BEEVACC
Bees, vaccinated
Honey bees, which are often infected by the varroa mite transmit diseases to wild bees and other insects in their habitat by seeking out the same flowers as a food source. The virus attacks larvae in the developmental stage and usually leads to the death of the brood cell or the entire offspring.
Mycelium from fungi of the Ganoderma genus can limit virus infestation if necessary. Physical contact occurs during digging and cleaning, as well as oral ingestion. Hyphae surrounding pupated larvae, kills the virus.
| student: | Maximilian Pflugk |
| project: | mutual affairs |
| year: | 2021/22 |
full concept text
BeeVacc adapts the natural behavior of the largest wild bee found in Central Europe and makes it available to smaller relatives of the species. Blue wood bees prefers to nest in dead wood affected by white rot fungi, or in the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum itself. They help the insects to decompose wood and strengthen the brood in case of virus attack.
Surviving bees are able to pass on a harmless form of the virus in an RNA sequence to their offspring and immunicate them this way. The majority of wild bees live solitary and nest in the soil. As shown in the image graphic, the sand- clay misture inside of BeeVacc is suitable for more than ten resident species.
BeeVacc contains a potential symbiotic partner for wild bees!
Freeze-dried fungal cultures that can be reactivated with moisture. The mycelium of fungi of the Ganoderma genus immunizes them against the effects of the varroa mite.
The microhabitat provides space in the human-developed city for solitary wild bees and inhibits diseases such as wing deformation virus.
The following wild bee species find a home in the habitat: Sand bee, Furrow bee, Earth bumblebee, Spring silk bee, Ivy bee, Fly spear wasp, Slender bee, Spring silk bee, Earth bee and the Leafcutter bee.