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Reyes-Quintana M, Goodwin PH, Correa-Benítez A, Pelaez-Hernández R, Guzman-Novoa E. Genetic variability of the honey bee mite, Varroa destructor, from a humid continental climatic region of Canada, and temperate and tropical climatic regions of Mexico. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 91:541-559. [PMID: 37884811 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00848-6] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Varroa destructor is a damaging mite of Western honey bees (Apis mellifera). Genetic variability of the mite in different regions of the world could be related to the movement of infested bees or other factors, such as climate. In this study, V. destructor samples were collected from tropical and temperate climate regions of Mexico, and a humid continental climate region of Canada. COX-1 AFLPs showed that all the mites were the Korean haplotype. Four microsatellites revealed nine haplogroups from the continental climate region of Canada, compared to three haplogroups from the tropical and temperate climate regions of Mexico. CytII-ATP sequences showed seven haplogroups from the humid continental climate region vs. two haplogroups from the temperate region and one haplogroup from the tropical region. CytB sequences revealed seven haplogroups from Canada vs. three from Mexico. A comparison of the cytB sequences of the samples from Canada and Mexico to those from a worldwide collection showed that one sequence, designated the cytB1 type, predominated, comprising 57% of the 86 sequences; it clustered with similar sequences that comprised 80% of the sequences, designated family A. CytB1 was predominant in Mexico, but not in Canada. The other 20% of sequences were in families B and C, and all those samples originated from East and Southeast Asia. The microsatellite, cytII-ATP, and cytB markers, all showed higher variability in mites collected in Canada than in Mexico, which could be related to the cooler climate or an earlier invasion and/or multiple mite invasions in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Reyes-Quintana
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Paul H Goodwin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Adriana Correa-Benítez
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia en Abejas, FMVZ, UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Roberto Pelaez-Hernández
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia en Abejas, FMVZ, UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Ernesto Guzman-Novoa
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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García-Figueroa C, Ramírez-Ramírez FJ, Alvarado-Avila LY, Arechavaleta-Velasco ME. Effects of Genetic Origin of Honeybees and Climate on Prevalence and Infestation Levels of Varroa. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3277. [PMID: 37894001 PMCID: PMC10603635 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203277] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of honeybee genetic origin, climate type and the interactions between these variables on the prevalence and infestation levels of Varroa in a large population of honeybee colonies (n = 1134). For each colony, the morphotype, haplotype and climate type were determined. No differences between the Africanized, European and Hybrid morphotypes were found for the prevalence and infestation levels of Varroa (p > 0.05). Differences between honeybee haplotypes were found for the prevalence of Varroa (p < 0.05), and the prevalence was higher in the African haplotype than in the European haplotype. No differences between honeybee haplotypes were found for the infestation levels of Varroa (p > 0.05). Differences were found between climate type for the prevalence and infestation levels of Varroa (p < 0.05): the temperate sub-humid climate had a higher prevalence and higher infestation levels than the semi-warm climate and the warm sub-humid climate. Correlations between the infestation levels of Varroa and mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation, winter precipitation and Lang index were found.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Miguel Enrique Arechavaleta-Velasco
- Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Fisiología y Mejoramiento Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Querétaro 76280, Mexico; (C.G.-F.); (F.J.R.-R.); (L.Y.A.-A.)
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Correa-Benítez A, Anguiano-Baez R, Heneidi-Zeckua A, Dávalos-Flores JL, Peña-Haaz NT, Pérez-Martínez EE, Carbajal-Rodríguez M, Vasquez-Valencia I, Almazán-Maldonado N, Petukhova T, Guzman-Novoa E. Prevalence of Adult Honey Bee ( Apis mellifera L.) Pests and Pathogens in the Five Beekeeping Regions of Mexico. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1734. [PMID: 37889652 PMCID: PMC10251999 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mexico is a major honey producer, but not much information exists about the health status of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) in the country. This study was conducted to determine the sanitary status of adult honey bees in Mexico's five beekeeping regions. Samples from 369 apiaries were diagnosed to identify pathogens such as Varroa destructor, which was quantified, Acarapis woodi, Nosema spp., and five viruses. Colonies were also inspected for the presence of the small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida. Varroa destructor was found in 83.5% of the apiaries, with the Pacific Coast region having the highest prevalence (>95%) and rates (4.5% ± 0.6). Acarapis woodi was detected in only one apiary from the Pacific Coast, whereas Nosema spp. were prevalent in 48.5% of the apiaries, with the highest and lowest frequencies in the Yucatan Peninsula and North regions (64.6% and 10.2%, respectively). For viruses, deformed wing virus (DWV) was detected in 26.1% of the apiaries, with the highest frequency in the Pacific Coast region (44.7%). Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) was diagnosed in 3.2% of the samples and sacbrood bee virus (SBV) in 23.3% of them, with the highest frequency in the High Plateau region (36.4%). Chronic bee paralysis and Kashmir bee viruses were not detected. SHB prevalence was 25.2% nationwide, with the highest frequency in the Yucatan Peninsula (39.2%). This study shows that the most common parasites of adult honey bees in Mexico are V. destructor and Nosema spp., and that the most prevalent virus is DWV, whereas SHB is highly prevalent in the Yucatan Peninsula. This information could be useful to design disease control strategies for honey bee colonies in different regions of Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Correa-Benítez
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Abejas, FMVZ, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cd. Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.C.-B.); (R.A.-B.); (N.T.P.-H.); (M.C.-R.); (I.V.-V.); (N.A.-M.)
