Discovering Benefits of Bacteria from Native Bees: Protecting Essential Pollinators for Environmental Sustainability

Native bees, despite their critical role in pollination and maintaining ecological balance, are at risk due to pesticides and the introduction of Africanized bee species. To address this threat, researchers have turned their attention to studying the potential benefits of bacteria from the digestive tracts of native bees.

In an interview about the Characterization of lactic bacteria isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of native bees, specialist Guiomar Melgar Lalanne emphasized the importance of native bee species in pollinating cloud forests and tropical ecosystems in Veracruz. Despite their crucial role in these ecosystems, native bees are at risk due to pesticides and non-native species like Africanized honeybees.

To find solutions for protecting native bees, Melgar Lalanne and other academics collaborated with honey producers from native bee species in Teocelo, Veracruz. Through research on Mexican scaptotrigona and pectoralis species’ digestive tracts, they identified beneficial microorganisms that could protect them from diseases. The two key microorganisms discovered were Weissella sp and Fructobacillus sp, which have potential benefits for humans as well.

Further studies are underway to investigate the potential of these bacteria in combatting pesticides such as glyphosate and contributing to the conservation of native bee populations. The decline in native bees is not only concerning for their own survival but also for the environmental balance they help maintain. By studying and utilizing these beneficial properties of bacteria from native bees, researchers hope to find solutions that promote environmental sustainability while preserving these important pollinators.

Native bees play a vital role in ecology worldwide with over 600 species globally and 46 alone in Mexico. Veracruz is home to 24 identified species with potentially more unregistered varieties. By studying these beneficial properties of bacteria from native bees, researchers hope to find ways to protect these essential pollinators while promoting sustainable practices for our environment.

Overall, this research highlights the importance of preserving native bee populations while promoting sustainable practices for our planet’s health and wellbeing.