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Micholson D, Currie RW. Heightened sensitivity in high-grooming honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2024; 24:21. [PMID: 38805645 PMCID: PMC11132134 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieae057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Honey bees use grooming to defend against the devastating parasite Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman. We observed the grooming responses of individual bees from colonies previously chosen for high- and low-grooming behavior using a combination of mite mortality and mite damage. Our aim was to gain insight into specific aspects of grooming behavior to compare if high-grooming bees could discriminate between a standardized stimulus (chalk dust) and a stimulus of live Varroa mites and if bees from high-grooming colonies had greater sensitivity across different body regions than bees from low-grooming colonies. We hypothesized that individuals from high-grooming colonies would be more sensitive to both stimuli than bees from low-grooming colonies across different body regions and that bees would have a greater response to Varroa than a standardized irritant (chalk dust). Individuals from high-grooming colonies responded with longer bouts of intense grooming when either stimulus was applied to the head or thorax, compared to sham-stimulated controls, while bees from low-grooming colonies showed no differences between stimulated and sham-stimulated bees. Further, high-grooming bees from colonies with high mite damage exhibited greater grooming to Varroa than high-grooming colonies with only moderate mite damage rates. This study provides new insights into Varroa-specific aspects of grooming, showing that although a standardized stimulus (chalk dust) may be used to assess general grooming ability in individual bee grooming assays, it does not capture the same range of responses as a stimulus of Varroa. Thus, continuing to use Varroa mites in grooming assays should help select colonies with more precise sensitivity to Varroa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Micholson
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, 218-12 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Robert W Currie
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, 218-12 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada
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Mayack C, Cook SE, Niño BD, Rivera L, Niño EL, Seshadri A. Poor Air Quality Is Linked to Stress in Honeybees and Can Be Compounded by the Presence of Disease. INSECTS 2023; 14:689. [PMID: 37623399 PMCID: PMC10455886 DOI: 10.3390/insects14080689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Climate change-related extreme weather events have manifested in the western United States as warmer and drier conditions with an increased risk of wildfires. Honeybees, essential for crop pollination in California, are at the center of these extreme weather events. We associated the maximum daily temperature and air quality index values with the performance of colonies placed in wildfire-prone areas and determined the impact of these abiotic stressors on gene expression and histopathology. Our results indicate that poor air quality was associated with higher maximum daily temperatures and a lower gene expression level of Prophenoloxidase (ProPO), which is tied to immune system strength; however, a higher gene expression level of Vitellogenin (Vg) is tied to oxidative stress. There was a positive relationship between Varroa mites and N. ceranae pathogen loads, and a negative correlation between Varroa mites and Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) gene expression, suggesting the limited ability of mite-infested colonies to buffer against extreme temperatures. Histological analyses did not reveal overt signs of interaction between pathology and abiotic stressors, but N. ceranae infections were evident. Our study provides insights into interactions between abiotic stressors, their relation to common biotic stressors, and the expression of genes related to immunity and oxidative stress in bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Mayack
- USDA/ARS/WRRC, Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (C.M.); (B.D.N.); (L.R.)
| | - Sarah E. Cook
- SpecialtyVETPATH, 3450 16th Ave. W. Ste 303, Seattle, WA 98119, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 944 Garrod Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Bernardo D. Niño
- USDA/ARS/WRRC, Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (C.M.); (B.D.N.); (L.R.)
| | - Laura Rivera
- USDA/ARS/WRRC, Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (C.M.); (B.D.N.); (L.R.)
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Elina L. Niño
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Arathi Seshadri
- USDA/ARS/WRRC, Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (C.M.); (B.D.N.); (L.R.)
