1451
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Palmer-Young EC, Thursfield L. Pollen extracts and constituent sugars increase growth of a trypanosomatid parasite of bumble bees. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3297. [PMID: 28503378 PMCID: PMC5426351 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytochemicals produced by plants, including at flowers, function in protection against plant diseases, and have a long history of use against trypanosomatid infection. Floral nectar and pollen, the sole food sources for many species of insect pollinators, contain phytochemicals that have been shown to reduce trypanosomatid infection in bumble and honey bees when fed as isolated compounds. Nectar and pollen, however, consist of phytochemical mixtures, which can have greater antimicrobial activity than do single compounds. This study tested the hypothesis that pollen extracts would inhibit parasite growth. Extracts of six different pollens were tested for direct inhibitory activity against cell cultures of the bumble bee trypanosomatid gut parasite Crithidia bombi. Surprisingly, pollen extracts increased parasite growth rather than inhibiting it. Pollen extracts contained high concentrations of sugars, mainly the monosaccharides glucose and fructose. Experimental manipulations of growth media showed that supplemental monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) increased maximum cell density, while a common floral phytochemical (caffeic acid) with inhibitory activity against other trypanosomatids had only weak inhibitory effects on Crithidia bombi. These results indicate that, although pollen is essential for bees and other pollinators, pollen may promote growth of intestinal parasites that are uninhibited by pollen phytochemicals and, as a result, can benefit from the nutrients that pollen provides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan C. Palmer-Young
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - Lucy Thursfield
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom
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1452
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Amiri E, Strand MK, Rueppell O, Tarpy DR. Queen Quality and the Impact of Honey Bee Diseases on Queen Health: Potential for Interactions between Two Major Threats to Colony Health. INSECTS 2017; 8:E48. [PMID: 28481294 PMCID: PMC5492062 DOI: 10.3390/insects8020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Western honey bees, Apis mellifera, live in highly eusocial colonies that are each typically headed by a single queen. The queen is the sole reproductive female in a healthy colony, and because long-term colony survival depends on her ability to produce a large number of offspring, queen health is essential for colony success. Honey bees have recently been experiencing considerable declines in colony health. Among a number of biotic and abiotic factors known to impact colony health, disease and queen failure are repeatedly reported as important factors underlying colony losses. Surprisingly, there are relatively few studies on the relationship and interaction between honey bee diseases and queen quality. It is critical to understand the negative impacts of pests and pathogens on queen health, how queen problems might enable disease, and how both factors influence colony health. Here, we review the current literature on queen reproductive potential and the impacts of honey bee parasites and pathogens on queens. We conclude by highlighting gaps in our knowledge on the combination of disease and queen failure to provide a perspective and prioritize further research to mitigate disease, improve queen quality, and ensure colony health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmaeil Amiri
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA.
- Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Micheline K Strand
- Life Science Division, U.S. Army Research Office, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Olav Rueppell
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA.
| | - David R Tarpy
- Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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1453
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Zhu YC, Yao J, Adamczyk J, Luttrell R. Synergistic toxicity and physiological impact of imidacloprid alone and binary mixtures with seven representative pesticides on honey bee (Apis mellifera). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176837. [PMID: 28467462 PMCID: PMC5414993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Imidacloprid is the most widely used insecticide in the world. In this study, we used spraying methods to simulate field exposures of bees to formulated imidacloprid (Advise® 2FL) alone and binary mixtures with seven pesticides from different classes. Synergistic toxicity was detected from mixtures of Advise (58.6 mg a.i./L imidacloprid)+Domark (512.5 mg a.i. /L tetraconazole), Advise+Transform (58.5 mg a.i./L sulfoxaflor), and Advise+Vydate (68 mg a.i./L oxamyl), and mortality was significantly increased by 20%, 15%, and 26% respectively. The mixtures of Advise+Bracket (88.3 mg a.i./L acephate) and Advise+Karate (62.2 mg a.i./L L-cyhalothrin) showed additive interaction, while Advise+Belay (9.4 mg a.i./L clothianidin) and Advise+Roundup (1217.5 mg a.i./L glyphosate) had no additive/synergistic interaction. Spraying bees with the mixture of all eight pesticides increased mortality to 100%, significantly higher than all other treatments. Except Bracket which significantly suppressed esterase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities, other treatments of Advise-only and mixtures with other pesticides did not suppress enzyme activities significantly, including invertase, glutathione S-transferase (GST), and esterase and AChE. Immunity-related phenoloxidase (PO) activities in survivors tended to be more variable among treatments, but mostly still statistically similar to the control. By using specific enzyme inhibitors, we demonstrated that honey bees mainly rely on cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) for detoxifying Advise, while esterases and GSTs play substantially less roles in the detoxification. This study provided valuable information for guiding pesticide selection in premixing and tank mixing in order to alleviate toxicity risk to honey bees. Our findings indicated mixtures of Advise with detoxification-enzyme-inducing pesticides may help bees to detoxify Advise, while toxicity synergists may pose further risk to bees, such as the Bracket which not only suppressed esterase and AChE activities, but also increased toxicity to bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cheng Zhu
- USDA-ARS, Stoneville, Mississippi, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jianxiu Yao
- USDA-ARS, Stoneville, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - John Adamczyk
- USDA-ARS, Poplarville, Mississippi, United States of America
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1454
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Dance C, Botías C, Goulson D. The combined effects of a monotonous diet and exposure to thiamethoxam on the performance of bumblebee micro-colonies. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 139:194-201. [PMID: 28135666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
There is a pressing need to better understand the factors contributing to declines of wild pollinators such as bumblebees. Many different contributors have been postulated including: loss of flower-rich habitats and nesting sites; monotonous diets; impacts of invasive pathogens; exposure to pesticides such as neonicotinoids. Past research has tended to investigate the impacts of these stressors in isolation, despite the increasing recognition that bees are simultaneously exposed to a combination of stressors, with potentially additive or synergistic effects. No studies to date have investigated the combined effects of a monotonous diet and exposure to pesticides. Using queenless micro-colonies of Bombus terrestris audax, we examined this interaction by providing bees with monofloral or polyfloral pollen that was either contaminated with field-realistic levels of thiamethoxam, a commonly used neonicotinoid, or not contaminated. Both treatments were found to have a significant effect on various parameters relating to micro-colony performance. Specifically, both pesticide-treated micro-colonies and those fed monofloral pollen grew more slowly than those given polyfloral pollen or pollen without pesticides. The two factors appeared to act additively. Micro-colonies given monofloral pollens also exhibited lower reproductive efforts and produced smaller drones. Although further research is needed to examine whether similar effects are found in whole colonies, these findings increase our understanding of the likely effects of multiple stressors associated with agricultural intensification on bee declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Dance
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, United Kingdom
| | - C Botías
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, United Kingdom
| | - D Goulson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, United Kingdom.