| | - Ricardo Anguiano-Baez
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Abejas, FMVZ, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cd. Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.C.-B.); (R.A.-B.); (N.T.P.-H.); (M.C.-R.); (I.V.-V.); (N.A.-M.)
| | - Assad Heneidi-Zeckua
- Consultoría en Epidemiología y Análisis de Riesgo, Adolfo Prieto 1543, Mexico City 03100, Mexico;
| | - José L. Dávalos-Flores
- Departamento de Economía, Administración y Desarrollo Rural, FMVZ, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cd. Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (J.L.D.-F.); (E.E.P.-M.)
| | - Nelly T. Peña-Haaz
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Abejas, FMVZ, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cd. Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.C.-B.); (R.A.-B.); (N.T.P.-H.); (M.C.-R.); (I.V.-V.); (N.A.-M.)
| | - Eduardo E. Pérez-Martínez
- Departamento de Economía, Administración y Desarrollo Rural, FMVZ, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cd. Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (J.L.D.-F.); (E.E.P.-M.)
| | - Mariana Carbajal-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Abejas, FMVZ, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cd. Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.C.-B.); (R.A.-B.); (N.T.P.-H.); (M.C.-R.); (I.V.-V.); (N.A.-M.)
| | - Itzel Vasquez-Valencia
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Abejas, FMVZ, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cd. Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.C.-B.); (R.A.-B.); (N.T.P.-H.); (M.C.-R.); (I.V.-V.); (N.A.-M.)
| | - Nayeli Almazán-Maldonado
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Abejas, FMVZ, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cd. Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.C.-B.); (R.A.-B.); (N.T.P.-H.); (M.C.-R.); (I.V.-V.); (N.A.-M.)
| | - Tatiana Petukhova
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Ernesto Guzman-Novoa
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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Morfin N, Harpur BA, De la Mora A, Guzman-Novoa E. Breeding honey bees ( Apis mellifera L.) for low and high Varroa destructor population growth: Gene expression of bees performing grooming behavior. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:951447. [PMID: 38469529 PMCID: PMC10926520 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.951447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Social organisms, including honey bees (Apis mellifera L.), have defense mechanisms to control the multiplication and transmission of parasites and pathogens within their colonies. Self-grooming, a mechanism of behavioral immunity, seems to contribute to restrain the population growth of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor in honey bee colonies. Because V. destructor is the most damaging parasite of honey bees, breeding them for resistance against the mite is a high priority of the beekeeping industry. Methods A bidirectional breeding program to select honey bee colonies with low and high V. destructor population growth (LVG and HVG, respectively) was conducted. Having high and low lines of bees allowed the study of genetic mechanisms underlying self-grooming behavior between the extreme genotypes. Worker bees were classified into two categories: 'light groomers' and 'intense groomers'. The brains of bees from the different categories (LVG-intense, LVG-light, HVG-intense, and HVG-light) were used for gene expression and viral quantification analyses. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the LVG and HVG lines were identified. Results Four odorant-binding proteins and a gustatory receptor were identified as differentially expressed genes. A functional enrichment analysis showed 19 enriched pathways from a list of 219 down-regulated DEGs in HVG bees, including the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) term of oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, bees from the LVG line showed lower levels of Apis rhabdovirus 1 and 2, Varroa destructor virus -1 (VDV-1/DWV-B), and Deformed wing virus-A (DWV-A) compared to bees of the HVG line. The difference in expression of odorant-binding protein genes and a gustatory receptor between bee lines suggests a possible link between them and the perception of irritants to trigger rapid self-grooming instances that require the activation of energy metabolic pathways. Discussion These results provide new insights on the molecular mechanisms involved in honey bee grooming behavior. Differences in viral levels in the brains of LVG and HVG bees showed the importance of investigating the pathogenicity and potential impacts of neurotropic viruses on behavioral immunity. The results of this study advance the understanding of a trait used for selective breeding, self-grooming, and the potential of using genomic assisted selection to improve breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Morfin
- British Columbia Technology Transfer Program, British Columbia Honey Producers Association, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brock A. Harpur
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Alvaro De la Mora