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3
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Sun Y, Zhan W, Dong T, Guo Y, Liu H, Gui L, Zhang Z. Real-Time Recognition and Detection of Bactrocera minax (Diptera: Trypetidae) Grooming Behavior Using Body Region Localization and Improved C3D Network. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:6442. [PMID: 37514739 PMCID: PMC10386511 DOI: 10.3390/s23146442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Pest management has long been a critical aspect of crop protection. Insect behavior is of great research value as an important indicator for assessing insect characteristics. Currently, insect behavior research is increasingly based on the quantification of behavior. Traditional manual observation and analysis methods can no longer meet the requirements of data volume and observation time. In this paper, we propose a method based on region localization combined with an improved 3D convolutional neural network for six grooming behaviors of Bactrocera minax: head grooming, foreleg grooming, fore-mid leg grooming, mid-hind leg grooming, hind leg grooming, and wing grooming. The overall recognition accuracy reached 93.46%. We compared the results obtained from the detection model with manual observations; the average difference was about 12%. This shows that the model reached a level close to manual observation. Additionally, recognition time using this method is only one-third of that required for manual observation, making it suitable for real-time detection needs. Experimental data demonstrate that this method effectively eliminates the interference caused by the walking behavior of Bactrocera minax, enabling efficient and automated detection of grooming behavior. Consequently, it offers a convenient means of studying pest characteristics in the field of crop protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Sun
- School of Computer Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
- Jingzhou Yingtuo Technology Co., Ltd., Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Wei Zhan
- School of Computer Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Tianyu Dong
- School of Computer Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Yuheng Guo
- School of Computer Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Hu Liu
- School of Computer Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Lianyou Gui
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Zhiliang Zhang
- School of Computer Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
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Green FB, Peterson EM, Smith PN. A novel laboratory method for simulating pollinator exposure to agrochemical-laden particulate matter. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:544-551. [PMID: 37165294 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-023-02660-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Environmental transport and deposition of particulate matter (PM) associated with toxic chemicals has begun to receive attention as a source of risk to pollinators. For example, dust arising from manipulations of insecticide-treated seed has potential to exert toxic effects among non-target insects. Similarly, synthetic steroid growth promoters, antibiotics and multiple insecticides and parasiticides detected in fugitive beef cattle feedyard PM may also negatively impact pollinators since many of these chemicals have been detected on wildflowers and pollinators collected near beef cattle feedyards. Therefore, there is a need to assess risk to pollinators posed by deposition of agrochemical-laden PM, both in the field and the laboratory. Unfortunately, established laboratory methods for simulating PM exposure or toxicity associated with contaminated PM are few and highly situation-specific. Herein we describe development and use of a PM circulation system that can be employed to evaluate toxicity of agrochemical-contaminated PM in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Two model organisms (honeybees (Apis mellifera) and mason bees (Osmia lignaria)) were exposed to agrochemical-free PM in the circulator system, and post-exposure mortality was compared with controls. No significant differences in mortality between exposed and control bees were observed. Next, honeybees and mason bees were exposed to PM spiked with an insecticide known to exert toxic effects to pollinators (thiamethoxam). Bees experienced significantly higher mortality when exposed to thiamethoxam-laden PM at environmentally relevant concentrations as compared to bees exposed to agrochemical-free PM. These results confirm the validity of these methods for use in controlled laboratory PM toxicity tests and offer a source of positive and negative control groups for laboratory and field experiments examining exposure of pollinators to potentially toxic agrochemical-laden PM. This method facilitates generation of more realistic toxicity data than standard contact toxicity tests when pollinator exposure scenarios involve particulate-based agrochemicals or other toxic chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank B Green
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Eric M Peterson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Philip N Smith
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
