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Robino P, Galosi L, Bellato A, Vincenzetti S, Gonella E, Ferrocino I, Serri E, Biagini L, Roncarati A, Nebbia P, Menzio C, Rossi G. Effects of a supplemented diet containing 7 probiotic strains (Honeybeeotic) on honeybee physiology and immune response: analysis of hemolymph cytology, phenoloxidase activity, and gut microbiome. Biol Res 2024; 57:50. [PMID: 39113128 PMCID: PMC11304726 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00533-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, a probiotic mixture (Honeybeeotic) consisting of seven bacterial strains isolated from a unique population of honeybees (Apis mellifera ligustica) was used. That honeybee population was located in the Roti Abbey locality of the Marche Region in Italy, an area isolated from human activities, and genetic contamination from other honeybee populations. The aim was to investigate the effects of this probiotic mixture on the innate immunity and intestinal microbiome of healthy common honeybees in two hives of the same apiary. Hive A received a diet of 50% glucose syrup, while hive B received the same syrup supplemented with the probiotics, both administered daily for 1 month. To determine whether the probiotic altered the immune response, phenoloxidase activity and hemolymph cellular subtype count were investigated. Additionally, metagenomic approaches were used to analyze the effects on gut microbiota composition and function, considering the critical role the gut microbiota plays in modulating host physiology. RESULTS The results revealed differences in hemocyte populations between the two hives, as hive A exhibited higher counts of oenocytoids and granulocytes. These findings indicated that the dietary supplementation with the probiotic mixture was safe and well-tolerated. Furthermore, phenoloxidase activity significantly decreased in hive B (1.75 ± 0.19 U/mg) compared to hive A (3.62 ± 0.44 U/mg, p < 0.005), suggesting an improved state of well-being in the honeybees, as they did not require activation of immune defense mechanisms. Regarding the microbiome composition, the probiotic modulated the gut microbiota in hive B compared to the control, retaining core microbiota components while causing both positive and negative variations. Notably, several genes, particularly KEGG genes involved in amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) transport, were more abundant in the probiotic-fed group, suggesting an effective nutritional supplement for the host. CONCLUSIONS This study advocated that feeding with this probiotic mixture induces beneficial immunological effects and promoted a balanced gut microbiota with enhanced metabolic activities related to digestion. The use of highly selected probiotics was shown to contribute to the overall well-being of the honeybees, improving their immune response and gut health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Robino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Livio Galosi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy.
| | | | - Silvia Vincenzetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
| | - Elena Gonella
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ilario Ferrocino
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Evelina Serri
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
| | - Lucia Biagini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
| | - Alessandra Roncarati
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
| | - Patrizia Nebbia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Menzio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rossi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy
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Tongchai P, Yadoung S, Sutan K, Kawichai S, Danmek K, Maitip J, Ghosh S, Jung C, Chuttong B, Hongsibsong S. Antioxidant Capacity, Phytochemicals, Minerals, and Chemical Pollutants in Worker Honey Bee ( Apis mellifera L.) Broods from Northern Thailand: A Safe and Sustainable Food Source. Foods 2024; 13:1998. [PMID: 38998504 PMCID: PMC11241797 DOI: 10.3390/foods13131998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Honey bee brood (HBB) (Apis mellifera L.), a traditional protein source, has been studied for its nutritional value, but bio-functional properties and safety concerns have not been verified. This study examined the Antioxidant capacity, phytochemicals, minerals, and chemical pollutants in worker broods from several apiaries in Northern Thailand. HBB samples were lyophilized to evaluate antioxidant capacity using ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays, tests with water, and 70% ethanol extracts. Phytochemicals were identified using LC-QTOF-MS; pollutants were analyzed chromatographically, and minerals were determined using ICP-OES. The results showed that the evaluated antioxidant capacity of the ethanol extracts included DPPH 2.04-3.37 mg/mL, ABTS 21.22-33.91 mg/mL, and FRAP 50.07-104.15 mg AAE/100 g dry weight. Water extracts had outstanding antioxidant activities except for ABTS, with DPPH 10.67-84.97 mg/mL, ABTS 9.25-13.54 mg/mL, and FRAP 57.66-177.32 mgAAE/100 g dry weight. Total phenolics and flavonoids in ethanol extracts ranged from 488.95-508.87 GAE/100 g to 4.7-12.98 mg QE/g dry weight, respectively. Thirteen phytochemicals were detected and contained adequate mineral contents in the HBBs from different locations found, which were K, Ca, Mg, and Na, and no heavy metals or pollutants exceeded safe levels. These results imply that HBB from different apiaries in Northern Thailand is a nutritious food source with considerable antioxidants and a safe and sustainable food source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phannika Tongchai
- School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Sumed Yadoung
- Environmental Science Program, Faculty of Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
- Environmental, Occupational Health Sciences and NCD Center of Excellence, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (K.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Kunrunya Sutan
- Environmental, Occupational Health Sciences and NCD Center of Excellence, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (K.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Saweang Kawichai
- Environmental, Occupational Health Sciences and NCD Center of Excellence, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (K.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Khanchai Danmek
- School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand;
| | - Jakkrawut Maitip
- Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus, Bankhai, Rayong 21120, Thailand;
| | - Sampat Ghosh
- Agriculture Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea; (S.G.); (C.J.)