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1455
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Soliman AS, Helmy RMA, Nasr IN, Abbas MS, Mahmoud HA, Jiang W. Behavior of Thiophanate Methyl and Propiconazole in Grape and Mango Fruits Under the Egyptian Field Conditions. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 98:720-725. [PMID: 28337501 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-017-2066-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This research aims at determining residues of thiophanate methyl and propiconazole in grape and mango fruits as an indication for their persistence in this environmental compartment. Fruit extracts were analyzed for thiophanate methyl using High Performance Liquid Chromatography and using Gas Chromatography Electron Capture Detector (GC/ECD), respectively. The results indicated that propiconazole had a less environmental impact since propiconazole had shorter residue half-lives which were 1.24 and 1.19 days in grape and mango fruits, respectively, while thiophanate methyl had half-lives of 2.49 and 2.64 days in mango and grape, respectively. The degradation rates of propiconazole in grape and mango fruits did not change significantly and neither did those of thiophanate methyl. According to the maximum residue level, the pre-harvest intervals of propiconazole were set to be 3 and 7 days for grape and mango fruits, respectively, and the pre-harvest intervals for thiophanate methyl were 15 days for both grape and mango fruits. Propiconazole was generally considered to be less hazardous to humans and will leave the environment less altered because of its faster degradation than that of thiophanate methyl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Sh Soliman
- Natural Resources Department, Institute of African Research and Studies, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Rania M A Helmy
- Central Agricultural Pesticides Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Islam N Nasr
- Central Agricultural Pesticides Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Abbas
- Natural Resources Department, Institute of African Research and Studies, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Hend A Mahmoud
- Central Agricultural Pesticides Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Wayne Jiang
- IR-4 North Central Region Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
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1456
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Grau T, Brandt A, DeLeon S, Meixner MD, Strauß JF, Joop G, Telschow A. A Comparison of Wolbachia Infection Frequencies in Varroa With Prevalence of Deformed Wing Virus. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2017; 17:3836770. [PMID: 28973572 PMCID: PMC5538322 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iex039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Wolbachia are widely distributed bacterial endosymbionts of arthropods and filarial nematodes. These bacteria can affect host fitness in a variety of ways, such as protecting hosts against viruses and other pathogens. Here, we investigate the possible role of Wolbachia in the prevalence of the deformed wing virus (DWV), a highly virulent pathogen of honey bees (Apis mellifera) that is transmitted by parasitic Varroa mites (Varroa destructor). About 180 Varroa mites from 18 beehives were tested for infection with Wolbachia and DWV. We first screened for Wolbachia using two standard primers (wsp and 16S rDNA), and found 26% of the mites to be positive for Wolbachia using the wsp primer and 64% of the mites to be positive using the 16S rDNA primer. Using these intermediate Wolbachia frequencies, we then tested for statistical correlations with virus infection frequencies. The analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between DWV and Wolbachia using the wsp primer, but no significant association between DWV and Wolbachia using the 16S rDNA primer. In conclusion, there is no evidence for an anti-pathogenic effect of Wolbachia in V. destructor, but weak evidence for a pro-pathogenic effect. These results encourage further examination of Wolbachia-virus interactions in Varroa mites since an increased vector competence of the mites may significantly impact disease outbreaks in honey bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorben Grau
- Institute of Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany (; ; )
| | | | - Sara DeLeon
- Institute of Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany (; ; )
| | | | - Jakob Friedrich Strauß
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Westfaelische Wilhelms University Muenster, Muenster, Germany (; )
| | - Gerrit Joop
- Institute of Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany (; ; )
| | - Arndt Telschow
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Westfaelische Wilhelms University Muenster, Muenster, Germany (; )
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1457
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McArt SH, Fersch AA, Milano NJ, Truitt LL, Böröczky K. High pesticide risk to honey bees despite low focal crop pollen collection during pollination of a mass blooming crop. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46554. [PMID: 28422139 PMCID: PMC5396195 DOI: 10.1038/srep46554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees provide critical pollination services for many agricultural crops. While the contribution of pesticides to current hive loss rates is debated, remarkably little is known regarding the magnitude of risk to bees and mechanisms of exposure during pollination. Here, we show that pesticide risk in recently accumulated beebread was above regulatory agency levels of concern for acute or chronic exposure at 5 and 22 of the 30 apple orchards, respectively, where we placed 120 experimental hives. Landscape context strongly predicted focal crop pollen foraging and total pesticide residues, which were dominated by fungicides. Yet focal crop pollen foraging was a poor predictor of pesticide risk, which was driven primarily by insecticides. Instead, risk was positively related to diversity of non-focal crop pollen sources. Furthermore, over 60% of pesticide risk was attributed to pesticides that were not sprayed during the apple bloom period. These results suggest the majority of pesticide risk to honey bees providing pollination services came from residues in non-focal crop pollen, likely contaminated wildflowers or other sources. We suggest a greater understanding of the specific mechanisms of non-focal crop pesticide exposure is essential for minimizing risk to bees and improving the sustainability of grower pest management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott H. McArt
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Ashley A. Fersch
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Nelson J. Milano
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Lauren L. Truitt
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Katalin Böröczky
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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1458
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LaLone CA, Villeneuve DL, Wu-Smart J, Milsk RY, Sappington K, Garber KV, Housenger J, Ankley GT. Weight of evidence evaluation of a network of adverse outcome pathways linking activation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in honey bees to colony death. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 584-585:751-775. [PMID: 28126277 PMCID: PMC6156782 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Ongoing honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony losses are of significant international concern because of the essential role these insects play in pollinating crops. Both chemical and non-chemical stressors have been implicated as possible contributors to colony failure; however, the potential role(s) of commonly-used neonicotinoid insecticides has emerged as particularly concerning. Neonicotinoids act on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the central nervous system to eliminate pest insects. However, mounting evidence indicates that neonicotinoids also may adversely affect beneficial pollinators, such as the honey bee, via impairments on learning and memory, and ultimately foraging success. The specific mechanisms linking activation of the nAChR to adverse effects on learning and memory are uncertain. Additionally, clear connections between observed impacts on individual bees and colony level effects are lacking. The objective of this review was to develop adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) as a means to evaluate the biological plausibility and empirical evidence supporting (or refuting) the linkage between activation of the physiological target site, the nAChR, and colony level consequences. Potential for exposure was not a consideration in AOP development and therefore this effort should not be considered a risk assessment. Nonetheless, development of the AOPs described herein has led to the identification of research gaps which, for example, may be of high priority in understanding how perturbation of pathways involved in neurotransmission can adversely affect normal colony functions, causing colony instability and subsequent bee population failure. A putative AOP network was developed, laying the foundation for further insights as to the role of combined chemical and non-chemical stressors in impacting bee populations. Insights gained from the AOP network assembly, which more realistically represents multi-stressor impacts on honey bee colonies, are promising toward understanding common sensitive nodes in key biological pathways and identifying where mitigation strategies may be focused to reduce colony losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlie A LaLone
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd., Duluth, MN 55804, USA.
| | - Daniel L Villeneuve
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd., Duluth, MN 55804, USA
| | - Judy Wu-Smart
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Entomology, 105A Entomology Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Rebecca Y Milsk
- ORISE Research Participation Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd., Duluth, MN 55804, USA
| | - Keith Sappington
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticide Programs, Washington D.C. 20460, USA
| | - Kristina V Garber
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticide Programs, Washington D.C. 20460, USA
| | - Justin Housenger
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticide Programs, Washington D.C. 20460, USA
| | - Gerald T Ankley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Mid-Continent Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd., Duluth, MN 55804, USA
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1459
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Nutrient enrichment is associated with altered nectar and pollen chemical composition in Succisa pratensis Moench and increased larval mortality of its pollinator Bombus terrestris L. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175160. [PMID: 28406910 PMCID: PMC5390989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pollinators are declining worldwide and possible underlying causes include disease, invasive pest species and large scale land use changes resulting in habitat loss and degradation. One particular cause of habitat degradation is the increased inflow of nutrients due to anthropogenic combustion processes and large scale application of agricultural fertilizers. This nutrient pollution has been shown to affect pollinators through the loss of nectar and pollen-providing plant species. However, it may also affect pollinators through altering the nectar and pollen chemical composition of plant species, hence influencing pollinator food quality. Here, we experimentally investigated the effect of nutrient enrichment on amino acid and sugar composition of nectar and pollen in the grassland plant Sucissa pratensis, and the subsequent colony size and larval mortality of the pollinating bumblebee Bombus terrestris. We found less of the essential amino acids glycine and arginine in the pollen of fertilized plants, and more arginine, ornithine and threonine in the pollen of control plants. Nectar glucose and pollen fructose levels were lower in fertilized plants as compared to control plants. Furthermore, bumblebee colonies visiting fertilized plants showed more dead larvae than colonies visiting control plants. Our results suggest that the fitness of bumblebees can be negatively affected by changes in their food quality following nutrient pollution. If similar patterns hold for other plant and pollinator species, this may have far reaching implications for the maintenance of pollination ecosystem services, as nutrient pollution continues to rise worldwide.
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1460
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Bishop J, Jones HE, O'Sullivan DM, Potts SG. Elevated temperature drives a shift from selfing to outcrossing in the insect-pollinated legume, faba bean (Vicia faba). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2017; 68:2055-2063. [PMID: 27927999 PMCID: PMC5429019 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erw430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Climate change can threaten the reproductive success of plants, both directly, through physiological damage during increasingly extreme weather events, and indirectly, through disruption of plant-pollinator interactions. To explore how plant-pollinator interactions are modified by extreme weather, we exposed faba bean (Vicia faba) plants to elevated temperature for 5 d during flowering, simulating a heatwave. We then moved the plants to flight cages with either bumblebees or no pollinators, or to two field sites, where plants were enclosed in mesh bags or pollinated by wild insect communities. We used a morphological marker to quantify pollen movement between experimental plants. There was a substantial increase in the level of outcrossing by insect pollinators following heat stress. Proportion outcrossed seed increased from 17 % at control temperature, to 33 % following heat stress in the flight cages, and from 31 % to 80 % at one field site, but not at the other (33 % to 32 %). Abiotic stress can dramatically shift the relative contributions of cross- and self-pollination to reproduction in an insect pollinated plant. The resulting increases in gene flow have broad implications for genetic diversity and functioning of ecosystems, and may increase resilience by accelerating the selection of more stress-tolerant genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Bishop
- School of Agriculture, Policy, and Development, University of Reading,RG6 6AR, UK
| | - Hannah E Jones
- School of Agriculture, Policy, and Development, University of Reading,RG6 6AR, UK
| | - Donal M O'Sullivan
- School of Agriculture, Policy, and Development, University of Reading,RG6 6AR, UK
| | - Simon G Potts
- School of Agriculture, Policy, and Development, University of Reading,RG6 6AR, UK
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1461
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Yasuda M, Sakamoto Y, Goka K, Nagamitsu T, Taki H. Insecticide Susceptibility in Asian Honey Bees (Apis cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae)) and Implications for Wild Honey Bees in Asia. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 110:447-452. [PMID: 28334064 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tox032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
To conserve local biodiversity and ensure the provision of pollination services, it is essential to understand the impact of pesticides on wild honey bees. Most studies that have investigated the effects of pesticides on honey bees have focused on the European honey bee (Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae)), which is commonly domesticated worldwide. However, the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) is widely distributed throughout Asia, and toxicity data are lacking for this species. This study aimed to fill this important knowledge gap. In this study, we determined the acute contact toxicity in A. cerana to various pesticides, including neonicotinoids, fipronil, organophosphorus, synthetic pyrethroids, carbamate, and anthranilic diamide. Based on the test duration of 48 h of contact LD50 tests, A. cerana was most sensitive to dinotefuran (0.0014 μg/bee), followed by thiamethoxam (0.0024 μg/bee) and fipronil (0.0025 μg/bee). Dinotefuran is used extensively in Asia, thereby potentially creating a substantial hazard. More generally, A. cerana was approximately one order of magnitude more sensitive than was A. mellifera to most of the pesticides evaluated. The results of our study suggest that neonicotinoid pesticides should not be considered as a single group that acts uniformly on all honey bees, and that more careful management strategies are required to conserve A. cerana populations than A. mellifera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Yasuda
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI), Tsukuba 305-8687, Japan (; )
| | - Yoshiko Sakamoto
- National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Koichi Goka
- National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Teruyoshi Nagamitsu
- Hokkaido Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI), Sapporo 062-8516, Japan
| | - Hisatomo Taki
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI), Tsukuba 305-8687, Japan (; )
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1462
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Condition-dependent virulence of slow bee paralysis virus in Bombus terrestris: are the impacts of honeybee viruses in wild pollinators underestimated? Oecologia 2017; 184:305-315. [PMID: 28361244 PMCID: PMC5487845 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-017-3851-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Slow bee paralysis virus (SBPV)-previously considered an obligate honeybee disease-is now known to be prevalent in bumblebee species. SBPV is highly virulent in honeybees in association with Varroa mites, but has been considered relatively benign otherwise. However, condition-dependent pathogens can appear asymptomatic under good, resource abundant conditions, and negative impacts on host fitness may only become apparent when under stressful or resource-limited conditions. We tested whether SBPV expresses condition-dependent virulence in its bumblebee host, Bombus terrestris, by orally inoculating bees with SBPV and recording longevity under satiated and starvation conditions. SBPV infection resulted in significant virulence under starvation conditions, with infected bees 1.6 times more likely to die at any given time point (a median of 2.3 h earlier than uninfected bees), whereas there was no effect under satiated conditions. This demonstrates clear condition-dependent virulence for SBPV in B. terrestris. Infections that appear asymptomatic in non-stressful laboratory assays may nevertheless have significant impacts under natural conditions in the wild. For multi-host pathogens such as SBPV, the use of sentinel host species in laboratory assays may further lead to the underestimation of pathogen impacts on other species in nature. In this case the impact of 'honeybee viruses' on wild pollinators may be underestimated, with detrimental effects on conservation and food security. Our results highlight the importance of multiple assays and multiple host species when testing for virulence, in order for laboratory studies to accurately inform conservation policy and mitigate disease impacts in wild pollinators.