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Gebremedhn H, Claeys Bouuaert D, Asperges M, Amssalu B, De Smet L, de Graaf DC. Expression of Molecular Markers of Resilience against Varroa destructor and Bee Viruses in Ethiopian Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera simensis) Focussing on Olfactory Sensing and the RNA Interference Machinery. INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14050436. [PMID: 37233064 DOI: 10.3390/insects14050436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Varroa destructor mites and the viruses it vectors are two major factors leading to high losses of honey bees (Apis mellifera) colonies worldwide. However, honey bees in some African countries show resilience to varroa infestation and/or virus infections, although little is known about the mechanisms underlying this resilience. In this study, we investigated the expression profiles of some key molecular markers involved in olfactory sensing and RNA interference, as these processes may contribute to the bees' resilience to varroa infestation and virus infection, respectively. We found significantly higher gene expression of the odorant binding protein, OBP14, in the antennae of Ethiopian bees compared to Belgian bees. This result suggests the potential of OBP14 as a molecular marker of resilience to mite infestation. Scanning electron microscopy showed no significant differences in the antennal sensilla occurrence and distribution, suggesting that resilience arises from molecular processes rather than morphological adaptations. In addition, seven RNAi genes were upregulated in the Ethiopian honey bees and three of them-Dicer-Drosha, Argonaute 2, and TRBP2-were positively correlated with the viral load. We can conclude that the antiviral immune response was triggered when bees were experiencing severe viral infection and that this might contribute to the bees' resilience to viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haftom Gebremedhn
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, Mekelle P.O. Box 492, Ethiopia
| | - David Claeys Bouuaert
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michel Asperges
- Centrum Voor Milieukunde, University of Hasselt, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | | | - Lina De Smet
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk C de Graaf
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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El-Seedi HR, El-Wahed AAA, Zhao C, Saeed A, Zou X, Guo Z, Hegazi AG, Shehata AA, El-Seedi HHR, Algethami AF, Al Naggar Y, Agamy NF, Rateb ME, Ramadan MFA, Khalifa SAM, Wang K. A Spotlight on the Egyptian Honeybee ( Apis mellifera lamarckii). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202749. [PMID: 36290135 PMCID: PMC9597722 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Egyptian honeybee (Apis mellifera lamarckii) is one of the honeybee subspecies known for centuries since the ancient Egypt civilization. The subspecies of the Egyptian honeybee is distinguished by certain traits of appearance and behavior that were well-adapted to the environment and unique in a way that it is resistant to bee diseases, such as the Varroa disease. The subspecies is different than those found in Europe and is native to southern Egypt. Therefore, a special care should be paid to the vulnerable A. m. lamarckii subspecies and greater knowledge about the risk factors as well as conservation techniques will protect these bees. Additionally, more qualitative and quantitative measures will be taken to obtain deep insights into the A. m. lamarckii products’ chemical profile and biological characters. Abstract Egypt has an ongoing long history with beekeeping, which started with the ancient Egyptians making various reliefs and inscriptions of beekeeping on their tombs and temples. The Egyptian honeybee (Apis mellifera lamarckii) is an authentic Egyptian honeybee subspecies utilized in apiculture. A. m. lamarckii is a distinct honeybee subspecies that has a particular body color, size, and high levels of hygienic behavior. Additionally, it has distinctive characteristics; including the presence of the half-queens, an excessive number of swarm cells, high adaptability to climatic conditions, good resistance to specific bee diseases, including the Varro disorder, and continuous breeding during the whole year despite low productivity, using very little propolis, and tending to abscond readily. This review discusses the history of beekeeping in Egypt and its current situation in addition to its morphology, genetic analysis, and distinctive characters, and the defensive behaviors of native A. m. lamarckii subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham R. El-Seedi
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Pharmacognosy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Koom 32512, Egypt
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Intelligent Agriculture and Agri-Products Processing, Jiangsu Education Department, Nanjing 210024, China
- Correspondence: (H.R.E.-S.); (S.A.M.K.); Tel.: +46-700-43-43-43 (H.R.E.-S.)
| | - Aida A. Abd El-Wahed
- Department of Bee Research, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Giza 12627, Egypt
| | - Chao Zhao
- College of Marine Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Aamer Saeed
- Department of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Xiaobo Zou
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Zhiming Guo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Ahmed G. Hegazi
- Zoonotic Diseases Department, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Awad A. Shehata
- Avian and Rabbit Diseases Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 22857, Egypt
- PerNaturam GmbH, An der Trift 8, 56290 Gödenroth, Germany
- Prophy-Institute for Applied Prophylaxis, 59159 Bönen, Germany
| | | | - Ahmed F. Algethami
- Alnahal Aljwal Foundation Saudi Arabia, P.O. Box 617, Makkah 24211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahya Al Naggar
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Neveen F. Agamy
- Nutrition Department, Food Analysis Division, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Mostafa E. Rateb
- School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Mohamed F. A. Ramadan
- Central Agriculture Pesticides Laboratory, Pesticide Analysis Research Department, Agriculture Research Center, Giza 24221, Egypt
| | - Shaden A. M. Khalifa
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (H.R.E.-S.); (S.A.M.K.); Tel.: +46-700-43-43-43 (H.R.E.-S.)
