1
|
Bouchebti S, Levin E. Gamma-aminobutyric acid in flower nectar and its possible physiological and behavioral effects on insect pollinators. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 64:101206. [PMID: 38777150 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Floral nectar, a vital nutrition source for pollinators, contains diverse chemical compounds, including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a prevalent nonproteinogenic amino acid. While GABA's physiological role is known and well-studied, its ecological significance in plant-pollinator interactions remains unclear. Recent studies on GABA's effects on pollinators' preference, consumption, survival, physiology, and behavior show varying outcomes according to the species, indicating a complex relationship. GABA consumption impacts motor function and cognitive abilities, potentially influencing pollination efficiency. Future research addressing diverse concentrations, species, and behavioral aspects is crucial for comprehensively understanding GABA's ecological role in plant-pollinator interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Bouchebti
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Levin
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801 Tel Aviv, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Galante H, Czaczkes TJ. Invasive ant learning is not affected by seven potential neuroactive chemicals. Curr Zool 2024; 70:87-97. [PMID: 38476136 PMCID: PMC10926265 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoad001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Argentine ants Linepithema humile are one of the most damaging invasive alien species worldwide. Enhancing or disrupting cognitive abilities, such as learning, has the potential to improve management efforts, for example by increasing preference for a bait, or improving ants' ability to learn its characteristics or location. Nectar-feeding insects are often the victims of psychoactive manipulation, with plants lacing their nectar with secondary metabolites such as alkaloids and non-protein amino acids which often alter learning, foraging, or recruitment. However, the effect of neuroactive chemicals has seldomly been explored in ants. Here, we test the effects of seven potential neuroactive chemicals-two alkaloids: caffeine and nicotine; two biogenic amines: dopamine and octopamine, and three nonprotein amino acids: β-alanine, GABA and taurine-on the cognitive abilities of invasive L. humile using bifurcation mazes. Our results confirm that these ants are strong associative learners, requiring as little as one experience to develop an association. However, we show no short-term effect of any of the chemicals tested on spatial learning, and in addition no effect of caffeine on short-term olfactory learning. This lack of effect is surprising, given the extensive reports of the tested chemicals affecting learning and foraging in bees. This mismatch could be due to the heavy bias towards bees in the literature, a positive result publication bias, or differences in methodology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Galante
- Department of Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Animal Comparative Economics Laboratory, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tomer J Czaczkes
- Department of Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, Animal Comparative Economics Laboratory, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tafi E, Sagona S, Meucci V, Bortolotti L, Galloni M, Bogo G, Gatta D, Casini L, Barberis M, Nepi M, Felicioli A. Effect of amino acid enriched diets on hemolymph amino acid composition in honey bees. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22085. [PMID: 38288497 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Amino acids (AAs) are an abundant class of nectar solutes, and they are involved in the nectar attractiveness to flower visitors. Among the various AAs, proline is the most abundant proteogenic AA, and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) and β-alanine are the two most abundant non-proteogenic AAs. These three AAs are known to affect insect physiology, being involved in flight metabolism and neurotransmission. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of artificial diets enriched with either β-alanine, GABA, or proline on consumption, survival, and hemolymph composition in honey bees belonging to two different ages and with different metabolism (i.e., newly emerged and foragers). Differences in feed intake among diets were not observed, while a diet enriched with β-alanine improved the survival rate of newly emerged honey bees compared to the control group. Variations in the hemolymph AA concentrations occurred only in newly emerged honey bees, according to the diet and the time of hemolymph sampling. A greater susceptibility of young honey bees to enriched diets than older honey bees was observed. The variations in the concentrations of hemolymph AAs reflect either the accumulation of dietary AAs or the existence of metabolic pathways that may lead to the conversion of dietary AAs into different ones. This investigation could be an initial contribution to studying the complex dynamics that regulate hemolymph AA composition and its effect on honey bee physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Tafi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Sagona
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Meucci
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Bortolotti
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Galloni
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gherardo Bogo
