Biological Control Potential of Bee Pollen Extracts Against the Greater Wax Moth (Galleria mellonella L.)

Honey bees collect pollen, which has a high nutritional value. Phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and other bioactive molecules found in pollen may have insecticidal activities. However, there is little evidence about the impact of pollen extracts on wax moth larvae. The purpose of this study is to assess the insecticidal properties of honey bee pollen extracts against Galleria mellonella larvae. Pollen extract was prepared and its insecticidal activity on G. mellonella at different concentrations (10 µg, 50 µg, and 100 µg/mL) was evaluated. Mortality rates of 20%, 47%, and 76% were recorded in the 48-hour period following the application, respectively. At the end of 72 hours, these rates increased and reached 32%, 65%, and 88%, respectively. In the control group, mortality rates remained below 5% during the 48- and 72-hour observation periods. As a result of the probit analysis, the LC₅₀ value was calculated as 54.7 µg/mL and the LC₉₀ value as 112.7 µg/mL. The findings may help to create biological control tactics and lead to the adoption of ecologically friendly pest management technologies in the beekeeping industry.