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1463
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Specialist nectar-yeasts decline with urbanization in Berlin. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45315. [PMID: 28358006 PMCID: PMC5372171 DOI: 10.1038/srep45315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Nectar yeasts are common inhabitants of insect-pollinated flowers but factors determining their distribution are not well understood. We studied the influence of host identity, environmental factors related to pollution/urbanization, and the distance to a target beehive on local distribution of nectar yeasts within Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Tilia tomentosa Moench in Berlin, Germany. Nectar samples of six individuals per species were collected at seven sites in a 2 km radius from each target beehive and plated on YM-Agar to visualise the different morphotypes, which were then identified by sequencing a section of the 26S rDNA gene. Multivariate linear models were used to analyze the effects of all investigated factors on yeast occurrence per tree. Yeast distribution was mainly driven by host identity. The influence of the environmental factors (NO2, height of construction, soil sealing) strongly depended on the radius around the tree, similar to the distance of the sampled beehive. Incidence of specialist nectar-borne yeast species decreased with increasing pollution/urbanization index. Given that specialist yeast species gave way to generalist yeasts that have a reduced dependency on pollinators for between-flower dispersal, our results indicate that increased urbanization may restrict the movement of nectar-specialized yeasts, via limitations of pollinator foraging behavior.
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1464
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Brodschneider R, Libor A, Kupelwieser V, Crailsheim K. Food consumption and food exchange of caged honey bees using a radioactive labelled sugar solution. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174684. [PMID: 28355267 PMCID: PMC5371368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We measured the distribution of sugar solution within groups of caged honey bees (Apis mellifera) under standard in vitro laboratory conditions using 14C polyethylene glycol as a radioactive marker to analyze ingestion by individual bees after group feeding. We studied the impact of different experimental setups by varying the number of bees, age of bees, origin of bees, duration of experiment, the amount of available diet, and the influence of the neurotoxic pesticide imidacloprid in the diet on the feeding and food sharing behavior (trophallaxis). Sugar solution was non-uniformly distributed in bees in 36 out of 135 cages. As a measure of the extent to which the sugar diet was equally distributed between caged bees, we calculated the (inner 80%) intake ratio by dividing the intake of the 90th percentile bee by the intake of the 10th percentile bee. This intake ratio ranged from 1.3 to 94.8 in 133 individual cages, further supporting a non-uniform distribution of food among caged bees. We can expect a cage with 10 or 30 bees containing one bee that ingests, on average, the 8.8-fold of the bee in the same cage ingesting the smallest quantity of food. Inner 80% intake ratios were lower in experiments with a permanent or chronic offering of labelled sugar solution compared to temporary or acute feedings. After pooling the data of replicates to achieve a higher statistical power we compared different experimental setups. We found that uniform food distribution is best approached with 10 newly emerged bees per cage, which originate from a brood comb from a single colony. We also investigated the trophallaxis between caged honey bees which originally consumed the diet and newly added bees. Color marked bees were starved and added to the cages in a ratio of 10:5 or 20:20 after the initial set of bees consumed all the labelled sugar solution. The distribution of the labelled sugar solution by trophallaxis within 48 hours to added bees was 25% (10:5) or 45% (20:20) of the initial sugar solution. Imidacloprid at its median lethal dose (LD50) in the sugar solution reduced this post-feeding food transmission to 27% (20:20). Our results show that differences in food intake exist within caged bees that may lead to differential exposure that can influence the interpretation of toxicity tests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anika Libor
- Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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1465
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Tuomisto HL, Scheelbeek PF, Chalabi Z, Green R, Smith RD, Haines A, Dangour AD. Effects of environmental change on population nutrition and health: A comprehensive framework with a focus on fruits and vegetables. Wellcome Open Res 2017. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.11190.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental changes are likely to affect agricultural production over the next 20–30 years. The interactions between environmental change, agricultural yields and crop quality, and the critical pathways to future diets and health outcomes remain largely undefined. There are currently no quantitative models to test the impact of multiple environmental changes on nutrition and health outcomes. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we developed a framework to link the multiple interactions between environmental change, agricultural productivity and crop quality, population-level food availability, dietary intake and health outcomes, with a specific focus on fruits and vegetables. The main components of the framework consist of: i) socio-economic and societal factors, ii) environmental change stressors, iii) interventions and policies, iv) food system activities, v) food and nutrition security, and vi) health and well-being outcomes. The framework, based on currently available evidence, provides an overview of the multidimensional and complex interactions between environmental change, diets and health, and forms the analytical baseline for future modelling and scenario testing. The framework identifies the inter-sectoral datasets and models that need to be defined and populated to assess the impacts of environmental change on agricultural production, food availability, nutrition and population health.
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1466
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Tuomisto HL, Scheelbeek PF, Chalabi Z, Green R, Smith RD, Haines A, Dangour AD. Effects of environmental change on population nutrition and health: A comprehensive framework with a focus on fruits and vegetables. Wellcome Open Res 2017; 2:21. [PMID: 29511740 PMCID: PMC5814744 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.11190.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental changes are likely to affect agricultural production over the next 20-30 years. The interactions between environmental change, agricultural yields and crop quality, and the critical pathways to future diets and health outcomes remain largely undefined. There are currently no quantitative models to test the impact of multiple environmental changes on nutrition and health outcomes. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we developed a framework to link the multiple interactions between environmental change, agricultural productivity and crop quality, population-level food availability, dietary intake and health outcomes, with a specific focus on fruits and vegetables. The main components of the framework consist of: i) socio-economic and societal factors, ii) environmental change stressors, iii) interventions and policies, iv) food system activities, v) food and nutrition security, and vi) health and well-being outcomes. The framework, based on currently available evidence, provides an overview of the multidimensional and complex interactions between environmental change, diets and health, and forms the analytical baseline for future modelling and scenario testing. The framework identifies the inter-sectoral datasets and models that need to be defined and populated to assess the impacts of environmental change on agricultural production, food availability, nutrition and population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna L. Tuomisto
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Pauline F.D. Scheelbeek
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Zaid Chalabi
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Rosemary Green
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Richard D. Smith
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Andy Haines
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Alan D. Dangour
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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1467
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Wessler IK, Kirkpatrick CJ. Non-neuronal acetylcholine involved in reproduction in mammals and honeybees. J Neurochem 2017; 142 Suppl 2:144-150. [PMID: 28072454 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria and archaea synthesize acetylcholine (ACh). Thus, it can be postulated that ACh was created by nature roughly three billion years ago. Therefore, the wide expression of ACh in nature (i.e., in bacteria, archaea, unicellular organisms, plants, fungi, non-vertebrates and vertebrates and in the abundance of non-neuronal cells of mammals) is not surprising. The term non-neuronal ACh and non-neuronal cholinergic system have been introduced to describe the auto- and paracrine, that is, local regulatory actions of ACh in cells not innervated by neuronal cholinergic fibers and to communicate among themselves. In this way non-neuronal ACh binds to the nicotinic or muscarinic receptors expressed on these local and migrating cells and modulates basic cells functions such as proliferation, differentiation, migration and the transport of ions and water. The present article is focused to the effects of non-neuronal ACh linked to reproduction; data on the expression and function of the non-neuronal cholinergic system in the following topics are summarized: (i) Sperm, granulosa cells, oocytes; (ii) Auxiliary systems (ovary, oviduct, placenta); (iii) Embryonic stem cells as first step for reproduction of a new individual after fertilization; (iv) Larval food as an example of reproduction in insects (honeybees) and adverse effects of the neonicotinoids, a class of world-wide applied insecticides. The review article will show that non-neuronal ACh is substantially involved in the regulation of reproduction in mammals and also non-mammals like insects (honeybees). There is a need to learn more about this biological role of ACh. In particular, we have to consider that insecticides like the neonicotinoids, but also carbamates and organophosphorus pesticides, interfere with the non-neuronal cholinergic system thus compromising for example the breeding of honeybees. But it is possible that other species may also be adversely affected as well, a mechanism which may contribute to the observed decline in biodiversity. This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignaz Karl Wessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Charles James Kirkpatrick
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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1468
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Simmons WR, Angelini DR. Chronic exposure to a neonicotinoid increases expression of antimicrobial peptide genes in the bumblebee Bombus impatiens. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44773. [PMID: 28322347 PMCID: PMC5359568 DOI: 10.1038/srep44773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bumblebees are important pollinators in wild and agricultural settings. In recent decades pollinator declines have been linked to the effects of increased pesticide use and the spread of disease. Synergy between these factors has been suggested, but no physiological mechanism has been identified. This study examines the connection between neonicotinoid exposure and innate immune function in the bumblebee Bombus impatiens, which is an important wild and commercial pollinator in eastern North America. Experimental colonies in the field were enclosed and provided pollen and sugar syrup containing an agriculturally relevant range of imidacloprid concentrations. Bumblebees were collected from colonies over four weeks, and the expression of antimicrobial peptides was measured using multiplex quantitative real time PCR. Significant increases in the expression of abaecin, apidaecin and hymenoptaecin were found over time in treatments receiving moderate to high concentrations of the pesticide. Responses were dependent on time of exposure and dose. These results indicate that immune function in bumblebees is affected by neonicotinoid exposure and suggest a physiological mechanism by which neonicotinoids may impact the innate immune function of bumblebee pollinators in wild and agricultural habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Simmons
- Department of Biology, Colby College, 5734 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME, 04901, USA.,National Human Genome Research Institute, 49 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - David R Angelini
- Department of Biology, Colby College, 5734 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME, 04901, USA
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1469