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Domenico Gatta
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Casini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Barberis
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Nepi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Felicioli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Center for Research in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences "E. Avanzi", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Brzosko E, Bajguz A, Burzyńska J, Chmur M. In Which Way Do the Flower Properties of the Specialist Orchid Goodyera repens Meet the Requirements of Its Generalist Pollinators? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108602. [PMID: 37239948 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This article is the next part of a series of studies documenting the influence of flower traits on the reproductive success (RS) of orchids. Knowledge of factors influencing RS helps to understand the mechanisms and processes crucial for shaping plant-pollinator interactions. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of flower structure and nectar composition in shaping the RS of the specialist orchid Goodyea repens, which is pollinated by generalist bumblebees. We found a high level of pollinaria removal (PR) and female reproductive success (fruiting, FRS) as well as a high level of variation between populations, although in certain populations pollination efficiency was low. Floral display traits, mainly inflorescence length, influenced FRS in certain populations. Among the flower traits, only the height of flowers was correlated with FRS in one population, suggesting that the flower structure of this orchid is well adapted to pollination by bumblebees. The nectar of G. repens is diluted and dominated by hexoses. Sugars were less important in shaping RS than amino acids. At the species level, twenty proteogenic and six non-proteogenic AAs were noted, along with their differentiated amounts and participation in particular populations. We found that distinct AAs or their groups mainly shaped PR, especially when correlations were considered at the species level. Our results suggest that both the individual nectar components and the ratios between them have an impact on G. repens RS. Because different nectar components influence the RS parameters in different ways (i.e., negatively or positively), we suggest that different Bombus species play the role of main pollinators in distinct populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Brzosko
- Department of Biology and Plant Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciolkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Andrzej Bajguz
- Department of Biology and Plant Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciolkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Justyna Burzyńska
- Department of Biology and Plant Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciolkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Magdalena Chmur
- Department of Biology and Plant Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciolkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Bialystok, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Balduino HDK, Tunes P, Giordano E, Guarnieri M, Machado SR, Nepi M, Guimarães E. To each their own! Nectar plasticity within a flower mediates distinct ecological interactions. AOB PLANTS 2023; 15:plac067. [PMID: 36751365 PMCID: PMC9893873 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plac067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nuptial and extranuptial nectaries are involved in interactions with different animal functional groups. Nectar traits involved in pollination mutualisms are well known. However, we know little about those traits involved in other mutualisms, such as ant-plant interactions, especially when both types of nectaries are in the same plant organ, the flower. Here we investigated if when two types of nectaries are exploited by distinct functional groups of floral visitors, even being within the same plant organ, the nectar secreted presents distinct features that fit animal requirements. We compared nectar secretion dynamics, floral visitors and nectar chemical composition of both nuptial and extranuptial nectaries in natural populations of the liana Amphilophium mansoanum (Bignoniaceae). For that we characterized nectar sugar, amino acid and specialized metabolite composition by high-performance liquid chromatography. Nuptial nectaries were visited by three medium- and large-sized bee species and extranuptial nectaries were visited mainly by ants, but also by cockroaches, wasps and flies. Nuptial and extranuptial nectar differed regarding volume, concentration, milligrams of sugars per flower and secretion dynamics. Nuptial nectar was sucrose-dominated, with high amounts of γ-aminobutyric acid and β-aminobutyric acid and with theophylline-like alkaloid, which were all exclusive of nuptial nectar. Whereas extranuptial nectar was hexose-rich, had a richer and less variable amino acid chemical profile, with high amounts of serine and alanine amino acids and with higher amounts of the specialized metabolite tyramine. The nectar traits from nuptial and extranuptial nectaries differ in energy amount and nutritional value, as well as in neuroactive specialized metabolites. These differences seem to match floral visitors' requirements, since they exclusively consume one of the two nectar types and may be exerting selective pressures on the composition of the respective resources of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannelise de Kassia Balduino
- Graduate Course in Plant Biology, São Paulo State University, 18618-689 Botucatu, Brazil
- Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Plant-Animal Interactions, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, 18618-689 Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Priscila Tunes
- Laboratory of Ecology and Evolution of Plant-Animal Interactions, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, 18618-689 Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Emanuele Giordano
- Laboratory of Analytical Methods for Chemical Ecology - Plant Reproductive Biology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Massimo Guarnieri
- Laboratory of Analytical Methods for Chemical Ecology - Plant Reproductive Biology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Rodrigues Machado
- Laboratory of Plant Anatomy, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, 18618-689 Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Massimo Nepi
- Laboratory of Analytical Methods for Chemical Ecology - Plant Reproductive Biology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Barberis M, Calabrese D, Galloni M, Nepi M. Secondary Metabolites in Nectar-Mediated Plant-Pollinator Relationships. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12030550. [PMID: 36771634 PMCID: PMC9920422 DOI: 10.3390/plants12030550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, our understanding of the complex chemistry of floral nectar and its ecological implications for plant-pollinator relationships has certainly increased. Nectar is no longer considered merely a reward for pollinators but rather a plant interface for complex interactions with insects and other organisms. A particular class of compounds, i.e., nectar secondary compounds (NSCs), has contributed to this new perspective, framing nectar in a more comprehensive ecological context. The aim of this review is to draft an overview of our current knowledge of NSCs, including emerging aspects such as non-protein amino acids and biogenic amines, whose presence in nectar was highlighted quite recently. After considering the implications of the different classes of NSCs in the pollination scenario, we discuss hypotheses regarding the evolution of such complex nectar profiles and provide cues for future research on plant-pollinator relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Barberis
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Calabrese
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Marta Galloni
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Nepi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Centre (NBFC), 90123 Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Muth F, Philbin CS, Jeffrey CS, Leonard AS. Discovery of octopamine and tyramine in nectar and their effects on bumblebee behavior. iScience 2022; 25:104765. [PMID: 35942103 PMCID: PMC9356080 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nectar chemistry can influence the behavior of pollinators in ways that affect pollen transfer, yet basic questions about how nectar chemical diversity impacts plant-pollinator relationships remain unexplored. For example, plants’ capacity to produce neurotransmitters and endocrine disruptors may offer a means to manipulate pollinator behavior. We surveyed 15 plant species and discovered that two insect neurotransmitters, octopamine and tyramine, were widely distributed in floral nectar. We detected the highest concentration of these chemicals in Citrus, alongside the well-studied alkaloid caffeine. We explored the separate and interactive effects of these chemicals on insect pollinators in a series of behavioral experiments on bumblebees (Bombus impatiens). We found that octopamine and tyramine interacted with caffeine to alter key aspects of bee behavior relevant to plant fitness (sucrose responsiveness, long-term memory, and floral preferences). These results provide evidence for a means by which synergistic or antagonistic nectar chemistry might influence pollinators. We found octopamine and tyramine in the floral nectar of 15 plant species These neurotransmitters orchestrate insect foraging and influence bee cognition In Citrus, these chemicals occur with caffeine, well known for its effects on bees Nectar neurotransmitters interact with caffeine to alter pollinator behavior
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felicity Muth
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin; Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Corresponding author
| | - Casey S. Philbin
- Hitchcock Center for Chemical Ecology, University of Nevada, Reno; Reno, NV 89557, USA
- Corresponding author
| | | | - Anne S. Leonard
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno; Reno, NV 89557, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bouchebti S, Bodner L, Bergman M, Magory Cohen T, Levin E. The effects of dietary proline, β-alanine, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the nest construction behavior in the Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis). Sci Rep 2022; 12:7449. [PMID: 35523992 PMCID: PMC9076666 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11579-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult wasps primary food resource is larval saliva. This liquid secretion consists mainly of amino acids and carbohydrates processed from the prey brought to the colony by the foragers. However, adults also regularly consume floral nectar. The nectar's most abundant proteinogenic amino acid is proline, and the two most abundant non-proteinogenic amino acids are β-alanine and GABA. These three amino acids are also common in larval saliva. Here, we study the effect of these dietary amino acids on the physiology and nest construction behavior of the Oriental hornet. Our results reveal their deleterious effects, especially at high concentrations: β-alanine and GABA consumption reduced the hornets' lifespan and completely inhibited their construction behavior; while proline induced a similar but more moderate effect. At low concentrations, these amino acids had no effect on hornet survival but did slow down the nest construction process. Using carbon isotopically labeled amino acids, we show that, unlike proline, β-alanine is stored in most body tissues (brain, muscles, and fat body), suggesting that it is rapidly metabolized after consumption. Our findings demonstrate how a single amino acid can impact the fitness of a nectarivore insect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Bouchebti