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Gebrezgiher GB, Makundi RH, Katakweba AAS, Belmain SR, Lyimo CM, Meheretu Y. Arthropod Ectoparasites of Two Rodent Species Occurring in Varied Elevations on Tanzania’s Second Highest Mountain. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030394. [PMID: 36979086 PMCID: PMC10045264 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Climate change causes organisms, including species that act as parasite reservoirs and vectors, to shift their distribution to higher altitudes, affecting wildlife infestation patterns. We studied how ectoparasite distributions varied with altitude using two rodent species, Montemys delectorum and Rhabdomys dilectus, at different elevations (1500–3500 m). The ectoparasites infesting the two rodent species were influenced by the host sex, species, and temperature. We expected host density to predict parasite infestation patterns, because hosts in higher densities should have more parasites due to increased contact between individuals. However, temperature, not host density, affected ectoparasite distribution. Since temperatures decrease with elevation, parasite prevalences and abundances were lower at higher elevations, highlighting that the cold conditions at higher elevations limit reproduction and development—this shows that higher elevation zones are ideal for conservation. The rodents and ectoparasite species described in this study have been reported as vectors of diseases of medical and veterinary importance, necessitating precautions. Moreover, Mount Meru is a refuge for a number of endemic and threatened species on the IUCN Red List. Thus, the parasitic infection can also be an additional risk to these critical species as well as biodiversity in general. Therefore, our study lays the groundwork for future wildlife disease surveillance and biodiversity conservation management actions. The study found a previously uncharacterized mite species in the Mesostigmata group that was previously known to be a parasite of honeybees. Further investigations may shed light into the role of this mite species on Mount Meru.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genet B. Gebrezgiher
- African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
- Institute of Pest Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
- Department of Wildlife Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3073, Tanzania
- Department of Biology, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+255-710-421-237
| | - Rhodes H. Makundi
- African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
- Institute of Pest Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
| | - Abdul A. S. Katakweba
- African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
- Institute of Pest Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
| | - Steven R. Belmain
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Charles M. Lyimo
- Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3004, Tanzania
| | - Yonas Meheretu
- Department of Biology, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia
- Institute of Mountain Research and Development, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 3102, Ethiopia
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 901 83 Umea, Sweden
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Kunc M, Dobeš P, Ward R, Lee S, Čegan R, Dostálková S, Holušová K, Hurychová J, Eliáš S, Pinďáková E, Čukanová E, Prodělalová J, Petřivalský M, Danihlík J, Havlík J, Hobza R, Kavanagh K, Hyršl P. Omics-based analysis of honey bee (Apis mellifera) response to Varroa sp. parasitisation and associated factors reveals changes impairing winter bee generation. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 152:103877. [PMID: 36403678 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The extensive annual loss of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) represents a global problem affecting agriculture and biodiversity. The parasitic mite Varroa destructor, associated with viral co-infections, plays a key role in this loss. Despite years of intensive research, the complex mechanisms of Varroa - honey bee interaction are still not fully defined. Therefore, this study employed a unique combination of transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and functional analyses to reveal new details about the effect of Varroa mites and naturally associated factors, including viruses, on honey bees. We focused on the differences between Varroa parasitised and unparasitised ten-day-old worker bees collected before overwintering from the same set of colonies reared without anti-mite treatment. Supplementary comparison to honey bees collected from colonies with standard anti-Varroa treatment can provide further insights into the effect of a pyrethroid flumethrin. Analysis of the honey bees exposed to mite parasitisation revealed alterations in the transcriptome and proteome related to immunity, oxidative stress, olfactory recognition, metabolism of sphingolipids, and RNA regulatory mechanisms. The immune response and sphingolipid metabolism were strongly activated, whereas olfactory recognition and oxidative stress pathways were inhibited in Varroa parasitised honey bees compared to unparasitised ones. Moreover, metabolomic analysis confirmed the depletion of nutrients and energy stores, resulting in a generally disrupted metabolism in the parasitised workers. The combined omics-based analysis conducted on strictly parasitised bees revealed the key molecular components and mechanisms underlying the detrimental effects of Varroa sp. and its associated pathogens. This study provides the theoretical basis and interlinked datasets for further research on honey bee response to biological threats and the development of efficient control strategies against Varroa mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kunc
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Dobeš
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Rachel Ward
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, W23 F2K8 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Saetbyeol Lee
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Čegan
- Department of Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Dostálková
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Holušová
- Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Centre of the Region Haná for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Šlechtitelů 31, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Hurychová
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sara Eliáš
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eliška Pinďáková
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Eliška Čukanová
- Department of Infectious Disease and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Prodělalová
- Department of Infectious Disease and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Petřivalský
