Pollen nutrition and colony development in honey bees: part 1

Abstract

Pollen is the honey bees' main source of several important nutrients. Consequently, an adequate pollen supply is essential to ensure the long-term survival of a colony and to maintain its productivity. Part 1 of this 2-part review focuses on the botanical composition of bee-collected pollen and its protein and mineral content. Further, we discuss the impact of pollen on honey bee physiology and assess the pollen requirements of individual workers and larvae.