| | - Chuleui Jung
- Agriculture Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea; (S.G.); (C.J.)
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
| | - Bajaree Chuttong
- Meliponini and Apini Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Surat Hongsibsong
- School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
- Environmental, Occupational Health Sciences and NCD Center of Excellence, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (K.S.); (S.K.)
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Walsh EM, Simone-Finstrom M. Current honey bee stressor investigations and mitigation methods in the United States and Canada. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2024; 24:19. [PMID: 38805646 PMCID: PMC11132128 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieae055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Honey bees are the most important managed insect pollinators in the US and Canadian crop systems. However, the annual mortality of colonies in the past 15 years has been consistently higher than historical records. Because they are eusocial generalist pollinators and amenable to management, honey bees provide a unique opportunity to investigate a wide range of questions at molecular, organismal, and ecological scales. Here, the American Association of Professional Apiculturists (AAPA) and the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists (CAPA) created 2 collections of articles featuring investigations on micro and macro aspects of honey bee health, sociobiology, and management showcasing new applied research from diverse groups studying honey bees (Apis mellifera) in the United States and Canada. Research presented in this special issue includes examinations of abiotic and biotic stressors of honey bees, and evaluations and introductions of various stress mitigation measures that may be valuable to both scientists and the beekeeping community. These investigations from throughout the United States and Canada showcase the wide breadth of current work done and point out areas that need further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Walsh
- USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Unit, 1157 Ben Hur Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA
| | - Michael Simone-Finstrom
- USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Unit, 1157 Ben Hur Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA
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Pyke GH, Prendergast KS, Ren Z. Pollination crisis Down-Under: Has Australasia dodged the bullet? Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10639. [PMID: 37915803 PMCID: PMC10615657 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Since mid-1990s, concerns have increased about a human-induced "pollination crisis." Threats have been identified to animals that act as plant pollinators, plants pollinated by these animals, and consequently human well-being. Threatening processes include loss of natural habitat, climate change, pesticide use, pathogen spread, and introduced species. However, concern has mostly been during last 10-15 years and from Europe and North America, with Australasia, known as Down-Under, receiving little attention. So perhaps Australasia has "dodged the bullet"? We systematically reviewed the published literature relating to the "pollination crisis" via Web of Science, focusing on issues amenable to this approach. Across these issues, we found a steep increase in publications over the last few decades and a major geographic bias towards Europe and North America, with relatively little attention in Australasia. While publications from Australasia are underrepresented, factors responsible elsewhere for causing the "pollination crisis" commonly occur in Australasia, so this lack of coverage probably reflects a lack of awareness rather than the absence of a problem. In other words, Australasia has not "dodged the bullet" and should take immediate action to address and mitigate its own "pollination crisis." Sensible steps would include increased taxonomic work on suspected plant pollinators, protection for pollinator populations threatened with extinction, establishing long-term monitoring of plant-pollinator relationships, incorporating pollination into sustainable agriculture, restricting the use of various pesticides, adopting an Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management approach, and developing partnerships with First Nations peoples for research, conservation and management of plants and their pollinators. Appropriate Government policy, funding and regulation could help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham H. Pyke
- CAS Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East AsiaKunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
- School of Natural SciencesMacquarie UniversityRydeNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Kit S. Prendergast
- School of Biological Sciences & BiotechnologyMurdoch UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Zong‐Xin Ren
- CAS Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East AsiaKunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
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Mackei M, Sebők C, Vöröházi J, Tráj P, Mackei F, Oláh B, Fébel H, Neogrády Z, Mátis G. Detrimental consequences of tebuconazole on redox homeostasis and fatty acid profile of honeybee brain. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 159:103990. [PMID: 37488035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Excessive use of azole fungicides in agriculture poses a potential threat to honeybees and other pollinator insects; however, the detailed effects of these molecules remain largely unclear. Hence, in the present study it was aimed to investigate the acute sublethal effects of tebuconazole on the redox homeostasis and fatty acid composition in the brain of honeybees. Our findings demonstrate that tebuconazole decreased total antioxidant capacity, the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione and disturbed the function of key antioxidant defense enzymes along with the induction of lipid peroxidation indicated by increased malondialdehyde levels, while it also altered the fatty acid profile of the brain. The present study highlights the negative impact of tebuconazole on honeybees and contributes to the understanding of potential consequences related to azole exposure on pollinator insects' health, such as the occurrence of colony collapse disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Máté Mackei
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István Street 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary; National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István Street 2, H-1078, Hungary.