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Levona Bodner
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Maya Bergman
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tali Magory Cohen
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Levin
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Effects of Two Commercial Protein Diets on the Health of Two Imago Ages of Apis mellifera L. Reared in Laboratory. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12080968. [PMID: 35454215 PMCID: PMC9032503 DOI: 10.3390/ani12080968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Beekeepers often feed their bees with supplemented artificial diets. The formulation of an integrative diet for honey bee colonies able to prevent nutritional deficiencies is yet to be found. In this work, the effects of pollen diet substitution with commercial protein diets in newly emerged bees (that still feed a little on pollen) and in forager bees (that usually do not feed on pollen) were tested. Results obtained suggest that commercial protein diets do not compensate pollen diets in newly emerged bees and do not determine an increase in life span or immunity in forager bees. Further investigations on the effect of concentration and quality of proteins are desirable in order to provide beekeepers with scientific evidence on protein-based feeding. Abstract Protein-supplemented artificial diets are widely used by beekeepers during winter and whenever food availability is low, yet no data are available concerning their effects on bees’ health. In this work, the effects of two commercial diets enriched with 1.7% and 7.7% protein concentration on feed intake, survival rate, glucose oxidase, phenoloxidase and glutathione S-transferase in newly emerged and forager bees were tested. Administration of a 7.7% protein-enriched diet significantly reduced the lifespan of both newly emerged and forager bees, while only in foragers a significantly higher feed intake was recorded. In newly emerged bees, administration of a high-protein-enriched diet stimulated glucose oxidase production at the 10th day of feeding, determined a reduction of phenoloxidase and did not affect glutathione S-transferase activity. In forager bees, a high level of protein inclusion did not determine any significant variation in either glucose oxidase, phenoloxidase or glutathione S-transferase activity. Therefore, the results obtained in this investigation suggest that administration of commercial protein diets negatively affect honey bee health, determining an increase in mortality. Further investigations on the effect of concentration and quality of proteins are desirable to provide beekeepers with scientific evidence on protein feeding.
Collapse
|
10
|
Sagona S, Fronte B, Coppola F, Tafi E, Giusti M, Palego L, Betti L, Giannaccini G, Guglielminetti L, Felicioli A. Effect of Honey and Syrup Diets Enriched with 1,3-1,6 β-Glucans on Honeybee Survival Rate and Phenoloxidase Activity ( Apis mellifera L. 1758). Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8070130. [PMID: 34357922 PMCID: PMC8310323 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8070130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
β-glucans can activate the animal innate immune system by acting as immune-modulators and inducing various stimulatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 1,3-1,6 β-glucans administered orally for 96 h on Apis mellifera workers (newly emerged and nurse bees). β-glucans were included in honey and syrup. Survival rate and phenoloxidase activity were measured. In both newly emerged and nurse bees, β-glucans supplementation did not affect survival rate (p > 0.05). Conversely, phenoloxidase activity was higher in both newly emerged bees (p = 0.048) and nurse bees (p = 0.014) fed with a honey diet enriched with β-glucans compared to those fed with only honey. In both the newly emerged and nurse bees, no statistical differences in phenoloxidase activity were recorded between the group fed with a syrup-based diet enriched with β-glucans and the control group (p > 0.05). The absence of significant variation in survival suggests that the potential negative effect of β-glucans in healthy bees could be mitigated by their metabolism. Conversely, the inclusion of β-glucans in a honey-based diet determined an increase of phenoloxidase activity, suggesting that the effect of β-glucan inclusion in the diet of healthy bees on phenoloxidase activity could be linked to the type of base-diet. Further investigations on β-glucans metabolism in bees, on molecular mechanism of phenoloxidase activation by 1,3-1,6 β-glucans, and relative thresholds are desirable. Moreover, investigation on the combined action of honey and β-glucans on phenoloxidase activity are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Sagona
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (B.F.); (F.C.); (E.T.); (M.G.)
