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Bogo G, Caringi V, Albertazzi S, Capano V, Colombo R, Dettori A, Guerra I, Lora G, Bortolotti L, Medrzycki P. Residues of agrochemicals in beebread as an indicator of landscape management. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:174075. [PMID: 38897461 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174075] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The agricultural intensification represents a major threat to biodiversity, with negative effects on the ecosystem. In particular, habitat loss and degradation, along with pesticide use have been recognised as primary factors contributing to the actual global decline of pollinators. Here we investigated the quality of agroecosystems in the Emilia-Romagna region (Northern Italy) within the national monitoring project BeeNet. We analysed pesticide residues in 100 samples of beebread collected in 25 BeeNet stations in March and June 2021 and 2022. We evaluated diversity and concentration of these chemicals, their risk (TWC) to honey bees, and their correlation with land use. Overall, in 84 % of the samples we found 63 out of 373 different pesticide residues, >90 % of them belonging to fungicides and insecticides. The TWC exceeded the risk threshold in seven samples (TWCmix), mostly due to only one or two compounds. We also found 15 compounds not approved in the EU as plant protection products (PPPs), raising concerns about illegal use or contamination through beeswax recycling. Samples collected in 2021 and in June presented a significantly higher number of active ingredients and TWC than those collected in 2022 and in March. The TWC calculated on single compounds (TWCcom) exceeded the risk threshold in case of four insecticides, namely carbaryl, fipronil, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam (although each detected in only one sample). Finally, both TWC and number of active ingredients were moderately or highly positively correlated with the percentage of area covered by orchards. Considering that we found on average more than five different molecules per sample, and that we ignored potential synergistic effects, the results of this work highlight the alarming situation regarding pesticide treatments and toxicity risk for bees linked to the current agricultural practices, and the need for implementing sustainable and pollinator-friendly strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gherardo Bogo
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - Valeria Caringi
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Sergio Albertazzi
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - Vittorio Capano
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Colombo
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - Amanda Dettori
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - Irene Guerra
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Lora
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Bortolotti
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
| | - Piotr Medrzycki
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128 Bologna, Italy
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2
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Ferrante F, Pasquini E, Cappa F, Bellocchio L, Baracchi D. Unravelling the microplastic menace: Different polymers additively increase bee vulnerability. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124087. [PMID: 38703977 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124087] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are growing and ubiquitous environmental pollutants and represent one of the greatest contemporary challenges caused by human activities. Current research has predominantly examined the singular toxicological effects of individual polymers, neglecting the prevailing reality of organisms confronted with complex contaminant mixtures and potential synergistic effects. To fill this research gap, we investigated the lethal and sublethal effects of two common MPs, polystyrene (PS - 4.8-5.8 μm) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA - 1-40 μm), and their combination (MIX), on the pollinating insect Apis mellifera. For each treatment, we evaluated the oral toxicity of two ecologically relevant and one higher concentration (0.5, 5 and 50 mg/L) and analysed their effects on the immune system and worker survival. As immune activation can alter the cuticular hydrocarbon profile of honey bees, we used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to investigate whether MPs lead to changes in the chemical profile of foragers and behavioural assay to test whether such changes affect behavioural patterns of social recognition, undermining overall colony integrity. The results indicate an additive negative effect of PS and PMMA on bee survival and immune response, even at ecologically relevant concentrations. Furthermore, alterations in cuticle profiles were observed with both MPs at the highest and intermediate concentrations, with PMMA being mainly responsible. Both MPs exposure resulted in a reduction in the abundance of several cuticular compounds. Hive entry guards did not show increased inspection or aggressive behaviour towards exposed foragers, allowing them to enter the colony without being treated differently from uncontaminated foragers. These findings raise concerns not only for the health of individual bees, but also for the entire colony, which could be at risk if contaminated nestmates enter the colony undetected, allowing MPs to spread throughout the hive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Ferrante
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy; Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Viterbo, Largo dell'Università, 01100, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Elisa Pasquini
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy; Center for Mind/Brain Science (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Federico Cappa
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bellocchio
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy
| | - David Baracchi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Italy.