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Vickruck JL, Richards MH. Nesting habits influence population genetic structure of a bee living in anthropogenic disturbance. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:2674-2686. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.14064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J. L. Vickruck
- Department of Biological Sciences; Brock University; 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way St. Catharines ON Canada L2S 3A1
| | - M. H. Richards
- Department of Biological Sciences; Brock University; 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way St. Catharines ON Canada L2S 3A1
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1470
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Wedd L, Ashby R, Foret S, Maleszka R. Developmental and loco-like effects of a swainsonine-induced inhibition of α-mannosidase in the honey bee, Apis mellifera. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3109. [PMID: 28321369 PMCID: PMC5357340 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Deficiencies in lysosomal a-mannosidase (LAM) activity in animals, caused either by mutations or by consuming toxic alkaloids, lead to severe phenotypic and behavioural consequences. Yet, epialleles adversely affecting LAM expression exist in the honey bee population suggesting that they might be beneficial in certain contexts and cannot be eliminated by natural selection. Methods We have used a combination of enzymology, molecular biology and metabolomics to characterise the catalytic properties of honey bee LAM (AmLAM) and then used an indolizidine alkaloid swainsonine to inhibit its activity in vitro and in vivo. Results We show that AmLAM is inhibited in vitro by swainsonine albeit at slightly higher concentrations than in other animals. Dietary exposure of growing larvae to swainsonine leads to pronounced metabolic changes affecting not only saccharides, but also amino acids, polyols and polyamines. Interestingly, the abundance of two fatty acids implicated in epigenetic regulation is significantly reduced in treated individuals. Additionally, swainsonie causes loco-like symptoms, increased mortality and a subtle decrease in the rate of larval growth resulting in a subsequent developmental delay in pupal metamorphosis. Discussion We consider our findings in the context of cellular LAM function, larval development, environmental toxicity and colony-level impacts. The observed developmental heterochrony in swainsonine-treated larvae with lower LAM activity offer a plausible explanation for the existence of epialleles with impaired LAM expression. Individuals carrying such epialleles provide an additional level of epigenetic diversity that could be beneficial for the functioning of a colony whereby more flexibility in timing of adult emergence might be useful for task allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Wedd
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University , Canberra , Australia
| | - Regan Ashby
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia; Centre for Research in Therapeutic Solutions, Health Research Institute, Faculty of Education, Science, Technology and Mathematics, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sylvain Foret
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University , Canberra , Australia
| | - Ryszard Maleszka
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University , Canberra , Australia
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1471
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Bee++: An Object-Oriented, Agent-Based Simulator for Honey Bee Colonies. INSECTS 2017; 8:insects8010031. [PMID: 28287445 PMCID: PMC5371959 DOI: 10.3390/insects8010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We present a model and associated simulation package (www.beeplusplus.ca) to capture the natural dynamics of a honey bee colony in a spatially-explicit landscape, with temporally-variable, weather-dependent parameters. The simulation tracks bees of different ages and castes, food stores within the colony, pollen and nectar sources and the spatial position of individual foragers outside the hive. We track explicitly the intake of pesticides in individual bees and their ability to metabolize these toxins, such that the impact of sub-lethal doses of pesticides can be explored. Moreover, pathogen populations (in particular, Nosema apis, Nosema cerenae and Varroa mites) have been included in the model and may be introduced at any time or location. The ability to study interactions among pesticides, climate, biodiversity and pathogens in this predictive framework should prove useful to a wide range of researchers studying honey bee populations. To this end, the simulation package is written in open source, object-oriented code (C++) and can be easily modified by the user. Here, we demonstrate the use of the model by exploring the effects of sub-lethal pesticide exposure on the flight behaviour of foragers.
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1472
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Aregahegn KZ, Shemesh D, Gerber RB, Finlayson-Pitts BJ. Photochemistry of Thin Solid Films of the Neonicotinoid Imidacloprid on Surfaces. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:2660-2668. [PMID: 27989110 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b04842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Imidacloprid (IMD) is the most widely used neonicotinoid insecticide found on environmental surfaces and in water. Analysis of surface-bound IMD photolysis products was performed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transfer infrared (ATR-FTIR) analysis, electrospray ionization (ESI-MS), direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS), and transmission FTIR for gas-phase products. Photolysis quantum yields (ϕ) for loss of IMD were determined to be (1.6 ± 0.6) × 10-3 (1s) at 305 nm and (8.5 ± 2.1) × 10-3 (1s) at 254 nm. The major product is the imidacloprid urea derivative (IMD-UR, 84% yield), with smaller amounts of the desnitro-imidacloprid (DN-IMD, 16% yield) product, and gaseous nitrous oxide (N2O). Theoretical calculations show that the first step of the main mechanism is the photodissociation of NO2, which then recombines with the ground electronic state of IMD radical to form IMD-UR and N2O in a thermally driven process. The photolytic lifetime of IMD at a solar zenith angle of 35° is calculated to be 16 h, indicating the significant reaction of IMD over the course of a day. Desnitro-imidacloprid has been identified by others as having increased binding to target receptors compared to IMD, suggesting that photolysis on environmental surfaces increases toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kifle Z Aregahegn
- Department of Chemistry, University of California , Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Dorit Shemesh
- Department of Physical Chemistry and the Fritz Haber Research Center, The Hebrew University , Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - R Benny Gerber
- Department of Chemistry, University of California , Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department of Physical Chemistry and the Fritz Haber Research Center, The Hebrew University , Jerusalem 91904, Israel
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1473
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Garbuzov M, Alton K, Ratnieks FLW. Most ornamental plants on sale in garden centres are unattractive to flower-visiting insects. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3066. [PMID: 28286716 PMCID: PMC5344017 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gardeners and park managers seeking to support biodiversity in urban areas often plant ornamentals attractive to flower-visiting insects. There is a huge diversity of garden plant varieties, and some recommendations are available as to which are attractive to insects. However, these are largely not based on rigorous empirical data. An important factor in consumer choice is the range of varieties available for purchase. In the UK, garden centres are a key link in the supply chain between growers and private gardens. This study is the first to determine the proportions of flowering ornamentals being sold that are attractive to flower-visiting insects. Methods We surveyed six garden centres in Sussex, UK, each over two days in 2015, by making 12 counts of insects visiting patches of each ornamental plant on display for sale that was in bloom. To provide a consistent baseline among different locations, we brought with us and surveyed marjoram (Origanum vulgare) plants in pots, which are known to be attractive to a wide range of flower-visiting insects. The attractiveness of plant varieties to insects was then expressed in two ways: the absolute number and relative to that on marjoram (‘marjoram score’), both per unit area of plant cover. In addition, we noted whether each variety was recommended as pollinator-friendly either via a symbol on the label, or by being included in the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘Perfect for Pollinators’ list. Furthermore, we compared the attractiveness of plants that are typically grown for more than one year versus only one year. Results We surveyed 59–74 plant varieties in bloom across the six garden centres. In each garden centre, the distributions of variety attractiveness were highly skewed to the right, with most varieties being relatively unattractive, and few varieties highly attractive to flower-visiting insects. The median attractiveness of varieties with a recommendation was 4.2× higher than that of varieties without. But, due to the large variation there was a substantial number of both poor varieties that had a recommendation and good varieties that did not. Median attractiveness of multi-year plants was 1.6× that of single-year plants, with a similar overlap in distributions. Discussion Our study demonstrates the practicality of carrying out plant surveys in garden centres. Garden centres display large numbers of varieties for sale, most of which are in bloom. Furthermore, data gathered in garden centres appear to correlate well with data gathered in two previous studies in Sussex for plants established in gardens. Although it is unclear whether the varieties being sold in garden centres are a fair representation of varieties that are actually grown by gardeners, our results suggest that there might be considerable scope for making parks and gardens considerably more insect-friendly through judicious variety choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihail Garbuzov
- Laboratory of Apiculture & Social Insects, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer , Brighton , East Sussex , United Kingdom
| | - Karin Alton
- Laboratory of Apiculture & Social Insects, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer , Brighton , East Sussex , United Kingdom
| | - Francis L W Ratnieks
- Laboratory of Apiculture & Social Insects, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer , Brighton , East Sussex , United Kingdom
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1474
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Rodríguez A, Kouki J. Disturbance-mediated heterogeneity drives pollinator diversity in boreal managed forest ecosystems. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 27:589-602. [PMID: 27862547 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Intensive forest management, together with fire suppression, have decreased structural complexity and altered dynamics of boreal forests profoundly. Such management threatens forest biodiversity and can reduce the provision of ecosystem services. Although the importance of ecosystem services is widely acknowledged, conservation strategies are hindered by poor knowledge about diversity patterns of service provider species as well as on mechanisms affecting these assemblages at different spatial and temporal scales. In this study, we assessed the effect of disturbance management on forest pollinator communities. To do so, we used a large-scale ecological experiment conducted in the year 2000, where forest complexity was manipulated with different harvest regimes and prescribed fire. Results were consistent with a positive response of pollinators to increasing habitat heterogeneity driven by past disturbances. Harvested sites harbored a diverse pollinator community, and showed higher spatial and temporal turnover in species richness. Conversely, old-growth forest communities were a nested subset of harvested sites and contained half of their total diversity. Variation in community composition (β diversity) was primarily affected by species temporal turnover. Throughout the season, β diversity was controlled by fire and harvesting legacies, which provide environmental heterogeneity in the form of flowering and nesting resources over space and time. Conservation strategies may undervalue ecosystem services in dynamic, naturally disturbance-driven, landscapes when relying solely on undisturbed forests areas. However, maintaining natural dynamics in early successional forests, by emulating natural disturbances at harvesting, hold promise for the conservation of both biodiversity and ecosystem services in boreal forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rodríguez
- School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistokatu 7, P.O. Box 111, Joensuu, FI-80101, Finland
| | - Jari Kouki
- School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistokatu 7, P.O. Box 111, Joensuu, FI-80101, Finland
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1475
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Higher immunocompetence is associated with higher genetic diversity in feral honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera). CONSERV GENET 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-017-0942-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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1476