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Danihlík
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Havlík
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Hobza
- Department of Plant Developmental Genetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, W23 F2K8 Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Pavel Hyršl
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
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Ramos-Cuellar AK, De la Mora A, Contreras-Escareño F, Morfin N, Tapia-González JM, Macías-Macías JO, Petukhova T, Correa-Benítez A, Guzman-Novoa E. Genotype, but Not Climate, Affects the Resistance of Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera) to Viral Infections and to the Mite Varroa destructor. Vet Sci 2022; 9:358. [PMID: 35878375 PMCID: PMC9320602 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to analyze the effect of genotype and climate on the resistance of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies to parasitic and viral diseases. The prevalence and intensity of parasitism by Varroa destructor, or infection by Nosema spp., and four honey bee viruses were determined in 365 colonies of predominantly European or African ancestry (descendants of A. m. scutellata) in subtropical and temperate regions of Mexico. Varroa destructor was the most prevalent parasite (95%), whilst N. ceranae was the least prevalent parasite (15%). Deformed wing virus (DWV) and black queen cell virus (BQCV) were the only viruses detected, at frequencies of 38% and 66%, respectively. Varroa destructor was significantly more prevalent in colonies of European ancestry (p < 0.05), and the intensity of parasitism by V. destructor or infection by DWV and BQCV was also significantly higher in colonies of European descent than in African descent colonies (p < 0.01), although no genotype−parasite associations were found for N. ceranae. Additionally, significant and positive correlations were found between V. destructor and DWV levels, and the abundance of these pathogens was negatively correlated with the African ancestry of colonies (p < 0.01). However, there were no significant effects of environment on parasitism or infection intensity for the colonies of both genotypes. Therefore, it is concluded that the genotype of honey bee colonies, but not climate, influences their resistance to DWV, BQCV, and V. destructor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana K. Ramos-Cuellar
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Abejas, FMVZ, UNAM, Cd. Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.K.R.-C.); (A.C.-B.)
| | - Alvaro De la Mora
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.D.l.M.); (N.M.)
| | - Francisca Contreras-Escareño
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola, CUCSUR, Universidad de Guadalajara, Independencia Nal. 161, Autlan 48900, Mexico;
| | - Nuria Morfin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.D.l.M.); (N.M.)
| | - José M. Tapia-González
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, CUSUR, Universidad de Guadalajara, Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Ciudad Guzman 49000, Mexico; (J.M.T.-G.); (J.O.M.-M.)
| | - José O. Macías-Macías
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, CUSUR, Universidad de Guadalajara, Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Ciudad Guzman 49000, Mexico; (J.M.T.-G.); (J.O.M.-M.)
| | - Tatiana Petukhova
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Adriana Correa-Benítez
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Abejas, FMVZ, UNAM, Cd. Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.K.R.-C.); (A.C.-B.)
| | - Ernesto Guzman-Novoa
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.D.l.M.); (N.M.)
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8
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Bava R, Castagna F, Carresi C, Cardamone A, Federico G, Roncada P, Palma E, Musella V, Britti D. Comparison of Two Diagnostic Techniques for the Apis mellifera Varroatosis: Strengths, Weaknesses and Impact on the Honeybee Health. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070354. [PMID: 35878371 PMCID: PMC9315579 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070354] [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: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Varroa destructor is the most dangerous pest that poses a threat to honey bee survival. In recent years, increasingly worrying phenomena of drug resistance have occurred to various active ingredients of pharmaceutical formulations used to control this parasitosis. Determining the level of infestation is essential to preventing the inappropriate use and abuse of veterinary medicines, and to choose the most appropriate time for treatment. This comparative study investigates the sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of two field techniques for diagnosing V. destructor infestations in hives. The EasyCheck device (Véto-pharma) was used in two of its application modes, namely, the sugar roll test and carbon dioxide (CO2) injection. The experiments were conducted on 15 samples of 300 bees each taken from the same frame and checked for the presence of mites using standard and modified field techniques in both uncaged and caged queen hive conditions. The results demonstrate that the sugar roll technique is significantly more effective and safer than CO2 injection, allowing for a higher accuracy in diagnosing a V. destructor infestation. Furthermore, the evaluation of mites present on bees in brood block conditions has proven to be particularly reliable. Considering the number of mites on the filter of the device as an additional step helps to implement the diagnostic accuracy of the CO2 injection technique, however, not achieving the efficacy results of the sugar roll.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bava
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Fabio Castagna
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cristina Carresi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
- Veterinary Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (E.P.)