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3
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Misiewicz A, Filipiak ZM, Kadyrova K, Bednarska AJ. Combined effects of three insecticides with different modes of action on biochemical responses of the solitary bee Osmia bicornis. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 359:142233. [PMID: 38705404 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142233] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Bees are simultaneously exposed to a variety of pesticides, which are often applied in mixtures and can cause lethal and sublethal effects. The combined effects of pesticides, however, are not measured in the current risk assessment schemes. Additionally, the sublethal effects of pesticides on a variety of physiological processes are poorly recognized in bees, especially in non-Apis solitary bees. In this study, we used a full-factorial design to examine the main and interactive effects of three insecticide formulations with different modes of action (Mospilan 20 SP, Sherpa 100 EC, and Dursban 480 EC) on bee biochemical processes. We measured acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and esterase (EST) activities, as well as a nonenzymatic biomarker associated with energy metabolism, i.e., ATP level. All studied endpoints were affected by Sherpa 100 EC, and the activities of AChE and EST as well as ATP levels were affected by Dursban 480 EC. Moreover, complex interactions between all three insecticides affected ATP levels, showing outcomes that cannot be predicted when testing each insecticide separately. The results indicate that even if interactive effects are sometimes difficult to interpret, there is a need to study such interactions if laboratory-generated toxicity data are to be extrapolated to field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Misiewicz
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, A. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Zuzanna M Filipiak
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, A. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kamila Kadyrova
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka J Bednarska
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, A. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120, Kraków, Poland
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4
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Bosco L, Yañez O, Schauer A, Maurer C, Cushman SA, Arlettaz R, Jacot A, Seuberlich T, Neumann P, Schläppi D. Landscape structure affects temporal dynamics in the bumble bee virome: Landscape heterogeneity supports colony resilience. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174280. [PMID: 38942311 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Virus spillovers from managed honey bees, Apis mellifera, are thought to contribute to the decline of wild pollinators, including bumble bees. However, data on the impact of such viruses on wild pollinators remain scarce, and the influence of landscape structure on virus dynamics is poorly understood. In this study, we deployed bumble bee colonies in an agricultural landscape and studied changes in the bumble bee virome during field placement under varying habitat composition and configuration using a multiscale analytical framework. We estimated prevalence of viruses and viral loads (i.e. number of viral genomic equivalent copies) in bumble bees before and after placing them in the field using next generation sequencing and quantitative PCR. The results show that viral loads and number of different viruses present increased during placement in the field and that the virus composition of the colonies shifted from an initial dominance of honey bee associated viruses to a higher number (in both viral loads and number of viruses present) of bumble bee associated viruses. Especially DWV-B, typical for honey bees, drastically decreased after the time in the field. Viral loads prior to placing colonies in the field showed no effect on colony development, suggesting low impacts of these viruses in field settings. Notably, we further demonstrate that increased habitat diversity results in a lower number of different viruses present in Bombus colonies, while colonies in areas with well-connected farmland patches decreased in their total viral load after field placement. Our results emphasize the importance of landscape heterogeneity and connectivity for wild pollinator health and that these influences predominate at fine spatial scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bosco
- LUOMUS - Finnish Museum of Natural History, PL 17 - P.O. Box 17, 00014, University of Helsinki, Finland; Division of Conservation Biology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Orlando Yañez
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Alexandria Schauer
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Corina Maurer
- Division of Conservation Biology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Agroecology and Environment, Agroscope, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046 Zürich, Switzerland; Ecosystems Landscape Evolution, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Samuel A Cushman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Raphaël Arlettaz
- Division of Conservation Biology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Alain Jacot
- Division of Conservation Biology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Swiss Ornithological Institute, Regional Office Valais, 1950 Sion, Switzerland.
| | - Torsten Seuberlich
- Division of Neurological Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Daniel Schläppi
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003 Bern, Switzerland; School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Science Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, BS8 1TQ Bristol, United Kingdom.
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5
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Nakarada Đ, Glavinić U, Ristanić M, Popović M, Stevanović J, Stanimirović Z, Mojović M. Bridging the buzz: In vivo EPR imaging unlocking the secrets of honey bee health. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38924358 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Honey bees play a pivotal role in shaping ecosystems and sustaining human health as both pollinators and producers of health-promoting products. However, honey bee colony mortality is on the rise globally, driven by various factors, including parasites, pesticides, habitat loss, poor nutrition, and climate change. This has far-reaching consequences for the environment, economy, and human welfare. While efforts to address these issues are underway, the current progress in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) instrumentation affords using the immense potential of this magnetic resonance technique to study small samples such as honey bees. This paper presents the pioneering 2D in vivo EPR imaging experiment on a honey bee, revealing the ongoing redox-status of bees' intestines. This way, by monitoring the spatio-temporal changes of the redox-active spin-probes' EPR signal, it is possible to gain access to valuable information on the course of ongoing bees' pathologies and the prospect of following-up on the efficiency of applied therapies. Employing a selection of diverse spin-probes could further reveal pH levels and oxygen concentrations in bee tissues, allowing a noninvasive assessment of bee physiology. This approach offers promising strategies for safeguarding pollinators and understanding their biology, fostering their well-being and ecological harmony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Đura Nakarada
- Center for Physical Chemistry of Biological Systems, BioScope Labs, Faculty of Physical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Uroš Glavinić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Ristanić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Popović
- Center for Physical Chemistry of Biological Systems, BioScope Labs, Faculty of Physical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jevrosima Stevanović
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zoran Stanimirović
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miloš Mojović
- Center for Physical Chemistry of Biological Systems, BioScope Labs, Faculty of Physical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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6
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Guo D, Wang Y, Li Z, Zhang DX, Wang C, Wang H, Liu Z, Liu F, Guo X, Wang N, Xu B, Gao Z. Effects of abamectin nanocapsules on bees through host physiology, immune function, and gut microbiome. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 930:172738. [PMID: 38670362 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172738] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Pesticide usage is a common practice to increase crop yields. Nevertheless, the existence of pesticide residues in the surrounding environment presents a significant hazard to pollinators, specifically the potential undisclosed dangers related to emerging nanopesticides. This study examines the impact of abamectin nanocapsules (AbaNCs), created through electrostatic self-assembly, as an insecticide on honey bees. It was determined that AbaNCs upregulated detoxification genes, including CYP450, as well as antioxidant and immune genes in honey bees. Furthermore, AbaNCs affected the activity of crucial enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD). Although no apparent damage was observed in bee gut tissue, AbaNCs significantly decreased digestive enzyme activity. Microbiome sequencing revealed that AbaNCs disrupted gut microbiome, resulting in a reduction of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Additionally, these changes in the gut microbiome were associated with decreased activity of digestive enzymes, including lipase. This study enhances our understanding of the impact of nanopesticides on pollinating insects. Through the revelation of the consequences arising from the utilization of abamectin nanocapsules, we have identified potential stress factors faced by these pollinators, enabling the implementation of improved protective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezheng Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Da-Xia Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingqi Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningxin Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China.