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de Vere N, Jones LE, Gilmore T, Moscrop J, Lowe A, Smith D, Hegarty MJ, Creer S, Ford CR. Using DNA metabarcoding to investigate honey bee foraging reveals limited flower use despite high floral availability. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42838. [PMID: 28205632 PMCID: PMC5311969 DOI: 10.1038/srep42838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding which flowers honey bees (Apis mellifera) use for forage can help us to provide suitable plants for healthy honey bee colonies. Accordingly, honey DNA metabarcoding provides a valuable tool for investigating pollen and nectar collection. We investigated early season (April and May) floral choice by honey bees provided with a very high diversity of flowering plants within the National Botanic Garden of Wales. There was a close correspondence between the phenology of flowering and the detection of plants within the honey. Within the study area there were 437 genera of plants in flower during April and May, but only 11% of these were used. Thirty-nine plant taxa were recorded from three hives but only ten at greater than 1%. All three colonies used the same core set of native or near-native plants, typically found in hedgerows and woodlands. The major plants were supplemented with a range of horticultural species, with more variation in plant choice between the honey bee colonies. We conclude that during the spring, honey bees need access to native hedgerows and woodlands to provide major plants for foraging. Gardens provide supplementary flowers that may increase the nutritional diversity of the honey bee diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha de Vere
- National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8HG, UK
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Laura E. Jones
- National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8HG, UK
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Tegan Gilmore
- National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8HG, UK
| | - Jake Moscrop
- National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8HG, UK
| | - Abigail Lowe
- National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8HG, UK
| | - Dan Smith
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Matthew J. Hegarty
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Simon Creer
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Col R. Ford
- National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8HG, UK
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1477
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Palmer-Young EC, Sadd BM, Irwin RE, Adler LS. Synergistic effects of floral phytochemicals against a bumble bee parasite. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:1836-1849. [PMID: 28331591 PMCID: PMC5355193 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Floral landscapes comprise diverse phytochemical combinations. Individual phytochemicals in floral nectar and pollen can reduce infection in bees and directly inhibit trypanosome parasites. However, gut parasites of generalist pollinators, which consume nectar and pollen from many plant species, are exposed to phytochemical combinations. Interactions between phytochemicals could augment or decrease effects of single compounds on parasites. Using a matrix of 36 phytochemical treatment combinations, we assessed the combined effects of two floral phytochemicals, eugenol and thymol, against four strains of the bumblebee gut trypanosome Crithidia bombi. Eugenol and thymol had synergistic effects against C. bombi growth across seven independent experiments, showing that the phytochemical combination can disproportionately inhibit parasites. The strength of synergistic effects varied across strains and experiments. Thus, the antiparasitic effects of individual compounds will depend on both the presence of other phytochemicals and parasite strain identity. The presence of synergistic phytochemical combinations could augment the antiparasitic activity of individual compounds for pollinators in diverse floral landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ben M Sadd
- School of Biological Sciences Illinois State University Normal IL USA
| | - Rebecca E Irwin
- Department of Applied Ecology North Carolina State University Raleigh NC USA
| | - Lynn S Adler
- Department of Biology University of Massachusetts at Amherst Amherst MA USA
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1478
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Benaets K, Van Geystelen A, Cardoen D, De Smet L, de Graaf DC, Schoofs L, Larmuseau MHD, Brettell LE, Martin SJ, Wenseleers T. Covert deformed wing virus infections have long-term deleterious effects on honeybee foraging and survival. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 284:20162149. [PMID: 28148747 PMCID: PMC5310602 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.2149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have suggested that covert stressors can contribute to bee colony declines. Here we provide a novel case study and show using radiofrequency identification tracking technology that covert deformed wing virus (DWV) infections in adult honeybee workers seriously impact long-term foraging and survival under natural foraging conditions. In particular, our experiments show that adult workers injected with low doses of DWV experienced increased mortality rates, that DWV caused workers to start foraging at a premature age, and that the virus reduced the workers' total activity span as foragers. Altogether, these results demonstrate that covert DWV infections have strongly deleterious effects on honeybee foraging and survival. These results are consistent with previous studies that suggested DWV to be an important contributor to the ongoing bee declines in Europe and the USA. Overall, our study underlines the strong impact that covert pathogen infections can have on individual and group-level performance in bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristof Benaets
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Laboratory of Socio-ecology and Social Evolution, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anneleen Van Geystelen
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Laboratory of Socio-ecology and Social Evolution, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dries Cardoen
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Laboratory of Socio-ecology and Social Evolution, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lina De Smet
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, UGent, Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Gent, Belgium
| | - Dirk C de Graaf
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, UGent, Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Gent, Belgium
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Research group of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten H D Larmuseau
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Laboratory of Socio-ecology and Social Evolution, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Forensic Genetics and Molecular Archaeology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Forensic Medicine, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura E Brettell
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, The University of Salford, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen J Martin
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, The University of Salford, Manchester, UK
| | - Tom Wenseleers
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Laboratory of Socio-ecology and Social Evolution, Leuven, Belgium
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1479
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Ellis C, Park KJ, Whitehorn P, David A, Goulson D. The Neonicotinoid Insecticide Thiacloprid Impacts upon Bumblebee Colony Development under Field Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:1727-1732. [PMID: 28079366 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b04791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of pesticides, and in particular of neonicotinoids, on bee health remain much debated. Many studies describing negative effects have been criticized as the experimental protocol did not perfectly simulate real-life field scenarios. Here, we placed free-flying bumblebee colonies next to raspberry crops that were either untreated or treated with the neonicotinoid thiacloprid as part of normal farming practice. Colonies were exposed to the raspberry crops for a two week period before being relocated to either a flower-rich or flower-poor site. Overall, exposed colonies were more likely to die prematurely, and those that survived reached a lower final weight and produced 46% fewer reproductives than colonies placed at control farms. The impact was more marked at the flower-rich site (all colonies performed poorly at the flower poor site). Analysis of nectar and pollen stores from bumblebee colonies placed at the same raspberry farms revealed thiacloprid residues of up to 771 ppb in pollen and up to 561 ppb in nectar. The image of thiacloprid as a relatively benign neonicotinoid should now be questioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciaran Ellis
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling , Stirling, FK9 4LA, U.K
| | - Kirsty J Park
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling , Stirling, FK9 4LA, U.K
| | - Penelope Whitehorn
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling , Stirling, FK9 4LA, U.K
| | - Arthur David
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex , Brighton, BN1 9QG, U.K
| | - Dave Goulson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex , Brighton, BN1 9QG, U.K
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1480
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Switanek M, Crailsheim K, Truhetz H, Brodschneider R. Modelling seasonal effects of temperature and precipitation on honey bee winter mortality in a temperate climate. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 579:1581-1587. [PMID: 27916302 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.11.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Insect pollinators are essential to global food production. For this reason, it is alarming that honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations across the world have recently seen increased rates of mortality. These changes in colony mortality are often ascribed to one or more factors including parasites, diseases, pesticides, nutrition, habitat dynamics, weather and/or climate. However, the effect of climate on colony mortality has never been demonstrated. Therefore, in this study, we focus on longer-term weather conditions and/or climate's influence on honey bee winter mortality rates across Austria. Statistical correlations between monthly climate variables and winter mortality rates were investigated. Our results indicate that warmer and drier weather conditions in the preceding year were accompanied by increased winter mortality. We subsequently built a statistical model to predict colony mortality using temperature and precipitation data as predictors. Our model reduces the mean absolute error between predicted and observed colony mortalities by 9% and is statistically significant at the 99.9% confidence level. This is the first study to show clear evidence of a link between climate variability and honey bee winter mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Switanek
- University of Graz, Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change, Brandhofgasse 5, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Karl Crailsheim
- University of Graz, Institute of Zoology, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Heimo Truhetz
- University of Graz, Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change, Brandhofgasse 5, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Robert Brodschneider
- University of Graz, Institute of Zoology, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
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1481
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Sublethal pesticide doses negatively affect survival and the cellular responses in American foulbrood-infected honeybee larvae. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40853. [PMID: 28145462 PMCID: PMC5286422 DOI: 10.1038/srep40853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Disclosing interactions between pesticides and bee infections is of most interest to understand challenges that pollinators are facing and to which extent bee health is compromised. Here, we address the individual and combined effect that three different pesticides (dimethoate, clothianidin and fluvalinate) and an American foulbrood (AFB) infection have on mortality and the cellular immune response of honeybee larvae. We demonstrate for the first time a synergistic interaction when larvae are exposed to sublethal doses of dimethoate or clothianidin in combination with Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of AFB. A significantly higher mortality than the expected sum of the effects of each individual stressor was observed in co-exposed larvae, which was in parallel with a drastic reduction of the total and differential hemocyte counts. Our results underline that characterizing the cellular response of larvae to individual and combined stressors allows unmasking previously undetected sublethal effects of pesticides in colony health.