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Baldassare Fronte
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (B.F.); (F.C.); (E.T.); (M.G.)
| | - Francesca Coppola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (B.F.); (F.C.); (E.T.); (M.G.)
| | - Elena Tafi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (B.F.); (F.C.); (E.T.); (M.G.)
- Department of Science, University of the Study of Basilicata, Via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Matteo Giusti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (B.F.); (F.C.); (E.T.); (M.G.)
| | - Lionella Palego
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Laura Betti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Gino Giannaccini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Lorenzo Guglielminetti
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Antonio Felicioli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (B.F.); (F.C.); (E.T.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nectar non-protein amino acids (NPAAs) do not change nectar palatability but enhance learning and memory in honey bees. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11721. [PMID: 34083559 PMCID: PMC8175726 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90895-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Floral nectar is a pivotal element of the intimate relationship between plants and pollinators. Nectars are composed of a plethora of nutritionally valuable compounds but also hundreds of secondary metabolites (SMs) whose function remains elusive. Here we performed a set of behavioural experiments to study whether five ubiquitous nectar non-protein amino acids (NPAAs: β-alanine, GABA, citrulline, ornithine and taurine) interact with gustation, feeding preference, and learning and memory in Apis mellifera. We showed that foragers were unable to discriminate NPAAs from water when only accessing antennal chemo-tactile information and that freely moving bees did not exhibit innate feeding preferences for NPAAs. Also, NPAAs did not alter food consumption or longevity in caged bees over 10 days. Taken together our data suggest that natural concentrations of NPAAs did not alter nectar palatability to bees. Olfactory conditioning assays showed that honey bees were more likely to learn a scent when it signalled a sucrose reward containing either β-alanine or GABA, and that GABA enhanced specific memory retention. Conversely, when ingested two hours prior to conditioning, GABA, β-alanine, and taurine weakened bees' acquisition performances but not specific memory retention, which was enhanced in the case of β-alanine and taurine. Neither citrulline nor ornithine affected learning and memory. NPAAs in nectars may represent a cooperative strategy adopted by plants to attract beneficial pollinators.