| | - Baohua Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zheng Gao
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Reis AB, Oliveira MSD, Souza DDS, Gomes DS, Silva LLD, Martínez LC, Serrão JE. Exploring the effects of the acaricide cyflumetofen on the vital organs of the honey bee Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) workers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172640. [PMID: 38670351 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172640] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Bees are important for maintaining ecosystems, pollinating crops and producing marketable products. In recent years, a decline in bee populations has been reported, with multifactorial causes, including the intensification of pesticide use in agriculture. Among pesticides, cyflumetofen is an insecticide and acaricide used in apple, coffee and citrus crops, whose main pollinator is the honey bee Apis mellifera. Therefore, this bee is a potential target of cyflumetofen during foraging. This study evaluated the histopathological and cytological damage in the midgut, hypopharyngeal glands and fat body of A. mellifera workers exposed to LC50 of cyflumetofen. The midgut epithelium of exposed bees presented cytoplasmic vacuolization, release of vesicles and cell fragments, which indicate autophagy, increased production of digestive enzymes and cell death, respectively. The cytological analysis of the midgut revealed the dilation of the basal labyrinth and the presence of spherocrystals in the digestive cells. The hypopharyngeal glands produced greater amounts of secretion in treated bees, whereas no changes were observed in the fat body. The results indicate that acute exposure to cyflumetofen negatively affect A. mellifera, causing damage to the midgut and changes in the hypopharyngeal glands, which may compromise the survival and foraging of this pollinator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Beatriz Reis
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mateus Soares de Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Diego Dos Santos Souza
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Davy Soares Gomes
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Laryssa Lemos da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Luis Carlos Martínez
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas, Universidad de Nariño, 602-7244309 Pasto, Nariño, Colombia.
| | - José Eduardo Serrão
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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8
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Kang Y, Wu T, Han B, Yang S, Wang X, Wang Q, Gao J, Dai P. Interaction of acetamiprid, Varroa destructor, and Nosema ceranae in honey bees. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134380. [PMID: 38657514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134380] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Health of honey bees is threatened by a variety of stressors, including pesticides and parasites. Here, we investigated effects of acetamiprid, Varroa destructor, and Nosema ceranae, which act either alone or in combination. Our results suggested that interaction between the three factors was additive, with survival risk increasing as the number of stressors increased. Although exposure to 150 μg/L acetamiprid alone did not negatively impact honey bee survival, it caused severe damage to midgut tissue. Among the three stressors, V. destructor posed the greatest threat to honey bee survival, and N. ceranae exacerbated intestinal damage and increased thickness of the midgut wall. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that different combinations of stressors elicited specific gene expression responses in honey bees, and genes involved in energy metabolism, immunity, and detoxification were altered in response to multiple stressor combinations. Additionally, genes associated with Toll and Imd signalling, tyrosine metabolism, and phototransduction pathway were significantly suppressed in response to different combinations of multiple stressors. This study enhances our understanding of the adaptation mechanisms to multiple stressors and aids in development of suitable protective measures for honey bees. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: We believe our study is environmentally relevant for the following reasons: This study investigates combined effects of pesticide, Varroa destructor, and Nosema ceranae. These stressors are known to pose a threat to long-term survival of honey bees (Apis mellifera) and stability of the ecosystems. The research provides valuable insights into the adaptive mechanisms of honey bees in response to multiple stressors and developing effective conservation strategies. Further research can identify traits that promote honey bee survival in the face of future challenges from multiple stressors to maintain the overall stability of environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Tong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Bo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sa Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Beijing Apicultural Station, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Pingli Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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9
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Strang CG, Rondeau S, Baert N, McArt SH, Raine NE, Muth F. Field agrochemical exposure impacts locomotor activity in wild bumblebees. Ecology 2024; 105:e4310. [PMID: 38828716 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Agricultural intensification has been identified as one of the key causes of global insect biodiversity losses. These losses have been further linked to the widespread use of agrochemicals associated with modern agricultural practices. Many of these chemicals are known to have negative sublethal effects on commercial pollinators, such as managed honeybees and bumblebees, but less is known about the impacts on wild bees. Laboratory-based studies with commercial pollinators have consistently shown that pesticide exposure can impact bee behavior, with cascading effects on foraging performance, reproductive success, and pollination services. However, these studies typically assess only one chemical, neglecting the complexity of real-world exposure to multiple agrochemicals and other stressors. In the summer of 2020, we collected wild-foraging workers of the common eastern bumblebee, Bombus impatiens, from five squash (Cucurbita) agricultural sites (organic and conventional farms), selected to represent a range of agrochemical, including neonicotinoid insecticide, use. For each bee, we measured two behaviors relevant to foraging success and previously shown to be impacted by pesticide exposure: sucrose responsiveness and locomotor activity. Following behavioral testing, we used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) chemical analysis to detect and quantify the presence of 92 agrochemicals in each bumblebee. Bees collected from our sites did not vary in pesticide exposure as expected. While we found a limited occurrence of neonicotinoids, two fungicides (azoxystrobin and difenoconazole) were detected at all sites, and the pesticide synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) was present in all 123 bees. We found that bumblebees that contained higher levels of PBO were less active, and this effect was stronger for larger bumblebee workers. While PBO is unlikely to be the direct cause of the reduction in bee activity, it could be an indicator of exposure to pyrethroids and/or other insecticides that we were unable to directly quantify, but which PBO is frequently tank-mixed with during pesticide applications on crops. We did not find a relationship between agrochemical exposure and bumblebee sucrose responsiveness. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of a sublethal behavioral impact of agrochemical exposure on wild-foraging bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline G Strang