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1482
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Smart MD, Cornman RS, Iwanowicz DD, McDermott-Kubeczko M, Pettis JS, Spivak MS, Otto CRV. A Comparison of Honey Bee-Collected Pollen From Working Agricultural Lands Using Light Microscopy and ITS Metabarcoding. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 46:38-49. [PMID: 28062536 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvw159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Taxonomic identification of pollen has historically been accomplished via light microscopy but requires specialized knowledge and reference collections, particularly when identification to lower taxonomic levels is necessary. Recently, next-generation sequencing technology has been used as a cost-effective alternative for identifying bee-collected pollen; however, this novel approach has not been tested on a spatially or temporally robust number of pollen samples. Here, we compare pollen identification results derived from light microscopy and DNA sequencing techniques with samples collected from honey bee colonies embedded within a gradient of intensive agricultural landscapes in the Northern Great Plains throughout the 2010-2011 growing seasons. We demonstrate that at all taxonomic levels, DNA sequencing was able to discern a greater number of taxa, and was particularly useful for the identification of infrequently detected species. Importantly, substantial phenological overlap did occur for commonly detected taxa using either technique, suggesting that DNA sequencing is an appropriate, and enhancing, substitutive technique for accurately capturing the breadth of bee-collected species of pollen present across agricultural landscapes. We also show that honey bees located in high and low intensity agricultural settings forage on dissimilar plants, though with overlap of the most abundantly collected pollen taxa. We highlight practical applications of utilizing sequencing technology, including addressing ecological issues surrounding land use, climate change, importance of taxa relative to abundance, and evaluating the impact of conservation program habitat enhancement efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Smart
- U.S. Geological Survey Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND (; )
| | - R S Cornman
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO
| | - D D Iwanowicz
- U.S. Geological Survey Leetown Science Center, Kearneysville, WV
| | | | - J S Pettis
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD
| | - M S Spivak
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (; )
| | - C R V Otto
- U.S. Geological Survey Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND (; )
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1483
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1484
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Trapp J, McAfee A, Foster LJ. Genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics: enabling insights into social evolution and disease challenges for managed and wild bees. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:718-739. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Trapp
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Michael Smith Laboratories; University of British Columbia; 2125 East Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Alison McAfee
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Michael Smith Laboratories; University of British Columbia; 2125 East Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Leonard J. Foster
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Michael Smith Laboratories; University of British Columbia; 2125 East Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 Canada
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1485
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Pochini KM, Hoverman JT. Reciprocal effects of pesticides and pathogens on amphibian hosts: The importance of exposure order and timing. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 221:359-366. [PMID: 27939635 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.11.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Ecological communities are increasingly exposed to natural and anthropogenic stressors. While the effects of individual stressors have been broadly investigated, there is growing evidence that multiple stressors are frequently encountered underscoring the need to examine interactive effects. Pesticides and infectious diseases are two common stressors that regularly occur together in nature. Given the documented lethal and sublethal effects of each stressor on individuals, there is the potential for interactive effects that alter disease outcomes and pesticide toxicity. Using larval wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus), we examined the reciprocal interaction between insecticides (carbaryl and thiamethoxam) and the viral pathogen ranavirus by testing whether: (1) prior ranavirus infection influences pesticide toxicity and (2) sublethal pesticide exposure increases susceptibility to and transmission of ranavirus. We found that prior infection with ranavirus increased pesticide toxicity; median lethal concentration (LC50) estimates were reduced by 72 and 55% for carbaryl and thiamethoxam, respectively. Importantly, LC50 estimates were reduced to concentrations found in natural systems. This is the first demonstration that an infection can alter pesticide toxicity. We also found that prior pesticide exposure exacerbated disease-induced mortality by increasing mortality rates, but effects on infection prevalence and transmission of the pathogen were minimal. Collectively, our results underscore the importance of incorporating complexity (i.e. order and timing of exposures) into research examining the interactions between natural and anthropogenic stressors. Given the environmental heterogeneity present in nature, such research will provide a more comprehensive understanding of how stressors affect wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Pochini
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 West State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2061, United States.
| | - Jason T Hoverman
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 715 West State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907-2061, United States
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1486
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1487
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Report on the microbiota of Melipona quadrifasciata affected by a recurrent disease. J Invertebr Pathol 2017; 143:35-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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1488
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Cimino AM, Boyles AL, Thayer KA, Perry MJ. Effects of Neonicotinoid Pesticide Exposure on Human Health: A Systematic Review. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:155-162. [PMID: 27385285 PMCID: PMC5289916 DOI: 10.1289/ehp515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have identified detectable levels of neonicotinoids (neonics) in the environment, adverse effects of neonics in many species, including mammals, and pathways through which human exposure to neonics could occur, yet little is known about the human health effects of neonic exposure. OBJECTIVE In this systematic review, we sought to identify human population studies on the health effects of neonics. METHODS Studies published in English between 2005 and 2015 were searched using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. No restrictions were placed on the type of health outcome assessed. Risk of bias was assessed using guidance developed by the National Toxicology Program's Office of Health Assessment and Translation. RESULTS Eight studies investigating the human health effects of exposure to neonics were identified. Four examined acute exposure: Three neonic poisoning studies reported two fatalities (n = 1,280 cases) and an occupational exposure study of 19 forestry workers reported no adverse effects. Four general population studies reported associations between chronic neonic exposure and adverse developmental or neurological outcomes, including tetralogy of Fallot (AOR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.4), anencephaly (AOR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.0, 8.2), autism spectrum disorder [AOR 1.3, 95% credible interval (CrI): 0.78, 2.2], and a symptom cluster including memory loss and finger tremor (OR 14, 95% CI: 3.5, 57). Reported odds ratios were based on exposed compared to unexposed groups. CONCLUSIONS The studies conducted to date were limited in number with suggestive but methodologically weak findings related to chronic exposure. Given the wide-scale use of neonics, more studies are needed to fully understand their effects on human health. Citation: Cimino AM, Boyles AL, Thayer KA, Perry MJ. 2017. Effects of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure on human health: a systematic review. Environ Health Perspect 125:155-162; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP515.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andria M. Cimino
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Abee L. Boyles
- Office of Health Assessment and Translation, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristina A. Thayer
- Office of Health Assessment and Translation, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Melissa J. Perry
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Address correspondence to M.J. Perry, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave., 419-Floor 4, Washington, DC 20052 USA. Telephone: (202) 994-1734. E-mail:
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1489
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Palmer‐Young EC, Sadd BM, Adler LS. Evolution of resistance to single and combined floral phytochemicals by a bumble bee parasite. J Evol Biol 2017; 30:300-312. [PMID: 27783434 PMCID: PMC5324628 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Repeated exposure to inhibitory compounds can drive the evolution of resistance, which weakens chemical defence against antagonists. Floral phytochemicals in nectar and pollen have antimicrobial properties that can ameliorate infection in pollinators, but evolved resistance among parasites could diminish the medicinal efficacy of phytochemicals. However, multicompound blends, which occur in nectar and pollen, present simultaneous chemical challenges that may slow resistance evolution. We assessed evolution of resistance by the common bumble bee gut parasite Crithidia bombi to two floral phytochemicals, singly and combined, over 6 weeks (~100 generations) of chronic exposure. Resistance of C. bombi increased under single and combined phytochemical exposure, without any associated costs of reduced growth under phytochemical-free conditions. After 6 weeks' exposure, phytochemical concentrations that initially inhibited growth by > 50%, and exceeded concentrations in floral nectar, had minimal effects on evolved parasite lines. Unexpectedly, the phytochemical combination did not impede resistance evolution compared to single compounds. These results demonstrate that repeated phytochemical exposure, which could occur in homogeneous floral landscapes or with therapeutic phytochemical treatment of managed hives, can cause rapid evolution of resistance in pollinator parasites. We discuss possible explanations for submaximal phytochemical resistance in natural populations. Evolved resistance could diminish the antiparasitic value of phytochemical ingestion, weakening an important natural defence against infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B. M. Sadd
- School of Biological SciencesIllinois State UniversityNormalILUSA
| | - L. S. Adler