| | - Csilla Sebők
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István Street 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Júlia Vöröházi
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István Street 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Patrik Tráj
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István Street 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina Mackei
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István Street 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Barnabás Oláh
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István Street 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hedvig Fébel
- Nutrition Physiology Research Group, Institute of Physiology and Nutrition, Kaposvár Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gesztenyés Street 1, H-2053 Herceghalom, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Neogrády
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István Street 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Mátis
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István Street 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary; National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István Street 2, H-1078, Hungary
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Araújo RDS, Lopes MP, Viana TA, Bastos DSS, Machado-Neves M, Botina LL, Martins GF. Bioinsecticide spinosad poses multiple harmful effects on foragers of Apis mellifera. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:66923-66935. [PMID: 37099096 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27143-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
There are multifactorial causes for the recent decline in bee populations, which has resulted in compromised pollination and reduced biodiversity. Bees are considered one of the most important non-target insects affected by insecticides used in crop production. In the present study, we investigated the effects of acute oral exposure to spinosad on the survival, food consumption, flight behavior, respiration rate, activity of detoxification enzymes, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), brain morphology, and hemocyte count of Apis mellifera foragers. We tested six different concentrations of spinosad for the first two analyses, followed by LC50 (7.7 mg L-1) for other assays. Spinosad ingestion decreased survival and food consumption. Exposure to spinosad LC50 reduced flight capacity, respiration rate, and superoxide dismutase activity. Furthermore, this concentration increased glutathione S-transferase activity and the TAC of the brain. Notably, exposure to LC50 damaged mushroom bodies, reduced the total hemocyte count and granulocyte number, and increased the number of prohemocytes. These findings imply that the neurotoxin spinosad affects various crucial functions and tissues important for bee performance and that the toxic effects are complex and detrimental to individual homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan Dos Santos Araújo
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-000, Brazil.
| | - Marcos Pereira Lopes
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-000, Brazil
| | - Thaís Andrade Viana
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-000, Brazil
| | - Daniel Silva Sena Bastos
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-000, Brazil
| | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-000, Brazil
| | - Lorena Lisbetd Botina
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-000, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Ferreira Martins
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-000, Brazil
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Li Z, Yang H, Yu L, Liu C, Wu X. The negative effect of flumethrin stress on honey bee (Apis mellifera) worker from larvae to adults. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 188:105289. [PMID: 36464342 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Flumethrin is a highly effective acaricide, but its lipophilic characteristic has some negative effects, such as accumulation in bee hives and bee products. However, studies on the survival stress of honey bees subsequent to chronic flumethrin exposure are limited. To answer this question, a study was carried out on the stress to honey bee (Apis mellifera) workers from larvae to adults by chronic exposure to sublethal concentrations of flumethrin. Three flumethrin treatment groups (1, 0.1, 0.01 mg/L) and one control group (with no added flumethrin) were established and divided the worker larvae into four groups. Then, starting with 2-day-old larvae, larvae and subsequent emerged worker bees of the four groups were orally fed with the corresponding concentrations of flumethrin until all the adult worker bees died, respectively. When the concentration was at 0.01 mg/L of flumethrin, the lifespan of adult worker bees decreased, and a down-regulation of detoxification-related genes (CYP450,GSTS) was induced in 1-day-old pupae. When it is at 0.1 mg/L flumethrin, the lifespan of adult worker bees was again shortened, and down-regulation of memory-related genes (GluRA1, Nmdar1, Tyr1) in 1-day-old pupae and gene Tyr1 in 1-day-old worker bees, detoxification-related genes (CYP450,GSTS) in 1-day-old pupae, and immunity genes (Defensin1, Hymenoptaecin) in 7-day-old worker bees were observed. When the concentration is at 1 mg/L flumethrin, lighter birth weight of newly emerged honeybee was found and deficiencies in olfactory learning and memory were observed in 7-day-old worker bees. Memory-related genes (GluRA1, Nmdar1, Tyr1) were down-regulated in 1-day-old pupae and genes (Nmdar1,Tyr1)in 1-day-old worker bees, as were detoxification-related genes (CYP450,GSTS) in 1-day-old pupae and gene CPY450 in 7-day-old worker bees, and immune genes (Defensin1, Hymenoptaecin) in 7-day-old worker bees. There was no significant difference in pupal weight, capping rate, emergence rate, expression of immune-related genes of 1-day-old pupae, expression of immune-related genes and detoxification-related genes of 1-day-old worker bees, expression of memory-related genes and detoxification-related gene GSTS of 7-day-old worker bees. These data provide an ominous warning about the unintended consequences on apiaries, and underscore the need for careful control of flumethrin residues in bee hives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Li
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, PR China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, PR China
| | - Heyan Yang
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, PR China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, PR China
| | - Longtao Yu
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, PR China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, PR China
| | - Chen Liu
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, PR China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, PR China
| | - Xiaobo Wu
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, PR China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330045, PR China.