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Sabrina Rondeau
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicolas Baert
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Scott H McArt
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Nigel E Raine
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Felicity Muth
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
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10
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Wu J, Liu F, Sun J, Wei Q, Kang W, Wang F, Zhang C, Zhao M, Xu S, Han B. Toxic effects of acaricide fenazaquin on development, hemolymph metabolome, and gut microbiome of honeybee (Apis mellifera) larvae. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142207. [PMID: 38697560 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142207] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Fenazaquin, a potent insecticide widely used to control phytophagous mites, has recently emerged as a potential solution for managing Varroa destructor mites in honeybees. However, the comprehensive impact of fenazaquin on honeybee health remains insufficiently understood. Our current study investigated the acute and chronic toxicity of fenazaquin to honeybee larvae, along with its influence on larval hemolymph metabolism and gut microbiota. Results showed that the acute median lethal dose (LD50) of fenazaquin for honeybee larvae was 1.786 μg/larva, and the chronic LD50 was 1.213 μg/larva. Although chronic exposure to low doses of fenazaquin exhibited no significant effect on larval development, increasing doses of fenazaquin resulted in significant increases in larval mortality, developmental time, and deformity rates. At the metabolic level, high doses of fenazaquin inhibited nucleotide, purine, and lipid metabolism pathways in the larval hemolymph, leading to energy metabolism disorders and physiological dysfunction. Furthermore, high doses of fenazaquin reduced gut microbial diversity and abundance, characterized by decreased relative abundance of functional gut bacterium Lactobacillus kunkeei and increased pathogenic bacterium Melissococcus plutonius. The disrupted gut microbiota, combined with the observed gut tissue damage, could potentially impair food digestion and nutrient absorption in the larvae. Our results provide valuable insights into the complex and diverse effects of fenazaquin on honeybee larvae, establishing an important theoretical basis for applying fenazaquin in beekeeping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangli Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fengying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jiajing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qiaohong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Weipeng Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Institute of Horticultural Research, Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan, 030031, China
| | - Chenhuan Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Meijiao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shufa Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Bin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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11
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Boff S, Ayasse M. Exposure to sublethal concentration of flupyradifurone alters sexual behavior and cuticular hydrocarbon profile in Heriades truncorum, an oligolectic solitary bee. INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 31:859-869. [PMID: 37602924 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13268] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The aboveground oligolectic bee, Heriades truncorum, is a particularly good model for studying the impact of pesticides on sexual communication, since some aspects of its mating behavior have previously been described. We have tested (1) the interference of the pesticide flupyradifurone on male precopulatory behavior and male mating partner preferences, (2) the way that the pesticide interferes in male quality assessment by the female, and (3) the effects of the pesticide on the chemical compounds in the female cuticle. We exposed bees of both sexes to a sublethal concentration of flupyradifurone. Various behaviors were registered in a mating arena with two females (one unexposed and one exposed) and one male (either unexposed or exposed). Unexposed males were quicker to attempt to mate. Treatment also impacted precopulatory behavior and male quality assessment by females. Males approached unexposed females more quickly than insecticide-exposed ones. Females exposed to insecticide produced lower amounts of some cuticular hydrocarbons (sex pheromone candidates) and appeared less choosy than unexposed females. Our findings suggest that insecticide exposure affects sexual communication, playing a role both in male preference and in male quality assessment by the female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Boff
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Manfred Ayasse
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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12
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He ZC, Zhang T, Peng W, Mei Q, Wang QZ, Ding F. Exploring the neurotoxicity of chiral dinotefuran towards nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: Enantioselective insights into species selectivity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134020. [PMID: 38521037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134020] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Dinotefuran is a chiral neonicotinoid that is widely distributed in environmental matrices, but its health risks to different organisms are poorly understood. This study investigated the neurotoxic responses of honeybee/cotton aphid nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) to chiral dinotefuran at the enantiomeric scale and demonstrated the microscopic mechanism of species selectivity in nAChR-mediated enantioselective neurotoxicity. The findings indicated that (S)-dinotefuran had a higher affinity for honeybee nAChR than (R)-dinotefuran whereas both enantiomers exhibited similar bioactivity toward cotton aphid nAChR. The results of dynamic neurotoxic processes indicated the association of conformational changes induced by chiral dinotefuran with its macroscopic neurotoxicity, and (R)-dinotefuran, which exhibit low toxicity to honeybee, was found to induce significant conformational changes in the enantioselective neurotoxic reaction, as supported by the average root-mean-square fluctuation (0.35 nm). Energy decomposition results indicated that electrostatic contribution (ΔGele) is the critical energy term that leads to substantial enantioselectivity, and both Trp-51 (-2.57 kcal mol-1) and Arg-75 (-4.86 kcal mol-1), which form a hydrogen-bond network, are crucial residues in mediating the species selectivity for enantioselective neurotoxic responses. Clearly, this study provides experimental evidence for a comprehensive assessment of the health hazards of chiral dinotefuran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Cong He
- School of Water and Environment, Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Ecohydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- School of Water and Environment, Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Ecohydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Wei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Key Laboratory of Aerosol Chemistry and Physics, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi'an 710061, China; State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China.