Collapse
|
12
|
Bogo G, Fisogni A, Rabassa‐Juvanteny J, Bortolotti L, Nepi M, Guarnieri M, Conte L, Galloni M. Nectar chemistry is not only a plant's affair: floral visitors affect nectar sugar and amino acid composition. OIKOS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gherardo Bogo
- Grupo de Ecología de la Polinización, INIBIOMA (Univ. Nacional del Comahue‐CONICET) San Carlos de Bariloche Argentina
| | - Alessandro Fisogni
- Dept of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, Univ. of California, Riverside Riverside CA USA
- Dept of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | | | - Laura Bortolotti
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment Bologna Italy
| | - Massimo Nepi
- Dept of Life Sciences, Univ. of Siena Siena Italy
| | | | - Lucia Conte
- Dept of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Marta Galloni
- Dept of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Bologna Bologna Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chatt EC, Mahalim SN, Mohd-Fadzil NA, Roy R, Klinkenberg PM, Horner HT, Hampton M, Carter CJ, Nikolau BJ. Nectar biosynthesis is conserved among floral and extrafloral nectaries. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 185:1595-1616. [PMID: 33585860 PMCID: PMC8133665 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nectar is a primary reward mediating plant-animal mutualisms to improve plant fitness and reproductive success. Four distinct trichomatic nectaries develop in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), one floral and three extrafloral, and the nectars they secrete serve different purposes. Floral nectar attracts bees for promoting pollination, while extrafloral nectar attracts predatory insects as a means of indirect protection from herbivores. Cotton therefore provides an ideal system for contrasting mechanisms of nectar production and nectar composition between different nectary types. Here, we report the transcriptome and ultrastructure of the four cotton nectary types throughout development and compare these with the metabolomes of secreted nectars. Integration of these datasets supports specialization among nectary types to fulfill their ecological niche, while conserving parallel coordination of the merocrine-based and eccrine-based models of nectar biosynthesis. Nectary ultrastructures indicate an abundance of rough endoplasmic reticulum positioned parallel to the cell walls and a profusion of vesicles fusing to the plasma membranes, supporting the merocrine model of nectar biosynthesis. The eccrine-based model of nectar biosynthesis is supported by global transcriptomics data, which indicate a progression from starch biosynthesis to starch degradation and sucrose biosynthesis and secretion. Moreover, our nectary global transcriptomics data provide evidence for novel metabolic processes supporting de novo biosynthesis of amino acids secreted in trace quantities in nectars. Collectively, these data demonstrate the conservation of nectar-producing models among trichomatic and extrafloral nectaries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Chatt
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, 50010, Iowa
| | - Siti-Nabilla Mahalim
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, 50010, Iowa
| | - Nur-Aziatull Mohd-Fadzil
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, 50010, Iowa
| | - Rahul Roy
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, 55108, Minnesota
- Department of Biology, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, 55105, Minnesota
| | - Peter M Klinkenberg
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, 55108, Minnesota
| | - Harry T Horner
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, 50010, Iowa
- Roy J. Carver High Resolution Microscopy Facility, Iowa State University, Ames, 50010, Iowa
| | - Marshall Hampton
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, 55812, Minnesota
| | - Clay J Carter
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, 55108, Minnesota
| | - Basil J Nikolau
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, 50010, Iowa
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Evolutionary and Ecological Considerations on Nectar-Mediated Tripartite Interactions in Angiosperms and Their Relevance in the Mediterranean Basin. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10030507. [PMID: 33803275 PMCID: PMC7999006 DOI: 10.3390/plants10030507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Mediterranean basin hosts a high diversity of plants and bees, and it is considered one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Insect pollination, i.e., pollen transfer from male reproductive structures to conspecific female ones, was classically thought to be a mutualistic relationship that links these two groups of organisms, giving rise to an admirable and complex network of interactions. Although nectar is often involved in mediating these interactions, relatively little is known about modifications in its chemical traits during the evolution of plants. Here, we examine how the current sucrose-dominated floral nectar of most Mediterranean plants could have arisen in the course of evolution of angiosperms. The transition from hexose-rich to sucrose-rich nectar secretion was probably triggered by increasing temperature and aridity during the Cretaceous period, when most angiosperms were radiating. This transition may have opened new ecological niches for new groups of insects that were co-diversifying with angiosperms and for specific nectar-dwelling yeasts that originated later (i.e., Metschnikowiaceae). Our hypothesis embeds recent discoveries in nectar biology, such as the involvement of nectar microbiota and nectar secondary metabolites in shaping interactions with pollinators, and it suggests a complex, multifaceted ecological and evolutionary scenario that we are just beginning to discover.