| | - Antonio Cardamone
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Giovanni Federico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Loc. Catona, 89135 Reggio Calabria, Italy;
| | - Paola Roncada
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
- Veterinary Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Nutramed S.c.a.r.l. Complesso Ninì Barbieri, Roccelletta di Borgia, 88021 Catanzaro, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (E.P.)
| | - Vincenzo Musella
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenico Britti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Lopes AR, Martín-Hernández R, Higes M, Segura SK, Henriques D, Pinto MA. Colonisation Patterns of Nosema ceranae in the Azores Archipelago. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070320. [PMID: 35878337 PMCID: PMC9323992 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a highly prevalent pathogen of Apis mellifera, which is distributed worldwide. However, there may still exist isolated areas that remain free of N. ceranae. Herein, we used molecular tools to survey the Azores to detect N. ceranae and unravel its colonisation patterns. To that end, we sampled 474 colonies from eight islands in 2014/2015 and 91 from four islands in 2020. The findings revealed that N. ceranae was not only present but also the dominant species in the Azores. In 2014/2015, N. apis was rare and N. ceranae prevalence varied between 2.7% in São Jorge and 50.7% in Pico. In 2020, N. ceranae prevalence increased significantly (p < 0.001) in Terceira and São Jorge also showing higher infection levels. The spatiotemporal patterns suggest that N. ceranae colonised the archipelago recently, and it rapidly spread across other islands, where at least two independent introductions might have occurred. Flores and Santa Maria have escaped the N. ceranae invasion, and it is remarkable that Santa Maria is also free of Varroa destructor, which makes it one of the last places in Europe where the honey bee remains naive to these two major biotic stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Lopes
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal; (A.R.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Raquel Martín-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, IRIAF—Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Camino de San Martín, 19180 Marchamalo, Spain; (R.M.-H.); (M.H.)
- Instituto de Recursos Humanos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (INCRECYT-FSE/EC-ESF), Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Castilla—La Mancha, 02006 Albacete, Spain
| | - Mariano Higes
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, IRIAF—Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Camino de San Martín, 19180 Marchamalo, Spain; (R.M.-H.); (M.H.)
| | - Sara Kafafi Segura
- Zoología y Antropología Física, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28014 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Dora Henriques
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal; (A.R.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Maria Alice Pinto
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal; (A.R.L.); (D.H.)
- Correspondence:
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10
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El-Seedi HR, Ahmed HR, El-Wahed AAA, Saeed A, Algethami AF, Attia NF, Guo Z, Musharraf SG, Khatib A, Alsharif SM, Naggar YA, Khalifa SAM, Wang K. Bee Stressors from an Immunological Perspective and Strategies to Improve Bee Health. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9050199. [PMID: 35622727 PMCID: PMC9146872 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Honeybees are the most prevalent insect pollinator species; they pollinate a wide range of crops. Colony collapse disorder (CCD), which is caused by a variety of biotic and abiotic factors, incurs high economic/ecological loss. Despite extensive research to identify and study the various ecological stressors such as microbial infections, exposure to pesticides, loss of habitat, and improper beekeeping practices that are claimed to cause these declines, the deep understanding of the observed losses of these important insects is still missing. Honeybees have an innate immune system, which includes physical barriers and cellular and humeral responses to defend against pathogens and parasites. Exposure to various stressors may affect this system and the health of individual bees and colonies. This review summarizes and discusses the composition of the honeybee immune system and the consequences of exposure to stressors, individually or in combinations, on honeybee immune competence. In addition, we discuss the relationship between bee nutrition and immunity. Nutrition and phytochemicals were highlighted as the factors with a high impact on honeybee immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham R. El-Seedi
- Pharmacognosy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, P.O. Box 591, SE 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Intelligent Agriculture and Agri-Products Processing (Jiangsu University), Jiangsu Education Department, Nanjing 210024, China
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt;
- Correspondence: (H.R.E.-S.); (K.W.); Tel.: +46-700-43-43-43 (H.R.E.-S.); +86-10-62596625 (K.W.)
| | - Hanan R. Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt;
| | - Aida A. Abd El-Wahed
- Department of Bee Research, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Giza 12627, Egypt;
| | - Aamer Saeed
- Department of Chemistry, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan;
| | - Ahmed F. Algethami
- Al nahal al jwal Foundation Saudi Arabia, P.O. Box 617, Al Jumum, Makkah 21926, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Nour F. Attia
- Chemistry Division, National Institute of Standards, 136, Giza 12211, Egypt;
| | - Zhiming Guo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China;
| | - Syed G. Musharraf
- H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan;
| | - Alfi Khatib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic Univetsity Malaysia, Kuantan 25200, Malaysia;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60155, Indonesia
| | - Sultan M. Alsharif
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Al Madinah 887, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Yahya Al Naggar
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt;
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Shaden A. M. Khalifa
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- Correspondence: (H.R.E.-S.); (K.W.); Tel.: +46-700-43-43-43 (H.R.E.-S.); +86-10-62596625 (K.W.)