| | - Qiong Mei
- School of Water and Environment, Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Ecohydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China; School of Land Engineering, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Qi-Zhao Wang
- School of Water and Environment, Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Ecohydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Fei Ding
- School of Water and Environment, Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Ecohydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China.
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13
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Shi J, Wang X, Chen Z, Mao D, Luo Y. Spatial distribution of two acaricides and five neonicotinoids in beehives and surrounding environments in China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133892. [PMID: 38461662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133892] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Managed bees commonly suffer from cross-contamination with acaricides and neonicotinoids, posing robust threats to bee population health. However, their residual characteristics and spatial distribution in beehives and surrounding environments are poorly understood. This study detected two common acaricides and five neonicotinoids in 240 beehive samples and 44 surrounding environmental samples collected from 25 Chinese provinces. The results showed that 40.0% of the honey samples contained acaricides and 83.1% contained neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoid concentrations in honey were geographically distinguished by the "Hu Huanyong line", and concentrations of neonicotinoids in honey from eastern areas were 2.65-fold higher than those in honey from western areas. Compared to the approved acaricide amitraz, the banned acaricide coumaphos was detected more frequently in honey and was positively correlated with that quantified in the paired pollen samples. Although coumaphos was identified in only three soil samples, lower coumaphos residues in honey might be associated with persistent pollution in the surrounding environment. Conversely, neonicotinoids were detected at higher levels in honey than in the pollen and soil, demonstrating that the neonicotinoid residues in honey have a cumulative effect. This study contributes to a better understanding of the pesticide contamination scenarios that underlie the exposure risks of bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingliang Shi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Zeyou Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Daqing Mao
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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14
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Ma C, Shi X, Chen S, Han J, Bai H, Li Z, Li-Byarlay H, Bai L. Combined pesticides in field doses weaken honey bee (Apis cerana F.) flight ability and analyses of transcriptomics and metabolomics. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 201:105793. [PMID: 38685207 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105793] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Imidacloprid, chlorpyrifos, and glyphosate rank among the most extensively employed pesticides worldwide. The effects of these pesticides and their combined on the flight capability of Apis cerana, and the potential underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. To investigate these effects, we carried out flight mill, transcriptome, and metabolome experiments. Our findings reveal that individual acute oral treatments with pesticides, specifically 20 μL of 10 ng/g imidacloprid (0.2 ng per bee), 30 ng/g chlorpyrifos (0.6 ng per bee), and 60 ng/g glyphosate (1.2 ng per bee), did not impact the flight capability of the bees. However, when bees were exposed to a combination of two or three pesticides, a notable reduction in flight duration and distance was observed. In the transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, we identified 307 transcripts and 17 metabolites that exhibited differential expression following exposure to combined pesticides, primarily associated with metabolic pathways involved in energy regulation. Our results illuminate the intricate effects and potential hazards posed by combined pesticide exposures on bee behavior. These findings offer valuable insights into the synergistic potential of pesticide combinations and their capacity to impair bee behavior. Understanding these complex interactions is essential for comprehending the broader consequences of pesticide formulations on honey bee populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsheng Ma
- Longping Branch Graduate School, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410125, China; Key laboratory of Pesticide Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Xiaoyu Shi
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Sihao Chen
- University of Liverpool, Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK; Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Xi'an-Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jincai Han
- Longping Branch Graduate School, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410125, China; Key laboratory of Pesticide Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Haodong Bai
- Key laboratory of Pesticide Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Zuren Li
- Key laboratory of Pesticide Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China.
| | - Hongmei Li-Byarlay
- Agriculture Research and Development Program, Central State University, Wilberforce OH, 45384, USA.
| | - Lianyang Bai
- Longping Branch Graduate School, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410125, China; Key laboratory of Pesticide Assessment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China.
