Overview

Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a mushroom-based dietary supplement with potential to improve nutrition for commercially reared bumble bees. The technology incorporates oyster mushroom mycelium (the vegetative portion of the fungus) into pollen-based feed. In laboratory studies, the supplemented diet supported greater offspring production and increased offspring weight and fat content compared with an unsupplemented pollen diet.

The Opportunity

Commercial bumble bee producers rely on honey bee-collected pollen to feed developing colonies, but the nutritional composition of this pollen may not fully meet bumble bees’ needs. This research offers a targeted approach to enhancing existing pollen-based diets rather than replacing them. For companies developing pollinator nutrition products or rearing bumble bees for crop pollination, it provides a data-supported starting point for next-generation feed supplements.

Key Advantages

• Improved offspring production: Microcolonies receiving the selected mycelium supplement produced significantly more total offspring and emerged adult offspring than those receiving the unsupplemented diet.
• Enhanced nutritional outcomes: Adult offspring had higher average weight and total body fat content, indicators of improved nutritional condition.
• Compatibility with pollen-based feeding: The supplement was incorporated directly into a pollen-based diet at a low inclusion level.
• Renewable ingredient: Oyster mushroom mycelium offers a cultivable biological resource for developing pollinator feed additives.

Potential Applications

• Dietary supplements for commercial bumble bee rearing
• Enhanced pollen-based feed formulations for managed bumble bees
• Pollinator nutrition research and feed-product development

Engagement Opportunities

OSU innovators are seeking collaborative development opportunities with industry to advance this mushroom-based approach to bumble bee nutrition, including formulation optimization.

Contact the Ohio State Licensing team to discuss potential partnerships.

Licensing Manager: Ana Panic, panic.2@osu.edu

Innovators

James Strange, Brooke Donzelli