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11
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Green Veterinary Pharmacology for Honey Bee Welfare and Health: Origanum heracleoticum L. (Lamiaceae) Essential Oil for the Control of the Apis mellifera Varroatosis. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9030124. [PMID: 35324852 PMCID: PMC8953610 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9030124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Varroatosis, caused by the Varroa destructor mite, is currently the most dangerous parasitic disease threatening the survival of honey bees worldwide. Its adverse effect on the welfare and health of honey bees requires the regular use of specific acaricides. This condition has led to a growing development of resistance phenomena towards the most frequently used drugs. In addition, another important aspect that should not be understated, is the toxicity and persistence of chemicals in the environment. Therefore, the identification of viable and environmentally friendly alternatives is urgently needed. In this scenario, essential oils are promising candidates. The aim of this study was to assess the contact toxicity, the fumigation efficacy and the repellent effect of Origanum heracleoticum L. essential oil (EO) against V. destructor mite. In the contact tests, each experimental replicate consisted of 15 viable adult female mites divided as follows: 5 treated with EO diluted in HPLC grade acetone, 5 treated with acetone alone (as negative control) and 5 treated with Amitraz diluted in acetone (as positive control). The EO was tested at concentrations of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/mL. For each experimental replicate, mortality was manually assessed after one hour. The efficacy of EO fumigation was evaluated through prolonged exposure at different time intervals. After each exposure, the 5 mites constituting an experimental replicate were transferred to a Petri dish containing a honey bee larva and mortality was assessed after 48 h. The repellent action was investigated by implementing a directional choice test in a mandatory route. During the repellency tests the behavior of the mite (90 min after its introduction in the mandatory route) was not influenced by the EO. In contact tests, EO showed the best efficacy at 2 and 1 mg/mL concentrations, neutralizing (dead + inactivated) 90.9% and 80% of the mites, respectively. In fumigation tests, the mean mortality rate of V. destructor at maximum exposure time (90 min) was 60% and 84% at 24 and 48 h, respectively. Overall, these results demonstrate a significant efficacy of O. heracleoticum EO against V. destructor, suggesting a possible alternative use in the control of varroatosis in honey bee farms in order to improve Apis mellifera welfare and health and, consequently, the hive productions.
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12
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Le Conte Y, Meixner MD, Brandt A, Carreck NL, Costa C, Mondet F, Büchler R. Geographical Distribution and Selection of European Honey Bees Resistant to Varroa destructor. INSECTS 2020; 11:E873. [PMID: 33302465 PMCID: PMC7764010 DOI: 10.3390/insects11120873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Developing resistance to the varroa mite in honey bees is a major goal for apicultural science and practice, the development of selection strategies and the availability of resistant stock. Here we present an extended literature review and survey of resistant populations and selection programs in the EU and elsewhere, including expert interviews. We illustrate the practical experiences of scientists, beekeepers, and breeders in search of resistant bees. We describe numerous resistant populations surviving without acaricide treatments, most of which developed under natural infestation pressure. Their common characteristics: reduced brood development; limited mite population growth; and low mite reproduction, may cause conflict with the interests of commercial beekeeping. Since environmental factors affect varroa mite resistance, particular honey bee strains must be evaluated under different local conditions and colony management. The resistance traits of grooming, hygienic behavior and mite reproduction, together with simple testing of mite population development and colony survival, are significant in recent selection programs. Advanced breeding techniques and genetic and physiological selection tools will be essential in the future. Despite huge demand, there is no well-established market for resistant stock in Europe. Moreover, reliable experience or experimental evidence regarding the resistance of stocks under different environmental and management conditions is still lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Le Conte
- INRAE, Abeilles et Environnement, 84914 Avignon, France;
| | - Marina D. Meixner
- Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen, Bee Institute, Erlenstrasse 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany; (M.D.M.); (A.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Annely Brandt
- Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen, Bee Institute, Erlenstrasse 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany; (M.D.M.); (A.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Norman L. Carreck
- Carreck Consultancy Ltd., Woodside Cottage, Dragons Lane, Shipley RH13 8GD, West Sussex, UK;
- Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, East Sussex, UK
| | - Cecilia Costa
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Saliceto 80, 40128 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Fanny Mondet
- INRAE, Abeilles et Environnement, 84914 Avignon, France;
| | - Ralph Büchler
- Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen, Bee Institute, Erlenstrasse 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany; (M.D.M.); (A.B.); (R.B.)