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15
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Lin Z, Shen S, Wang K, Ji T. Biotic and abiotic stresses on honeybee health. Integr Zool 2024; 19:442-457. [PMID: 37427560 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees are the most critical pollinators providing key ecosystem services that underpin crop production and sustainable agriculture. Amidst a backdrop of rapid global change, this eusocial insect encounters a succession of stressors during nesting, foraging, and pollination. Ectoparasitic mites, together with vectored viruses, have been recognized as central biotic threats to honeybee health, while the spread of invasive giant hornets and small hive beetles also increasingly threatens colonies worldwide. Cocktails of agrochemicals, including acaricides used for mite treatment, and other pollutants of the environment have been widely documented to affect bee health in various ways. Additionally, expanding urbanization, climate change, and agricultural intensification often result in the destruction or fragmentation of flower-rich bee habitats. The anthropogenic pressures exerted by beekeeping management practices affect the natural selection and evolution of honeybees, and colony translocations facilitate alien species invasion and disease transmission. In this review, the multiple biotic and abiotic threats and their interactions that potentially undermine bee colony health are discussed, while taking into consideration the sensitivity, large foraging area, dense network among related nestmates, and social behaviors of honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheguang Lin
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Siyi Shen
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ting Ji
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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16
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Graham KK, McArt S, Isaacs R. High pesticide exposure and risk to bees in pollinator plantings adjacent to conventionally managed blueberry fields. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 922:171248. [PMID: 38402956 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171248] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Wildflower plantings adjacent to agricultural fields provide diverse floral resources and nesting sites for wild bees. However, their proximity to pest control activities in the crop may result in pesticide exposure if pesticides drift into pollinator plantings. To quantify pesticide residues in pollinator plantings, we sampled flowers and soil from pollinator plantings and compared them to samples from unenhanced field margins and crop row middles. At conventionally managed farms, flowers from pollinator plantings had similar exposure profiles to those from unenhanced field margins or crop row middles, with multiple pesticides and high and similar risk quotient (RQ) values (with pollinator planting RQ: 3.9; without pollinator planting RQ: 4.0). Whereas samples from unsprayed sites had significantly lower risk (RQ: 0.005). Soil samples had overall low risk to bees. Additionally, we placed bumble bee colonies (Bombus impatiens) in field margins of crop fields with and without pollinator plantings and measured residues in bee-collected pollen. Pesticide exposure was similar in pollen from sites with or without pollinator plantings, and risk was generally high (with pollinator planting RQ: 0.5; without pollinator planting RQ: 1.1) and not significant between the two field types. Risk was lower at sites where there was no pesticide activity (RQ: 0.3), but again there was no significant difference between management types. The insecticide phosmet, which is used on blueberry farms for control of Drosophila suzukii, accounted for the majority of elevated risk. Additionally, analysis of pollen collected by bumble bees found no significant difference in floral species richness between sites with or without pollinator plantings. Our results suggest that pollinator plantings do not reduce pesticide risk and do not increase pollen diversity collected by B. impatiens, further highlighting the need to reduce exposure through enhanced IPM adoption, drift mitigation, and removal of attractive flowering weeds prior to insecticide applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey K Graham
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, 202 CIPS, 578 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Pollinating Insect-Biology, Management, Systematics Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1410 N 800 E, Logan, UT 84341, USA.
| | - Scott McArt
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, 4129 Comstock Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Rufus Isaacs
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, 202 CIPS, 578 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Program in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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17
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Huang C, Wang H, Hai X, Wang Z, Lyu F. High Trunk Truncation as a Potential Sustainable Management Option for Asian Longhorned Beetle on Salix babylonica. INSECTS 2024; 15:278. [PMID: 38667408 PMCID: PMC11050171 DOI: 10.3390/insects15040278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) causes substantial economic and ecological losses, thus, an environmentally friendly management strategy is needed. Here, we propose high trunk truncation (HTT), the removal of the above 200 cm portion of trees, as a sustainable management strategy to control ALB. To examine the hypothesis, an initial step involved the assessment of various biological characteristics of ALB. Subsequently, a controlled field experiment was carried out utilizing HTT. Finally, HTT was applied in two additional ALB infestation regions. The results of the study of the biological characteristics of ALB showed that 76.31-78.88% of frass holes and 85.08-87.93% of emergence holes were located on branches above 200 cm. Adults preferred to feed on branches 2-3 cm in diameter, ALB eggs were predominantly laid on 5 cm branches, and both were primarily located above 200 cm. These results revealed a correlation between the number of ALBs and the tree crown height. The controlled field experiment showed that the number of ALBs was significantly decreased when the HTT strategy was implemented: approximately 90% of frass holes and 95% of adults were eradicated by HTT compared with the control. Different field surveys involving HTT have shown similar results. These findings provide valuable insights into a sustainable and efficient management strategy for reducing the number of ALBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Huang
- College of Forestry, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (C.H.); (H.W.); (X.H.); (Z.W.)
| | - Hualing Wang
- College of Forestry, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (C.H.); (H.W.); (X.H.); (Z.W.)
- Hebei Urban Forest Health Technology Innovation Center, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Xiaoxia Hai
- College of Forestry, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (C.H.); (H.W.); (X.H.); (Z.W.)
| | - Zhigang Wang
- College of Forestry, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (C.H.); (H.W.); (X.H.); (Z.W.)
| | - Fei Lyu
- College of Forestry, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (C.H.); (H.W.); (X.H.); (Z.W.)
