The Asian hornet is an aggressive, predatory and invasive insect species that preys heavily on honey bees in its habitat,
the protection of which is one of the key issues in environmental protection and sustainable development of agriculture and
our society. The Nanomaterials and Biotechnology research team of the CTU UCEEB, in collaboration with EBAS NANO and with
the support of the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic, is developing an innovative solution that will provide
an effective means of combating invasive species that pose an imminent threat to honey bee colonies not only in our country
but also throughout Europe. With their help, the Ministry will further manage the process of targeted elimination of these
pests, protecting biodiversity and reducing the risk of economic losses.
The first occurrence of the Asian hornet on our continent was recorded in 2004 in France. The expansion of this invasive
species has not been halted, but continues to spread at a rapid pace, and in 2023 it also appeared for the first time in the
Czech Republic. In addition to honeybees, which are important for pollinating plants, Asian hornets can also be dangerous
to allergy sufferers and smaller children, as they have a stronger venom than the common hornets commonly found in this country.
A specific ultra-lightweight transport system based on nanofibres with attached bioactive substances such as hormones, pesticides,
etc. should provide a solution. This will be attached to a captured Asian hornet, which will then be released and monitored.
Based on qualified research, it is proven that injured or otherwise confined hornets seek refuge in their nest. Once this
is achieved, however, the 'modified' hornet is naturally and immediately killed by the rest of the population, who then use
its body to feed the next generation, mainly the queens. This will allow the "stuck" package to enter the larval food chain,
where it will negatively affect their further development and gradually eliminate the entire nest.