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13
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De la Mora A, Emsen B, Morfin N, Borges D, Eccles L, Kelly PG, Goodwin PH, Guzman-Novoa E. Selective Breeding for Low and High Varroa destructor Growth in Honey Bee ( Apis mellifera) Colonies: Initial Results of Two Generations. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11120864. [PMID: 33291568 PMCID: PMC7761820 DOI: 10.3390/insects11120864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The mite Varroa destructor is considered the most damaging parasite of honey bees worldwide. Beekeepers use synthetic chemical products to control mite infestations in colonies, but the parasites soon develop resistance to them, which compromises their control. One alternative control strategy is the development of Varroa-resistant honey bees. Therefore, a breeding program was initiated to select for lower and higher rates of Varroa-population growth (LVG and HVG, respectively) and deformed wing virus (DWV) levels, which is transmitted by the mites. After two years of bidirectional selection, LVG colonies had Varroa population increases over the summer of 1.7 fold compared to 9.6 fold for HVG colonies. Additionally, HVG colonies had higher mite infestation rates in adult bees compared to LVG colonies. DWV presence and levels were higher in HVG colonies than in LVG colonies and winter mortality rates were 26% and 14% for the HVG and LVG bee types, respectively. The results of this study thus far indicate that selection for LVG may result in colonies with lower Varroa infestation rates, lower prevalence, and levels of DWV and higher colony winter survivorship. Future work will focus on determining mechanisms responsible for genetic differences and in identifying genes associated with Varroa-resistance in honey bees. Abstract After two years of bidirectional selection for low and high rates of Varroa destructor population growth (LVG and HVG, respectively) in honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies in Ontario, Canada, significant differences between the two genotypes were observed. LVG colonies had V. destructor population increases over the summer of 1.7 fold compared to 9.6 fold for HVG colonies by Generation 2. Additionally, HVG colonies had significantly higher mite infestation rates in adult bees compared to LVG colonies for both selected generations. DWV prevalence and levels were significantly higher in HVG colonies than in LVG colonies in Generation 1 but not in Generation 2. Winter mortality rates of Generation 1 colonies were significantly different at 26% and 14% for the HVG and LVG genotypes, respectively. The results of this study thus far indicate that selection for LVG may result in colonies with lower V. destructor infestation rates, lower prevalence, and levels of DWV and higher colony winter survivorship. Future work will focus on determining what mechanisms are responsible for the genotypic differences, estimating genetic parameters, and molecular analyses of the genotypes to identify candidate genes associated with resistance to V. destructor and DWV that could potentially be used for marker-assisted selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro De la Mora
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.D.l.M.); (B.E.); (N.M.); (P.G.K.); (P.H.G.)
| | - Berna Emsen
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.D.l.M.); (B.E.); (N.M.); (P.G.K.); (P.H.G.)
- Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum 25240, Turkey
| | - Nuria Morfin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.D.l.M.); (B.E.); (N.M.); (P.G.K.); (P.H.G.)
| | - Daniel Borges
- Ontario Beekeepers’ Association Technology Transfer Program, 185, 5420 Hwy 6 N, Orchard Park Office, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2, Canada; (D.B.); (L.E.)
| | - Les Eccles
- Ontario Beekeepers’ Association Technology Transfer Program, 185, 5420 Hwy 6 N, Orchard Park Office, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2, Canada; (D.B.); (L.E.)
| | - Paul G. Kelly
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.D.l.M.); (B.E.); (N.M.); (P.G.K.); (P.H.G.)
| | - Paul H. Goodwin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.D.l.M.); (B.E.); (N.M.); (P.G.K.); (P.H.G.)
| | - Ernesto Guzman-Novoa
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.D.l.M.); (B.E.); (N.M.); (P.G.K.); (P.H.G.)
- Correspondence:
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14
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Morfin N, Goodwin PH, Guzman-Novoa E. Interaction of Varroa destructor and Sublethal Clothianidin Doses during the Larval Stage on Subsequent Adult Honey Bee ( Apis mellifera L.) Health, Cellular Immunity, Deformed Wing Virus Levels and Differential Gene Expression. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8060858. [PMID: 32517245 PMCID: PMC7356300 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) are exposed to many parasites, but little is known about interactions with abiotic stressors on their health, particularly when affected as larvae. Larvae were exposed singly and in combination to the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and three sublethal doses of the neonicotinoid insecticide clothianidin to evaluate their effects on survivorship, weight, haemocyte counts, deformed wing virus (DWV) levels and gene expression of the adult bees that subsequently developed. Clothianidin significantly reduced bee weight at the highest dose and was associated with an increase in haemocyte counts at the lowest dose, whereas V. destructor parasitism increased DWV levels, reduced bee emergence, lowered weight and reduced haemocyte counts. An interaction between the two stressors was observed for weight at emergence. Among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), V. destructor infestation resulted in broader down-regulatory effects related to immunity that was often shared with the combined stressors, while clothianidin resulted in a broader up-regulatory effect more related to central metabolic pathways that was often shared with the combined stressors. Parasites and abiotic stressors can have complex interactions, including additive effects on reduced weight, number of up-regulated DEGs and biological pathways associated with metabolism.
