Bee viruses: An emerging problem that need better diagnosis, prevention and control strategies

Abstract

The role of the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) in pollination is crucialfor the maintenance of biodiversity of most terrestrial ecosystemsand global agricultural production. In this way, biotic pollination isrequired for the reproduction of 70% of flowering plants. Particularly,pollination with bees is needed for more than 35% of the world?s cropsthat produce basic food for man. Recently, the fraction of global cropsthat require animal pollination has tripled, making food productionmore dependant of pollinators that before.