In recent years, the decline of bees has become a worrying phenomenon in Europe and also in Italy, seriously threatening biodiversity and food security. In fact, bees play a crucial role in the pollination of many plant species, including numerous food products on which we depend. In addition to suggestions on which flowers to plant in the garden or on the balcony to attract bees, today we know that a new autumn flower can make the difference in counteracting their decline, thanks to the discovery of a team of Italian researchers.
Greater Vedovina: the bee-friendly autumn flower
Apidology and Apiculture scholars from the Department of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Pisa have identified the Cephalaria transsylvanicabetter known as Widovina major, as an important resource for bees in autumn. According to the study conducted by Professor Angelo Canale and published in the journal Plos Onethis flower provides pollen and nectar precisely in the months when resources are scarcest, helping bees prepare for winter.
The Greater Vedovina is a rustic and easily adaptable plant, which flowers from the end of summer until late autumn. During field research, scholars observed how this plant attracts a wide variety of pollinators, with particular interest from bees. According to Canale, planting strips of Greater Widowweed near the apiaries is an excellent solution to provide nourishment to the colonies and support them in the most difficult months, when other flowerings have already finished.
The benefits of planting Greater Widowthorn in agricultural contexts
In addition to the direct benefits for apiaries, the researchers highlighted that the cultivation of Greater Widowthorn in areas of intensive agriculture can improve the diversity of pollinators, which would otherwise be impoverished. “The inclusion of C. transsylvanica in flower strips can increase pollinator biodiversity in agricultural contexts,” explains Canale. This aspect is particularly important since many agricultural areas offer few resources for bees in autumn, creating a real “pollen desert” that affects their ability to survive and reproduce. The greater widow could therefore become a precious ally for maintaining healthier and more numerous bee populations, especially in regions with high agricultural activity.
Perennial plants and their benefits for bees
In addition to the study by the University of Pisa, other recent research confirms the importance of integrating perennial flora in areas close to apiaries. A study published in Journal of Applied Ecology in 2023 highlighted that the addition of flowering perennials, such as Cephalaria transsylvanica, improves bee survival during the winter. These plants have a longer life cycle and require less maintenance than annuals, ensuring a more constant supply of nectar and pollen. Furthermore, studies conducted by British Bee Research Institute indicate that maintaining prolonged blooms supports a wider variety of pollinators, including bumblebees and solitary bees.
The causes of the decline of bees
The decline of bees is due to a combination of factors that include the massive use of pesticides in intensive agriculture, diseases and parasites that endanger their health, and the degradation and fragmentation of natural habitats. Many pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, have been associated with a reduction in bee populations, as they impair their nervous systems and reduce their ability to navigate and feed themselves. At the same time, habitat fragmentation forces bees to travel further to find food, increasing their stress and reducing their chances of survival.
How to counteract the decline of bees
Experts recommend growing wildflowers and perennials, such as Widowweed, in areas where bees are active, to ensure a source of nutrition in the fall. In particular, sowing flowering strips in agricultural contexts represents an effective solution to support pollinating insects. Many agricultural environments offer blooms only in spring, creating a shortage of pollen and nectar in autumn, just when bees need them most to prepare for winter. The greater widow can help fill this gap, representing a precious resource for the survival of bees and their balance.