What is a significant consequence of poor forager recruitment?

Decreased forager recruitment can significantly impact honey production because foragers are responsible for gathering nectar, pollen, and other resources essential for the hive's survival and growth. When there aren’t enough foragers, the amount of nectar collected diminishes, leading to reduced honey stores. This not only affects the immediate food supply for the hive but also limits the colony's ability to store honey for winter survival or to feed developing brood. A strong forager workforce is crucial for maximizing the output of honey, as effective forager recruitment ensures that the workforce can meet the colony's foraging needs efficiently.

The other potential consequences, such as increased hive temperature, higher colony aggression, and lower brood viability, may arise from different stressors or conditions within the hive but are not direct results of poor forager recruitment as honey production is. Forager bees play a pivotal role in the overall health of the hive through their foraging activities, making their recruitment critically tied to honey production outcomes.