Legume-based Tempeh as a Sustainable Pollen Substitute: A Comprehensive Review on Effects on Colony Performance and Foraging Activity of Apis mellifera During Forage Scarcity
Poppy Satya Puspita1*, Eggi Pur Pinandita1, Annisa Dian Pertiwi1, Rama Akbaruddin1, Azizatul Muflihah1, Aberto Puji Sitorang1, Ananda Pradhita Anggarini1, Cristians Nur Fitri1, M Rizky Fajar Pratama1, Nur Cholis1, Moch. Junus1, Ita Wahju Nursita1, and Sri Minarti1*

1 Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia

Abstract

This comprehensive review synthesizes findings from eight empirical studies evaluating the use of various legume-based tempeh pastes including soybean (Glycine max), red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), mung bean (Vigna radiata), benguk bean (Mucuna pruriens), and supplemented formulas with bee supplements as pollen substitutes for Apis mellifera during forage-scarce periods. Across studies, all legume-based tempeh types were able to maintain colony vitality, improve brood development, and reduce mortality compared to control colonies without supplementation. However, soybean-based tempeh combined with natural pollen or bee supplements consistently showed the highest brood growth and pollen storage area, while benguk bean tempeh yielded the largest brood area when mixed at 85% tempeh with 15% honey. Mung bean tempeh was particularly effective in increasing worker body weight and reducing larval mortality, whereas red bean tempeh was notable for lowering brood mortality across developmental stages. These findings suggest that, while all legume-based tempeh can serve as viable, low-cost protein substitutes, soybean and benguk bean formulations have the strongest potential for maximizing colony performance during dearth seasons. Further research is warranted to refine formulation ratios, enhance palatability, and assess long-term impacts on colony health and productivity.

Keywords: Apis mellifera, pollen substitute, tempeh, legume-based feed, brood performance, colony nutrition, forage scarcity

Topic: Animal feed and nutrition