Bee Vectoring Technology (BVT) as a nature-based strategy for sustainable pest control management

Abstract

Global agriculture continues to face increasing abiotic and biotic stresses, with pest and disease outbreaks representing major constraints to crop productivity and sustainability. Conventional chemical-based control measures, while effective, pose environmental risks and compromise pollinator health. Bee Vectoring Technology (BVT) offers an innovative, nature-based strategy that leverages the natural foraging behavior of managed pollinators, principally Apis mellifera and Bombus spp., to deliver beneficial microbial control agents directly to floral targets. This targeted delivery system facilitates the deposition of antagonistic microorganisms, including Clonostachys rosea CR-7, Aureobasidium pullulans, Bacillus thuringiensis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Trichoderma harzianum, precisely at infection courts where pathogen ingress typically occurs. By reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides, BVT enhances ecological resilience, minimizes non-target contamination, and supports pollinator safety. This paper evaluates BVT mechanisms of action, hive-mounted dispenser deployment, and integration with digital agriculture platforms such as sensor-enabled smart hives and the Internet of Things (IoT)-based field monitoring for real-time decision support. Evidence from diverse cropping systems (for instance, berries, tomatoes, and sunflowers) demonstrates significant reductions in disease incidence, improved yield quality, and economic viability under large-scale implementation. The regulatory landscape, biosafety considerations, and compatibility with integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks are critically assessed. Therefore, BVT emerges as a scalable, climate-smart innovation that aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by advancing environmentally responsible, economically feasible, and pollinator-friendly pest management practices.