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
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Morfin N, Anguiano-Baez R, Guzman-Novoa E. Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Immunity. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2021; 37:521-533. [PMID: 34689918 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
At the individual level, honey bees (Apis mellifera) rely on innate immunity, which operates through cellular and humoral mechanisms, to defend themselves against infectious agents and parasites. At the colony level, honey bees have developed collective defense mechanisms against pathogens and pests, such as hygienic and grooming behaviors. An understanding of the immune responses of honey bees is critical to implement strategies to reduce mortality and increase colony productivity. The major components and mechanisms of individual and social immunity of honey bees are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Morfin
- Research Associate, University of Guelph, School of Environmental Sciences, 50 Stone Road East, N1G 2W1, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Ricardo Anguiano-Baez
- Adjunct Professor, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Av. Universidad #3000, CU, Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico. https://twitter.com/richybat
| | - Ernesto Guzman-Novoa
- Professor and Head of the Honey Bee Research Centre, University of Guelph, School of Environmental Sciences, 50 Stone Road East, N1G 2W1, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Jack CJ, Ellis JD. Integrated Pest Management Control of Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae), the Most Damaging Pest of (Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)) Colonies. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2021; 21:6. [PMID: 34536080 PMCID: PMC8449538 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Varroa destructor is among the greatest biological threats to western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) health worldwide. Beekeepers routinely use chemical treatments to control this parasite, though overuse and mismanagement of these treatments have led to widespread resistance in Varroa populations. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecologically based, sustainable approach to pest management that relies on a combination of control tactics that minimize environmental impacts. Herein, we provide an in-depth review of the components of IPM in a Varroa control context. These include determining economic thresholds for the mite, identification of and monitoring for Varroa, prevention strategies, and risk conscious treatments. Furthermore, we provide a detailed review of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control strategies, both longstanding and emerging, used against Varroa globally. For each control type, we describe all available treatments, their efficacies against Varroa as described in the primary scientific literature, and the obstacles to their adoption. Unfortunately, reliable IPM protocols do not exist for Varroa due to the complex biology of the mite and strong reliance on chemical control by beekeepers. To encourage beekeeper adoption, a successful IPM approach to Varroa control in managed colonies must be an improvement over conventional control methods and include cost-effective treatments that can be employed readily by beekeepers. It is our intention to provide the most thorough review of Varroa control options available, ultimately framing our discussion within the context of IPM. We hope this article is a call-to-arms against the most damaging pest managed honey bee colonies face worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J Jack
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - James D Ellis
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Smith J, Cleare XL, Given K, Li-Byarlay H. Morphological Changes in the Mandibles Accompany the Defensive Behavior of Indiana Mite Biting Honey Bees Against Varroa Destructor. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.638308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is the most important managed pollinator to sustainable agriculture and our ecosystem. Yet managed honey bee colonies in the United States experience 30–40% losses annually. Among the many biotic stressors, the parasitic mite Varroa destructor is considered one of the main causes of colony losses. Bees’ mite-biting behavior has been selected as a Varroa-tolerant or Varroa-resistant trait in the state of Indiana for more than a decade. A survey of damaged mites from the bottom of a colony can be used as an extended phenotype to evaluate the mite-biting behavior of a colony. In this study, on average, 37% of mites sampled from the breeding stocks of 59 colonies of mite biters in Indiana were damaged or mutilated, which is significantly higher than the 19% of damaged mites found in commercial colonies in the southern United States. Indiana mite biter colonies had a higher proportion of damaged mites, although among the damaged mites, the number of missing legs was not significantly higher. In addition, the morphology of pollen-forager worker bee mandibles was compared by X-ray microcomputed tomography for six parameters in two populations, and a difference was detected in one parameter. Our results provide scientific evidence that potentially explains the defensive mechanism against Varroa mites: structural changes in the worker bee mandibles.
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Migdał P, Murawska A, Bieńkowski P, Berbeć E, Roman A. Changes in Honeybee Behavior Parameters under the Influence of the E-Field at 50 Hz and Variable Intensity. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020247. [PMID: 33498413 PMCID: PMC7909437 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
EM-fields come from both natural and anthropogenic sources. This study aimed to investigate changes in honeybee behavior parameters under the influence of an electric field at 50 Hz and variable intensity. Bees were exposed for 1 h, 3 h, or 6 h to the following artificial E-field intensities: 5.0 kV/m, 11.5 kV/m, 23.0 kV/m, or 34.5 kV/m. Bees in the control group were under the influence of an E-field <2.0 kV/m. Six basic behaviors were selected for bee observation (walking, grooming, flight, stillness, contact between individuals, and wing movement). Our research shows the impact of bee exposure time on behavioral change within groups. Exposure for 3 h caused a decrease in the time that bees spent on behaviors and in the number of occurrences. After 6 h, the parameters increased within the groups, as was the case with 1 h exposure. This may indicate that there is a behavioral barrier that allows the pattern to normalize for some time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Migdał
- Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 25 C.K. Norwida St., 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.); (E.B.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-71-3205864
| | - Agnieszka Murawska
- Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 25 C.K. Norwida St., 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.); (E.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Paweł Bieńkowski
- Telecommunications and Teleinformatics Department, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 27 Wybrzeze, Wyspianskiego St., 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Ewelina Berbeć
- Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 25 C.K. Norwida St., 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.); (E.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Adam Roman
- Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 25 C.K. Norwida St., 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.M.); (E.B.); (A.R.)
