that protect pollinator health
USEFUL FOR

Environmental scientists, beekeepers, agricultural researchers, and anyone interested in pollinator conservation and the ecological impact of pesticides.

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SEATTLE—The epiphany that mushrooms could help save the world’s ailing bee colonies struck Paul Stamets while he was in bed.

“I love waking dreams,” he said. “It’s a time when you’re just coming back into consciousness.”

Years ago, in 1984, Stamets had noticed a “continuous convoy of bees” traveling from a patch of mushrooms he was growing and his beehives. The bees actually moved wood chips to access his mushroom’s mycelium, the branching fibers of fungus that look like cobwebs.

https://triblive.com/usworld/world/...long-haired-hippie-could-help-save-the-worlds
 
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So is "Roundup" the real cause of hive collapse?
 
alantheastronomer said:
So is "Roundup" the real cause of hive collapse?

Scientific studies have implicated pesticides containing neonicotinoid compounds in harming bees and other pollinator insects: http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018...controversial-neonic-pesticides-threaten-bees

Roundup, whose active ingredient is the herbicide glyphosate, would not be expected to directly affect insects, and I am not aware of any studies showing this.
 
alantheastronomer said:
So is "Roundup" the real cause of hive collapse?

Unlikely, as CCD has been observed in the 19th century. Glyphosate was invented in the 1970's.
 
Ygggdrasil said:
Scientific studies have implicated pesticides containing neonicotinoid compounds in harming bees and other pollinator insects: http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018...controversial-neonic-pesticides-threaten-bees

Roundup, whose active ingredient is the herbicide glyphosate, would not be expected to directly affect insects, and I am not aware of any studies showing this.
The article you referenced stated that the compounds impaired the bees' navigation and reproduction. I remember reading somewhere that glyphosate weakened their immune system making them vulnerable to a certain fungus. I'm so sorry, I can't provide the reference for you.