Collapse
|
15
|
Kumar A, Memo M, Mastinu A. Plant behaviour: an evolutionary response to the environment? PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2020; 22:961-970. [PMID: 32557960 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Plants are not just passive living beings that exist in nature. They are complex and highly adaptable species that react sensitively to environmental forces/stimuli with movement, morphological changes and through the communication via volatile molecules. In a way, plants mimic some traits of animal and human behaviour; they compete for limited resources by gaining more area for more sunlight and spread their roots underground. Furthermore, in order to survive and thrive, they evolve and 'learn' to control various environmental stress factors in order to increase the yield of flowering, fertilization and germination processes. The concept of associating complex behaviour, such as intelligence, with plants is still a highly debatable topic among researchers worldwide. Recent studies have shown that plants are able to discriminate between positive and negative experiences and 'learn' from them. Some botanists have interpreted these behavioural data as a form of primitive cognitive processes. Others have evaluated these responses as biological automatisms of plants determined by adaptation to the environment and absence of intelligence. This review aims to explore adaptive behavioural aspects of various plant species distributed in different ecosystems by emphasizing their biological complexity and survival instincts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Kumar
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - M Memo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - A Mastinu
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cilia G, Fratini F, Tafi E, Turchi B, Mancini S, Sagona S, Nanetti A, Cerri D, Felicioli A. Microbial Profile of the Ventriculum of Honey Bee ( Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola, 1806) Fed with Veterinary Drugs, Dietary Supplements and Non-Protein Amino Acids. Vet Sci 2020; 7:E76. [PMID: 32517254 PMCID: PMC7357006 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7020076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of veterinary drugs, dietary supplements and non-protein amino acids on the European honey bee (Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola, 1806) ventriculum microbial profile were investigated. Total viable aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, staphylococci, Escherichia coli, lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., aerobic bacterial endospores and Enterococcus spp. were determined using a culture-based method. Two veterinary drugs (Varromed® and Api-Bioxal®), two commercial dietary supplements (ApiHerb® and ApiGo®) and two non-protein amino acids (GABA and beta-alanine) were administered for one week to honey bee foragers reared in laboratory cages. After one week, E. coli and Staphylococcus spp. were significantly affected by the veterinary drugs (p < 0.001). Furthermore, dietary supplements and non-protein amino acids induced significant changes in Staphylococcus spp., E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the results of this investigation showed that the administration of the veterinary drugs, dietary supplements and non-protein amino acids tested, affected the ventriculum microbiological profile of Apis mellifera ligustica.GABA; beta-alanine; oxalic acid; diet effect; microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Cilia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.F.); (E.T.); (B.T.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Filippo Fratini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.F.); (E.T.); (B.T.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (A.F.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Tafi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.F.); (E.T.); (B.T.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (A.F.)
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Barbara Turchi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.F.); (E.T.); (B.T.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Simone Mancini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.F.); (E.T.); (B.T.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Simona Sagona
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.F.); (E.T.); (B.T.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (A.F.)
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Nanetti
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Via di Saliceto 80, 40128 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Domenico Cerri
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.F.); (E.T.); (B.T.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (A.F.)
| | - Antonio Felicioli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.F.); (E.T.); (B.T.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (A.F.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mustard JA, Jones L, Wright GA. GABA signaling affects motor function in the honey bee. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 120:103989. [PMID: 31805284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.103989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
GABA is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter in both vertebrate and invertebrate nervous systems. In insects, inhibition plays important roles at the neuromuscular junction, in the regulation of central pattern generators, and in the modulation of information in higher brain processing centers. Additionally, increasing our understanding of the functions of GABA is important since GABAA receptors are the targets of several classes of pesticides. To investigate the role of GABA in motor function, honey bee foragers were injected with GABA or with agonists or antagonists specific for either GABAA or GABAB receptors. Compounds that activated either type of GABA receptor decreased activity levels. Bees injected with the GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin lost the ability to right themselves, whereas blockade of GABAB receptors led to increases in grooming. Injection with antagonists of either GABAA or GABAB receptors resulted in an increase in extended wing behavior, during which bees kept their wings out at right angles to their body rather than folded along their back. These data suggest that the GABA receptor types play distinct roles in behavior and that GABA may affect behavior at several different levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Mustard
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA.
| | - Lisa Jones
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Geraldine A Wright
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|