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15
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Morfin N, Goodwin PH, Guzman-Novoa E. Interaction of field realistic doses of clothianidin and Varroa destructor parasitism on adult honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) health and neural gene expression, and antagonistic effects on differentially expressed genes. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229030. [PMID: 32078633 PMCID: PMC7032720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
While many studies have examined the effects of neonicotinoid insecticides and the parasitic mite Varroa destructor on honey bees (Apis mellifera), more information on the combined effects of such stressors on gene expression, including neural related genes, and their impact on biological pathways is needed. This study analyzed the effects of field realistic concentrations of the neonicotinoid clothianidin on adult bees infested and not infested with V. destructor over 21 consecutive days and then determined bee survivorship, weight, deformed wing virus (DWV) levels and gene expression. V. destructor parasitism with or without clothianidin exposure was significantly associated with decreased survivorship, weight loss and higher DWV levels, while clothianidin exposure was only associated with higher levels of DWV. Expression analysis of the neural genes AmNlg-1, BlCh and AmAChE-2 showed that V. destructor caused a significant down-regulation of all of them, whereas clothianidin caused a significant down-regulation of only AmNrx-1 and BlCh. An interaction was only detected for AmNrx-1 expression. RNAseq analysis showed that clothianidin exposure resulted in 6.5 times more up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) than V. destructor alone and 123 times more than clothianidin combined with V. destructor. Similar results were obtained with down-regulated DEGs, except for a higher number of DEGs shared between V. destructor and the combined stressors. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) biological pathway analysis of the DEGs showed that the stressor linked to the highest number of KEGG pathways was clothianidin, followed by V. destructor, and then considerably fewer number of KEGG pathways with the combined stressors. The reduced numbers of DEGs and KEGG pathways associated with the DEGs for the combined stressors compared to the stressors alone indicates that the interaction of the stressors is not additive or synergistic, but antagonistic. The possible implications of the antagonistic effect on the number of DEGs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Morfin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul H. Goodwin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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16
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van Alphen JJM, Fernhout BJ. Natural selection, selective breeding, and the evolution of resistance of honeybees ( Apis mellifera) against Varroa. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2020; 6:6. [PMID: 32467772 PMCID: PMC7236208 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-020-00158-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
We examine evidence for natural selection resulting in Apis mellifera becoming tolerant or resistant to Varroa mites in different bee populations. We discuss traits implicated in Varroa resistance and how they can be measured. We show that some of the measurements used are ambiguous, as they measure a combination of traits. In addition to behavioural traits, such as removal of infested pupae, grooming to remove mites from bees or larval odours, small colony size, frequent swarming, and smaller brood cell size may also help to reduce reproductive rates of Varroa. Finally, bees may be tolerant of high Varroa infections when they are resistant or tolerant to viruses implicated in colony collapse. We provide evidence that honeybees are an extremely outbreeding species. Mating structure is important for how natural selection operates. Evidence for successful natural selection of resistance traits against Varroa comes from South Africa and from Africanized honeybees in South America. Initially, Varroa was present in high densities and killed about 30% of the colonies, but soon after its spread, numbers per hive decreased and colonies survived without treatment. This shows that natural selection can result in resistance in large panmictic populations when a large proportion of the population survives the initial Varroa invasion. Natural selection in Europe and North America has not resulted in large-scale resistance. Upon arrival of Varroa, the frequency of traits to counter mites and associated viruses in European honey bees was low. This forced beekeepers to protect bees by chemical treatment, hampering natural selection. In a Swedish experiment on natural selection in an isolated mating population, only 7% of the colonies survived, resulting in strong inbreeding. Other experiments with untreated, surviving colonies failed because outbreeding counteracted the effects of selection. If loss of genetic variation is prevented, colony level selection in closed mating populations can proceed more easily, as natural selection is not counteracted by the dispersal of resistance genes. In large panmictic populations, selective breeding can be used to increase the level of resistance to a threshold level at which natural selection can be expected to take over.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques J. M. van Alphen
- Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
- Arista Bee Research Foundation, Nachtegaal 2, 5831 WL Boxmeer, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Jan Fernhout
- Arista Bee Research Foundation, Nachtegaal 2, 5831 WL Boxmeer, The Netherlands
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