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Kaskinova MD, Gaifullina LR, Saltykova ES, Poskryakov AV, Nikolenko AG. Genetic markers for the resistance of honey bee to Varroa destructor. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2020; 24:853-860. [PMID: 35087998 PMCID: PMC8763714 DOI: 10.18699/vj20.683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mid-20th century, the first case of infection of European bees Apis mellifera L. with the ectoparasite mite Varroa destructor was recorded. The original host of this mite is the Asian bee Apis cerana. The mite V. destructor was widespread throughout Europe, North and South America, and Australia remained the only continent free from this parasite. Without acaricide treatment any honeybee colony dies within 1–4 years. The use of synthetic acaricides has not justified itself – they make beekeeping products unsuitable and mites develop resistance to them, which forces the use of even greater concentrations that can be toxic to the bees. Therefore, the only safe measure to combat the mite is the use of biological control methods. One of these methods is the selection of bee colonies with natural mite resistance. In this article we summarize publications devoted to the search for genetic markers associated with resistance to V. destructor. The first part discusses the basic mechanisms of bee resistance (Varroa sensitive hygienic behavior and grooming) and methods for their assessment. The second part focuses on research aimed at searching for loci and candidate genes associated with resistance to varroosis by mapping quantitative traits loci and genome-wide association studies. The third part summarizes studies of the transcriptome profile of Varroa resistant bees. The last part discusses the most likely candidate genes – potential markers for breeding Varroa resistant bees. Resistance to the mite is manifested in a variety of phenotypes and is under polygenic control. The establishing of gene pathways involved in resistance to Varroa will help create a methodological basis for the selection of Varroa resistant honeybee colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. D. Kaskinova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics – Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - L. R. Gaifullina
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics – Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - E. S. Saltykova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics – Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - A. V. Poskryakov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics – Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - A. G. Nikolenko
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics – Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
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Le Conte Y, Meixner MD, Brandt A, Carreck NL, Costa C, Mondet F, Büchler R. Geographical Distribution and Selection of European Honey Bees Resistant to Varroa destructor. INSECTS 2020; 11:E873. [PMID: 33302465 PMCID: PMC7764010 DOI: 10.3390/insects11120873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Developing resistance to the varroa mite in honey bees is a major goal for apicultural science and practice, the development of selection strategies and the availability of resistant stock. Here we present an extended literature review and survey of resistant populations and selection programs in the EU and elsewhere, including expert interviews. We illustrate the practical experiences of scientists, beekeepers, and breeders in search of resistant bees. We describe numerous resistant populations surviving without acaricide treatments, most of which developed under natural infestation pressure. Their common characteristics: reduced brood development; limited mite population growth; and low mite reproduction, may cause conflict with the interests of commercial beekeeping. Since environmental factors affect varroa mite resistance, particular honey bee strains must be evaluated under different local conditions and colony management. The resistance traits of grooming, hygienic behavior and mite reproduction, together with simple testing of mite population development and colony survival, are significant in recent selection programs. Advanced breeding techniques and genetic and physiological selection tools will be essential in the future. Despite huge demand, there is no well-established market for resistant stock in Europe. Moreover, reliable experience or experimental evidence regarding the resistance of stocks under different environmental and management conditions is still lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Le Conte
- INRAE, Abeilles et Environnement, 84914 Avignon, France;
| | - Marina D. Meixner
- Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen, Bee Institute, Erlenstrasse 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany; (M.D.M.); (A.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Annely Brandt
- Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen, Bee Institute, Erlenstrasse 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany; (M.D.M.); (A.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Norman L. Carreck
- Carreck Consultancy Ltd., Woodside Cottage, Dragons Lane, Shipley RH13 8GD, West Sussex, UK;
- Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, East Sussex, UK
| | - Cecilia Costa
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Saliceto 80, 40128 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Fanny Mondet
- INRAE, Abeilles et Environnement, 84914 Avignon, France;
| | - Ralph Büchler
- Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen, Bee Institute, Erlenstrasse 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany; (M.D.M.); (A.B.); (R.B.)