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Massachusetts at AmherstAmherstMAUSA
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1490
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Hall DM, Camilo GR, Tonietto RK, Ollerton J, Ahrné K, Arduser M, Ascher JS, Baldock KCR, Fowler R, Frankie G, Goulson D, Gunnarsson B, Hanley ME, Jackson JI, Langellotto G, Lowenstein D, Minor ES, Philpott SM, Potts SG, Sirohi MH, Spevak EM, Stone GN, Threlfall CG. The city as a refuge for insect pollinators. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2017; 31:24-29. [PMID: 27624925 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Research on urban insect pollinators is changing views on the biological value and ecological importance of cities. The abundance and diversity of native bee species in urban landscapes that are absent in nearby rural lands evidence the biological value and ecological importance of cities and have implications for biodiversity conservation. Lagging behind this revised image of the city are urban conservation programs that historically have invested in education and outreach rather than programs designed to achieve high-priority species conservation results. We synthesized research on urban bee species diversity and abundance to determine how urban conservation could be repositioned to better align with new views on the ecological importance of urban landscapes. Due to insect pollinators' relatively small functional requirements-habitat range, life cycle, and nesting behavior-relative to larger mammals, we argue that pollinators put high-priority and high-impact urban conservation within reach. In a rapidly urbanizing world, transforming how environmental managers view the city can improve citizen engagement and contribute to the development of more sustainable urbanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon M Hall
- Center for Sustainability, Saint Louis University, Des Peres Hall, 203E; 3694 West Pine Mall; St. Louis, MO 63108, U.S.A
| | - Gerardo R Camilo
- Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, 3507 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103, U.S.A
| | - Rebecca K Tonietto
- Center for Sustainability, Saint Louis University, Des Peres Hall, 203E; 3694 West Pine Mall; St. Louis, MO 63108, U.S.A
| | - Jeff Ollerton
- Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Northampton, Boughton Green Road, Northampton, NN2 7AL, U.K
| | - Karin Ahrné
- Swedish Species Information Centre-ArtDatabanken, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7007, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mike Arduser
- Missouri Department of Conservation, 2360 Highway D, St. Charles, MO 63304, U.S.A
| | - John S Ascher
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Katherine C R Baldock
- Biological Sciences & Cabot Institute, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, U.K
| | - Robert Fowler
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Sussex, BN 1 9QG, U.K
| | - Gordon Frankie
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management, University of California Berkeley, 130 Mulford Hall #3114, Berkeley, CA 94720, U.S.A
| | - Dave Goulson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Sussex, BN 1 9QG, U.K
| | - Bengt Gunnarsson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 100, S-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mick E Hanley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, U.K
| | - Janet I Jackson
- Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Northampton, Boughton Green Road, Northampton, NN2 7AL, U.K
| | - Gail Langellotto
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, 2750 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, U.S.A
| | - David Lowenstein
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, 2750 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, U.S.A
| | - Emily S Minor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois-Chicago, SES 3346, M/C 066, 845 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607, U.S.A
| | - Stacy M Philpott
- Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Mailstop: ENVS, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, U.S.A
| | - Simon G Potts
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AR, U.K
| | - Muzafar H Sirohi
- Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Northampton, Boughton Green Road, Northampton, NN2 7AL, U.K
| | - Edward M Spevak
- WildCare Institute Center for Native Pollinator Conservation, IUCN SSC Bumblebee Specialist Group, Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110, U.S.A
| | - Graham N Stone
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, The University of Edinburgh, The Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, U.K
| | - Caragh G Threlfall
- Green Infrastructure Research Group, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria 3010, Australia
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1491
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Bonnafé E, Alayrangues J, Hotier L, Massou I, Renom A, Souesme G, Marty P, Allaoua M, Treilhou M, Armengaud C. Monoterpenoid-based preparations in beehives affect learning, memory, and gene expression in the bee brain. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2017; 36:337-345. [PMID: 27306119 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Bees are exposed in their environment to contaminants that can weaken the colony and contribute to bee declines. Monoterpenoid-based preparations can be introduced into hives to control the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. The long-term effects of monoterpenoids are poorly investigated. Olfactory conditioning of the proboscis extension reflex (PER) has been used to evaluate the impact of stressors on cognitive functions of the honeybee such as learning and memory. The authors tested the PER to odorants on bees after exposure to monoterpenoids in hives. Octopamine receptors, transient receptor potential-like (TRPL), and γ-aminobutyric acid channels are thought to play a critical role in the memory of food experience. Gene expression levels of Amoa1, Rdl, and trpl were evaluated in parallel in the bee brain because these genes code for the cellular targets of monoterpenoids and some pesticides and neural circuits of memory require their expression. The miticide impaired the PER to odors in the 3 wk following treatment. Short-term and long-term olfactory memories were improved months after introduction of the monoterpenoids into the beehives. Chronic exposure to the miticide had significant effects on Amoa1, Rdl, and trpl gene expressions and modified seasonal changes in the expression of these genes in the brain. The decrease of expression of these genes in winter could partly explain the improvement of memory. The present study has led to new insights into alternative treatments, especially on their effects on memory and expression of selected genes involved in this cognitive function. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:337-345. © 2016 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Bonnafé
- Jean-François Champollion University Center, Albi, France
| | | | - Lucie Hotier
- Research Center on Animal Cognition, Integrative Biology Center, University of Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Isabelle Massou
- Research Center on Animal Cognition, Integrative Biology Center, University of Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Allan Renom
- Research Center on Animal Cognition, Integrative Biology Center, University of Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Guillaume Souesme
- Research Center on Animal Cognition, Integrative Biology Center, University of Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Marty
- Jean-François Champollion University Center, Albi, France
| | - Marion Allaoua
- Jean-François Champollion University Center, Albi, France
| | | | - Catherine Armengaud
- Research Center on Animal Cognition, Integrative Biology Center, University of Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
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1492
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Tissier ML, Handrich Y, Dallongeville O, Robin JP, Habold C. Diets derived from maize monoculture cause maternal infanticides in the endangered European hamster due to a vitamin B3 deficiency. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 284:20162168. [PMID: 28100816 PMCID: PMC5310035 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.2168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
From 1735 to 1940, maize-based diets led to the death of hundreds of thousands of people from pellagra, a complex disease caused by tryptophan and vitamin B3 deficiencies. The current cereal monoculture trend restricts farmland animals to similarly monotonous diets. However, few studies have distinguished the effects of crop nutritional properties on the reproduction of these species from those of other detrimental factors such as pesticide toxicity or agricultural ploughing. This study shows that maize-based diets cause high rates of maternal infanticides in the European hamster, a farmland species on the verge of extinction in Western Europe. Vitamin B3 supplementation is shown to effectively restore reproductive success in maize-fed females. This study pinpoints how nutritional deficiencies caused by maize monoculture could affect farmland animal reproduction and hence their fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde L Tissier
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Yves Handrich
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Jean-Patrice Robin
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Caroline Habold
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
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1493
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Klein S, Cabirol A, Devaud JM, Barron AB, Lihoreau M. Why Bees Are So Vulnerable to Environmental Stressors. Trends Ecol Evol 2017; 32:268-278. [PMID: 28111032 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Bee populations are declining in the industrialized world, raising concerns for the sustainable pollination of crops. Pesticides, pollutants, parasites, diseases, and malnutrition have all been linked to this problem. We consider here neurobiological, ecological, and evolutionary reasons why bees are particularly vulnerable to these environmental stressors. Central-place foraging on flowers demands advanced capacities of learning, memory, and navigation. However, even at low intensity levels, many stressors damage the bee brain, disrupting key cognitive functions needed for effective foraging, with dramatic consequences for brood development and colony survival. We discuss how understanding the relationships between the actions of stressors on the nervous system, individual cognitive impairments, and colony decline can inform constructive interventions to sustain bee populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Klein
- Research Center on Animal Cognition, Center for Integrative Biology, National Center for Scientific Research(CNRS), University Paul Sabatier(UPS), Toulouse, France; Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amélie Cabirol
- Research Center on Animal Cognition, Center for Integrative Biology, National Center for Scientific Research(CNRS), University Paul Sabatier(UPS), Toulouse, France; Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jean-Marc Devaud
- Research Center on Animal Cognition, Center for Integrative Biology, National Center for Scientific Research(CNRS), University Paul Sabatier(UPS), Toulouse, France
| | - Andrew B Barron
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mathieu Lihoreau
- Research Center on Animal Cognition, Center for Integrative Biology, National Center for Scientific Research(CNRS), University Paul Sabatier(UPS), Toulouse, France.