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18
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Wang SY, Wang YX, Yue SS, Shi XC, Lu FY, Wu SQ, Herrera-Balandrano DD, Laborda P. G-site residue S67 is involved in the fungicide-degrading activity of a tau class glutathione S-transferase from Carica papaya. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107123. [PMID: 38417796 PMCID: PMC10958117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Thiram is a toxic fungicide extensively used for the management of pathogens in fruits. Although it is known that thiram degrades in plant tissues, the key enzymes involved in this process remain unexplored. In this study, we report that a tau class glutathione S-transferase (GST) from Carica papaya can degrade thiram. This enzyme was easily obtained by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, showed low promiscuity toward other thiuram disulfides, and catalyzed thiram degradation under physiological reaction conditions. Site-directed mutagenesis indicated that G-site residue S67 shows a key influence for the enzymatic activity toward thiram, while mutation of residue S13, which reduced the GSH oxidase activity, did not significantly affect the thiram-degrading activity. The formation of dimethyl dithiocarbamate, which was subsequently converted into carbon disulfide, and dimethyl dithiocarbamoylsulfenic acid as the thiram degradation products suggested that thiram undergoes an alkaline hydrolysis that involves the rupture of the disulfide bond. Application of the GST selective inhibitor 4-chloro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole reduced papaya peel thiram-degrading activity by 95%, indicating that this is the main degradation route of thiram in papaya. GST from Carica papaya also catalyzed the degradation of the fungicides chlorothalonil and thiabendazole, with residue S67 showing again a key influence for the enzymatic activity. These results fill an important knowledge gap in understanding the catalytic promiscuity of plant GSTs and reveal new insights into the fate and degradation products of thiram in fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Yan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yan-Xia Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Sheng-Shuo Yue
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xin-Chi Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Feng-Yi Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Si-Qi Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | | | - Pedro Laborda
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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19
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Nicholson CC, Knapp J, Kiljanek T, Albrecht M, Chauzat MP, Costa C, De la Rúa P, Klein AM, Mänd M, Potts SG, Schweiger O, Bottero I, Cini E, de Miranda JR, Di Prisco G, Dominik C, Hodge S, Kaunath V, Knauer A, Laurent M, Martínez-López V, Medrzycki P, Pereira-Peixoto MH, Raimets R, Schwarz JM, Senapathi D, Tamburini G, Brown MJF, Stout JC, Rundlöf M. Pesticide use negatively affects bumble bees across European landscapes. Nature 2024; 628:355-358. [PMID: 38030722 PMCID: PMC11006599 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06773-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable agriculture requires balancing crop yields with the effects of pesticides on non-target organisms, such as bees and other crop pollinators. Field studies demonstrated that agricultural use of neonicotinoid insecticides can negatively affect wild bee species1,2, leading to restrictions on these compounds3. However, besides neonicotinoids, field-based evidence of the effects of landscape pesticide exposure on wild bees is lacking. Bees encounter many pesticides in agricultural landscapes4-9 and the effects of this landscape exposure on colony growth and development of any bee species remains unknown. Here we show that the many pesticides found in bumble bee-collected pollen are associated with reduced colony performance during crop bloom, especially in simplified landscapes with intensive agricultural practices. Our results from 316 Bombus terrestris colonies at 106 agricultural sites across eight European countries confirm that the regulatory system fails to sufficiently prevent pesticide-related impacts on non-target organisms, even for a eusocial pollinator species in which colony size may buffer against such impacts10,11. These findings support the need for postapproval monitoring of both pesticide exposure and effects to confirm that the regulatory process is sufficiently protective in limiting the collateral environmental damage of agricultural pesticide use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica Knapp
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Tomasz Kiljanek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Puławy, Poland
| | | | - Marie-Pierre Chauzat
- Laboratory for Animal Health, ANSES, Paris-Est University, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Cecilia Costa
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics-Agriculture and Environment Research Centre, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pilar De la Rúa
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alexandra-Maria Klein
- Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marika Mänd
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Simon G Potts
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Oliver Schweiger
- Department of Community Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Halle, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Irene Bottero
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elena Cini
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Joachim R de Miranda
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gennaro Di Prisco
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics-Agriculture and Environment Research Centre, Bologna, Italy
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, The Italian National Research Council, Portici, Italy
| | - Christophe Dominik
- Department of Community Ecology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Halle, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Simon Hodge
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vera Kaunath
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anina Knauer
- Agroscope, Agroecology and Environment, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marion Laurent
- Unit of Honey Bee Pathology, Sophia Antipolis Laboratory, ANSES, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | | | - Piotr Medrzycki
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics-Agriculture and Environment Research Centre, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Risto Raimets
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Deepa Senapathi
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Giovanni Tamburini
- Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Mark J F Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Jane C Stout
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maj Rundlöf
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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20
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Ribas A, Botina LL, Araújo RDS, Vidigal ML, Cristina da Silva Alves B, Martins GF. Exploring honey bee toxicological data as a proxy for assessing dimethoate sensitivity in stingless bees. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 354:141652. [PMID: 38462182 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141652] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The high diversity and distinctive characteristics of stingless bees pose challenges in utilizing toxicity test results for agrochemical registrations. Toxicity assessments were performed on 15 stingless bee species, along with the honey bee, using the insecticide dimethoate, following adapted OECD protocols. Median lethal doses over 24 h (24 h-LD50) were determined for exposure routes (acute oral or contact) and species. Species sensitivity distribution (SSD) curves were constructed and the 5% hazard doses (HD5) were estimated based on 24 h-LD50 values. The SSD curve was adjusted as the body weight and dimethoate response were correlated. Lighter bees (<10 mg) had lower 24 h-LD50 values. Contact exposure for adjusted HD5 suggested insufficient protection for Melipona mondury, whereas the oral exposure HD5 indicated no risks for the other 14 species. Comprehensive risk assessments are crucial for understanding the agrochemical impact on stingless bees, emphasizing the need for a broader species range in formulating conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreza Ribas
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Lorena Lisbetd Botina
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Renan Dos Santos Araújo
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil; Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, 78698-000, Pontal do Araguaia, MT, Brazil.