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Russo RM, Liendo MC, Landi L, Pietronave H, Merke J, Fain H, Muntaabski I, Palacio MA, Rodríguez GA, Lanzavecchia SB, Scannapieco AC. Grooming Behavior in Naturally Varroa-Resistant Apis mellifera Colonies From North-Central Argentina. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.590281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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Varroa destructor: A Complex Parasite, Crippling Honey Bees Worldwide. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:592-606. [PMID: 32456963 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The parasitic mite, Varroa destructor, has shaken the beekeeping and pollination industries since its spread from its native host, the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana), to the naïve European honey bee (Apis mellifera) used commercially for pollination and honey production around the globe. Varroa is the greatest threat to honey bee health. Worrying observations include increasing acaricide resistance in the varroa population and sinking economic treatment thresholds, suggesting that the mites or their vectored viruses are becoming more virulent. Highly infested weak colonies facilitate mite dispersal and disease transmission to stronger and healthier colonies. Here, we review recent developments in the biology, pathology, and management of varroa, and integrate older knowledge that is less well known.
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Morfin N, Goodwin PH, Guzman-Novoa E. Interaction of field realistic doses of clothianidin and Varroa destructor parasitism on adult honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) health and neural gene expression, and antagonistic effects on differentially expressed genes. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229030. [PMID: 32078633 PMCID: PMC7032720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
While many studies have examined the effects of neonicotinoid insecticides and the parasitic mite Varroa destructor on honey bees (Apis mellifera), more information on the combined effects of such stressors on gene expression, including neural related genes, and their impact on biological pathways is needed. This study analyzed the effects of field realistic concentrations of the neonicotinoid clothianidin on adult bees infested and not infested with V. destructor over 21 consecutive days and then determined bee survivorship, weight, deformed wing virus (DWV) levels and gene expression. V. destructor parasitism with or without clothianidin exposure was significantly associated with decreased survivorship, weight loss and higher DWV levels, while clothianidin exposure was only associated with higher levels of DWV. Expression analysis of the neural genes AmNlg-1, BlCh and AmAChE-2 showed that V. destructor caused a significant down-regulation of all of them, whereas clothianidin caused a significant down-regulation of only AmNrx-1 and BlCh. An interaction was only detected for AmNrx-1 expression. RNAseq analysis showed that clothianidin exposure resulted in 6.5 times more up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) than V. destructor alone and 123 times more than clothianidin combined with V. destructor. Similar results were obtained with down-regulated DEGs, except for a higher number of DEGs shared between V. destructor and the combined stressors. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) biological pathway analysis of the DEGs showed that the stressor linked to the highest number of KEGG pathways was clothianidin, followed by V. destructor, and then considerably fewer number of KEGG pathways with the combined stressors. The reduced numbers of DEGs and KEGG pathways associated with the DEGs for the combined stressors compared to the stressors alone indicates that the interaction of the stressors is not additive or synergistic, but antagonistic. The possible implications of the antagonistic effect on the number of DEGs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Morfin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul H. Goodwin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Morfin N, Goodwin PH, Hunt GJ, Guzman-Novoa E. Effects of sublethal doses of clothianidin and/or V. destructor on honey bee (Apis mellifera) self-grooming behavior and associated gene expression. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5196. [PMID: 30914660 PMCID: PMC6435647 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41365-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the combined effects of stressors on social immunity of honey bees (Apis mellifera) and related gene expression. The interaction between sublethal doses of a neurotoxin, clothianidin, and the ectoparasite, Varroa destructor, was examined by measuring differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in brains, deformed wing virus (DWV) and the proportion and intensity of self-grooming. Evidence for an interaction was observed between the stressors in a reduction in the proportion of intense groomers. Only the lowest dose of clothianidin alone reduced the proportion of self-groomers and increased DWV levels. V. destructor shared a higher proportion of DEGs with the combined stressors compared to clothianidin, indicating that the effects of V. destructor were more pervasive than those of clothianidin when they were combined. The number of up-regulated DEGs were reduced with the combined stressors compared to clothianidin alone, suggesting an interference with the impacts of clothianidin. Clothianidin and V. destructor affected DEGs from different biological pathways but shared impacts on pathways related to neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer's, which could be related to neurological dysfunction and may explain their negative impacts on grooming. This study shows that the combination of clothianidin and V. destructor resulted in a complex and non-additive interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Morfin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Paul H Goodwin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada
| | - Greg J Hunt
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, 901 W State St, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, United States of America
| | - Ernesto Guzman-Novoa
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, N1G 2W1, Ontario, Canada
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