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1494
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Blanken LJ, van Langevelde F, van Dooremalen C. Interaction between Varroa destructor and imidacloprid reduces flight capacity of honeybees. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 282:20151738. [PMID: 26631559 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.1738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Current high losses of honeybees seriously threaten crop pollination. Whereas parasite exposure is acknowledged as an important cause of these losses, the role of insecticides is controversial. Parasites and neonicotinoid insecticides reduce homing success of foragers (e.g. by reduced orientation), but it is unknown whether they negatively affect flight capacity. We investigated how exposing colonies to the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid affect flight capacity of foragers. Flight distance, time and speed of foragers were measured in flight mills to assess the relative and interactive effects of high V. destructor load and a field-realistic, chronic sub-lethal dose of imidacloprid. Foragers from colonies exposed to high levels of V. destructor flew shorter distances, with a larger effect when also exposed to imidacloprid. Bee body mass partly explained our results as bees were heavier when exposed to these stressors, possibly due to an earlier onset of foraging. Our findings contribute to understanding of interacting stressors that can explain colony losses. Reduced flight capacity decreases the food-collecting ability of honeybees and may hamper the use of precocious foraging as a coping mechanism during colony (nutritional) stress. Ineffective coping mechanisms may lead to destructive cascading effects and subsequent colony collapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Blanken
- Resource Ecology Group, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands Bees@wur, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Frank van Langevelde
- Resource Ecology Group, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Coby van Dooremalen
- Bees@wur, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
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1495
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Fine JD, Cox-Foster DL, Mullin CA. An Inert Pesticide Adjuvant Synergizes Viral Pathogenicity and Mortality in Honey Bee Larvae. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40499. [PMID: 28091574 PMCID: PMC5238421 DOI: 10.1038/srep40499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees are highly valued for their pollination services in agricultural settings, and recent declines in managed populations have caused concern. Colony losses following a major pollination event in the United States, almond pollination, have been characterized by brood mortality with specific symptoms, followed by eventual colony loss weeks later. In this study, we demonstrate that these symptoms can be produced by chronically exposing brood to both an organosilicone surfactant adjuvant (OSS) commonly used on many agricultural crops including wine grapes, tree nuts and tree fruits and exogenous viral pathogens by simulating a horizontal transmission event. Observed synergistic mortality occurred during the larval-pupal molt. Using q-PCR techniques to measure gene expression and viral levels in larvae taken prior to observed mortality at metamorphosis, we found that exposure to OSS and exogenous virus resulted in significantly heightened Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV) titers and lower expression of a Toll 7-like-receptor associated with autophagic viral defense (Am18w). These results demonstrate that organosilicone spray adjuvants that are considered biologically inert potentiate viral pathogenicity in honey bee larvae, and guidelines for OSS use may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia D Fine
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Diana L Cox-Foster
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.,USDA-ARS-PWA Pollinating Insect Research Unit, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Christopher A Mullin
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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1496
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Alaux C, Allier F, Decourtye A, Odoux JF, Tamic T, Chabirand M, Delestra E, Decugis F, Le Conte Y, Henry M. A 'Landscape physiology' approach for assessing bee health highlights the benefits of floral landscape enrichment and semi-natural habitats. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40568. [PMID: 28084452 PMCID: PMC5234012 DOI: 10.1038/srep40568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding how anthropogenic landscape alteration affects populations of ecologically- and economically-important insect pollinators has never been more pressing. In this context, the assessment of landscape quality typically relies on spatial distribution studies, but, whether habitat-restoration techniques actually improve the health of targeted pollinator populations remains obscure. This gap could be filled by a comprehensive understanding of how gradients of landscape quality influence pollinator physiology. We therefore used this approach for honey bees (Apis mellifera) to test whether landscape patterns can shape bee health. We focused on the pre-wintering period since abnormally high winter colony losses have often been observed. By exposing colonies to different landscapes, enriched in melliferous catch crops and surrounded by semi-natural habitats, we found that bee physiology (i.e. fat body mass and level of vitellogenin) was significantly improved by the presence of flowering catch crops. Catch crop presence was associated with a significant increase in pollen diet diversity. The influence of semi-natural habitats on bee health was even stronger. Vitellogenin level was in turn significantly linked to higher overwintering survival. Therefore, our experimental study, combining landscape ecology and bee physiology, offers an exciting proof-of-concept for directly identifying stressful or suitable landscapes and promoting efficient pollinator conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Alaux
- INRA, UR406 Abeilles et Environnement, Domaine Saint-Paul, CS 40509, 84914 Avignon, France.,UMT PrADE, CS 40509, 84914 Avignon, France
| | - Fabrice Allier
- UMT PrADE, CS 40509, 84914 Avignon, France.,ITSAP-Institut de l'Abeille, Domaine Saint-Paul, CS 40509, 84914 Avignon, France
| | - Axel Decourtye
- UMT PrADE, CS 40509, 84914 Avignon, France.,ITSAP-Institut de l'Abeille, Domaine Saint-Paul, CS 40509, 84914 Avignon, France.,ACTA, CS 40509, 84914 Avignon, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Florent Decugis
- INRA, UR406 Abeilles et Environnement, Domaine Saint-Paul, CS 40509, 84914 Avignon, France
| | - Yves Le Conte
- INRA, UR406 Abeilles et Environnement, Domaine Saint-Paul, CS 40509, 84914 Avignon, France.,UMT PrADE, CS 40509, 84914 Avignon, France
| | - Mickaël Henry
- INRA, UR406 Abeilles et Environnement, Domaine Saint-Paul, CS 40509, 84914 Avignon, France.,UMT PrADE, CS 40509, 84914 Avignon, France
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1497
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Nicolson SW, Wright GA. Plant–pollinator interactions and threats to pollination: perspectives from the flower to the landscape. Funct Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan W. Nicolson
- Department of Zoology & Entomology University of Pretoria Private Bag X20 Hatfield0028 South Africa
| | - Geraldine A. Wright
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution Institute of Neuroscience Newcastle University Newcastle upon TyneNE1 7RU UK
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1498
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Gong Y, Diao Q. Current knowledge of detoxification mechanisms of xenobiotic in honey bees. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2017; 26:1-12. [PMID: 27819118 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-016-1742-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The western honey bee Apis mellifera is the most important managed pollinator species in the world. Multiple factors have been implicated as potential causes or factors contributing to colony collapse disorder, including honey bee pathogens and nutritional deficiencies as well as exposure to pesticides. Honey bees' genome is characterized by a paucity of genes associated with detoxification, which makes them vulnerable to specific pesticides, especially to combinations of pesticides in real field environments. Many studies have investigated the mechanisms involved in detoxification of xenobiotics/pesticides in honey bees, from primal enzyme assays or toxicity bioassays to characterization of transcript gene expression and protein expression in response to xenobiotics/insecticides by using a global transcriptomic or proteomic approach, and even to functional characterizations. The global transcriptomic and proteomic approach allowed us to learn that detoxification mechanisms in honey bees involve multiple genes and pathways along with changes in energy metabolism and cellular stress response. P450 genes, is highly implicated in the direct detoxification of xenobiotics/insecticides in honey bees and their expression can be regulated by honey/pollen constitutes, resulting in the tolerance of honey bees to other xenobiotics or insecticides. P450s is also a key detoxification enzyme that mediate synergism interaction between acaricides/insecticides and fungicides through inhibition P450 activity by fungicides or competition for detoxification enzymes between acaricides. With the wide use of insecticides in agriculture, understanding the detoxification mechanism of insecticides in honey bees and how honeybees fight with the xenobiotis or insecticides to survive in the changing environment will finally benefit honeybees' management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youhui Gong
- Department of Honeybee Protection and Biosafety, Institute of apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No.1 Beigou Xiangshan, Haidian District, Beijing, 100093, P.R. China
| | - Qingyun Diao
- Department of Honeybee Protection and Biosafety, Institute of apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No.1 Beigou Xiangshan, Haidian District, Beijing, 100093, P.R. China.
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1499
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Ruedenauer FA, Leonhardt SD, Schmalz F, Rössler W, Strube-Bloss MF. Separation of different pollen types by chemotactile sensing in Bombus terrestris. J Exp Biol 2017; 220:1435-1442. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.153122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
When tasting food, animals rely on chemical and tactile cues, which determine the animal’s decision on whether or not to eat food. As food nutritional composition has enormous consequences for the survival of animals, food items should generally be tasted before they are eaten or collected for later consumption. Even though recent studies confirmed the importance of e.g. gustatory cues, compared to olfaction only little is known about the representation of chemotactile stimuli at the receptor level (let alone higher brain centers) in animals other than vertebrates. To better understand how invertebrates may process chemotactile cues, we used bumblebees as a model species and combined electroantennographical (EAG) recordings with a novel technique for chemotactile antennal stimulation in bees. The recorded EAG responses to chemotactile stimulation clearly separated volatile compounds by both compound identity and concentration, and could be successfully applied to test the receptor activity evoked by different types of pollen. We found that two different pollen types (apple and almond) (which were readily distinguished by bumblebees in a classical conditioning task) evoked significantly distinct neural activity already at the antennal receptor level. Our novel stimulation technique therefore enables investigation of chemotactile sensing which is highly important for assessing food nutritional quality while foraging. It can further be applied to test other chemosensory behaviors, such as mate or nest mate recognition, or to investigate whether toxic substances, e.g. in pollen, affect neuronal separation of different food types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian A. Ruedenauer
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sara D. Leonhardt
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Schmalz
- Department of Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Rössler
- Department of Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin F. Strube-Bloss
- Department of Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
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1500
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Roger N, Michez D, Wattiez R, Sheridan C, Vanderplanck M. Diet effects on bumblebee health. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 96:128-133. [PMID: 27836801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Among physiological processes, the maintenance of immunity is one of the most energetically costly in invertebrates. Disease resistance can be quantified by measuring immunocompetence, which is defined as the ability of an organism to mount an immune response, either in cellular, humoral or behavioural forms. In insects, immune capacity can be affected by a variety of factors including pesticides, genetic diversity or diet. Here we focus on an important species of domesticated pollinator, Bombus terrestris, and the potential impact of a poor pollen diet (low nutritional content and toxic) on its health. We investigate three responses at both colony and individual levels: behavioural, humoral and cellular. Our results show that poor pollen diets decrease larval and pupal masses and increase larval ejection as well as adult constitutive immunity (i.e., prophenoloxidase assays). The susceptibility of bumblebees to disease and infection might therefore be greater after a nutritive stress. These findings raise the importance of available plant hosts, especially floral plant species providing pollen with suitable nutritive quality (i.e., nutrient pollen content) for bumblebees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Roger
- Research Institute for Biosciences, Laboratory of Zoology, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, B-7000 Mons, Belgium.
| | - Denis Michez
- Research Institute for Biosciences, Laboratory of Zoology, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, B-7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Ruddy Wattiez
- Department of Proteomic and Microbiology, Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, B-7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Christopher Sheridan
- Research Institute for Biosciences, Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, B-7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Maryse Vanderplanck
- Research Institute for Biosciences, Laboratory of Zoology, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, B-7000 Mons, Belgium
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