Abstract
The abundance and diversity of flowers have declined and bees are chronically exposed to numerous pressures such as cocktails of agrochemicals, parasites and predators, climate change, and lack of floral resources. Chronic exposure to multiple interacting stressors is driving honey bee colony losses and declines of wild pollinators, that may lead to “pollination crisis” in which crop yields begin to fall. Effective monitoring of pollinator populations is urgently needed to inform management strategies into the future. Additionally, strategies to reinforce the health and well-being of bees are needed. Based on the literature data gathered, we propose to use Mentha aquatica as an additional melliferous plant to support bees’ nutritional needs and develop diverse and nutritionally balanced plant communities. Here, we review the literature data concerning the implantation of the genus Mentha to complete the foraging schedule of Apis mellifera with special emphasis on its use as valuable nutritionally resource and source of nutritional diversity. Additionally, we discuss the aspects of attractiveness of genus Mentha to honey bees. Our list of facts thus far reported in the literature on the use of M. aquatica will help in implementation of this specimen in helping the bees that are in difficult situation.