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St. Clair AL, Suresh S, Dolezal AG. Access to prairie pollen affects honey bee queen fecundity in the field and lab. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.908667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Beekeepers experience high annual losses of colonies, with environmental stressors like pathogens, reduced forage, and pesticides as contributors. Some factors, like nutritional stress from reduced flower abundance or diversity, are more pronounced in agricultural landscapes where extensive farming limits pollen availability. In addition to affecting other aspects of colony health, quantity and quality of pollen available are important for colony brood production and likely for queen egg laying. While some US beekeepers report >50% of colony loss due to queen failure, the causes of poor-quality queens are poorly understood. Access to resources from native prairie habitat is suggested as a valuable late-season resource for honey bees that can reverse colony growth declines, but it is not clear how prairie forage influences queen egg laying. We hypothesized that the pollen resources present in an extensive Midwestern corn/soybean agroecosystem during the critical late season period affect honey bee queen egg laying and that access to native prairies can increase queen productivity. To test this, we designed a field experiment in Iowa, keeping colonies in either soybean or prairie landscapes during a critical period of forage dearth, and we quantified queen egg laying as well as pollen collection (quantity and species). Then, using pollen collected in the field experiments, we created representative dietary mixtures, which we fed to bees using highly controlled laboratory cages to test how consumption of these diets affected the egg laying of naive queens. In two out of three years, queens in prairies laid more eggs compared to those in soybean fields. Pollen quantity did not vary between the two landscapes, but composition of species did, and was primarily driven by collection of evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). When pollen representative of the two landscapes was fed to caged bees in the laboratory queens fed prairie pollen laid more eggs, suggesting that pollen from this landscape plays an important role in queen productivity. More work is needed to tease apart the drivers of these differences, but understanding how egg laying is regulated is useful for designing landscapes for sustainable pollinator management and can inform feeding regimes for beekeepers.
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Komasilova O, Komasilovs V, Kviesis A, Zacepins A. Model for finding the number of honey bee colonies needed for the optimal foraging process in a specific geographical location. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12178. [PMID: 34616624 PMCID: PMC8451444 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Finding a proper location for a bee apiary is a crucial task for beekeepers and especially for travelling beekeepers. Normally beekeepers choose an appropriate apiary location based on their previous experience and sometimes the location may not be optimal for the bee colonies. This can be explained by different flowering periods, variation of resources at the known fields, as well as other factors. In addition it is very challenging to evaluate how many bee colonies should be placed in one geographical location for an optimal nectar foraging process. This research presents a model for finding the number of honey bee colonies needed for the optimal foraging process in the specific location, taking into account several assumptions. Authors propose to take into account potential field productivity, possible chemical contamination, surroundings of the apiary. To run the model, several steps have to be completed, starting from the selection of area of interest, conversion to polygons for further calculations, defining the roads in the selected area. The outcome of the model number of colonies that should be placed is presented to the user. The Python language was used for the model development. The model can be extended to use additional factors and values to increase the precision of the evaluation. In addition, input from users (farmers, agricultural specialists, etc.) about external factors that can affect the number of bee colonies in the apiary can be taken into account. This work is conducted within the Horizon 2020 FET project HIVEOPOLIS (Nr.824069).
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Affiliation(s)
- Olvija Komasilova
- Department of Computer Systems, Faculty of Information Technologies, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Jelgava, Latvia
| | - Vitalijs Komasilovs
- Department of Computer Systems, Faculty of Information Technologies, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Jelgava, Latvia
| | - Armands Kviesis
- Department of Computer Systems, Faculty of Information Technologies, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Jelgava, Latvia
| | - Aleksejs Zacepins
- Department of Computer Systems, Faculty of Information Technologies, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Jelgava, Latvia
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