| | - Mateus Lordelo Vidigal
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil.
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21
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Zhang J, Wang Y, Wurjihu S, Ruan H, Huang Y, Guo M, Kong D, Luo J, Yang M. Comprehensive analysis of neonicotinoids in Chinese commercial honey and pollen: A corresponding health risk assessment for non-targeted organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170937. [PMID: 38360305 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170937] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Neonicotinoids are broad-spectrum and highly effective insecticides that work by affecting neural activity in insects. Neonicotinoids are systemic pesticides that are absorbed by plants, transported, and accumulated in plant tissues, including nectar and pollen. Currently, there is a lack of a comprehensive assessment of the level of neonicotinoid contamination and the associated health risks to non-targeted organisms in commercial honey and pollen produced in China. This study collected 160 batches of honey and 26 batches of pollen from different regions and plant sources in China, analyzed the residue patterns of neonicotinoid pesticides, and comprehensively evaluated the exposure risks to non-targeted organisms including bees (adults and larvae) and humans. Furthermore, this study addresses this imperative by establishing a high-throughput, rapid, and ultra-sensitive indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) based on broad-spectrum monoclonal antibodies to detect and quantify neonicotinoids, with validation conducted using the LC-MS/MS method. The findings indicated that 59.4 % of honey samples contained at least one of eight neonicotinoids, and the ic-ELISA rapid detection and calculation method could detect all the samples containing neonicotinoids. Additionally, the dietary risk assessment for humans and honeybees indicates that the consumption of a specific quantity of honey may not pose a health risk to human due to neonicotinoid intake. However, the Risk Quotient values for imidacloprid to adult bees and bee larvae, as well as clothianidin to bee larvae, were determined to be 2.22, 5.03, and 1.01, respectively-each exceeding 1. This highlights the elevated risk of acute toxicity posed by imidacloprid and clothianidin residues to honey bees. The study bears significant implications for the safety evaluation of non-targeted organisms in the natural food chain. Moreover, it provides scientific guidance for protecting the diversity and health of the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yunyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shanbaga Wurjihu
- Plastic Surgery Hospital and Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100144, China
| | - Haonan Ruan
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ying Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Mengyue Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dandan Kong
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jiaoyang Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Meihua Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China; Hainan Branch of the Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Haikou 570311, China.
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22
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Encerrado-Manriquez AM, Pouv AK, Fine JD, Nicklisch SCT. Enhancing knowledge of chemical exposures and fate in honey bee hives: Insights from colony structure and interactions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170193. [PMID: 38278225 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170193] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Honey bees are unintentionally exposed to a wide range of chemicals through various routes in their natural environment, yet research on the cumulative effects of multi-chemical and sublethal exposures on important caste members, including the queen bee and brood, is still in its infancy. The hive's social structure and food-sharing (trophallaxis) practices are important aspects to consider when identifying primary and secondary exposure pathways for residential hive members and possible chemical reservoirs within the colony. Secondary exposures may also occur through chemical transfer (maternal offloading) to the brood and by contact through possible chemical diffusion from wax cells to all hive members. The lack of research on peer-to-peer exposures to contaminants and their metabolites may be in part due to the limitations in sensitive analytical techniques for monitoring chemical fate and dispersion. Combined application of automated honey bee monitoring and modern chemical trace analysis techniques could offer rapid progress in quantifying chemical transfer and accumulation within the hive environment and developing effective mitigation strategies for toxic chemical co-exposures. To enhance the understanding of chemical fate and toxicity within the entire colony, it is crucial to consider both the intricate interactions among hive members and the potential synergistic effects arising from combinations of chemical and their metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amara K Pouv
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Fisheries, Animal, and Veterinary Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Julia D Fine
- Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, USDA-ARS, 3026 Bee Biology Rd., Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sascha C T Nicklisch
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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23
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Ni JB, Jia XF, Zhang JY, Ding CJ, Tian WL, Peng WJ, Zielinska S, Xiao HW, Fang XM. Efficient degradation of imidacloprid by surface discharge cold plasma: Mechanism of interaction between ROS and molecular structure and evaluation of residual toxicity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133066. [PMID: 38042007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133066] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Incorrect use of neonicotinoid pesticides poses a serious threat to human and pollinator health, as these substances are commonly present in bee products and even drinking water. To combat this threat, the study developed a new method of degrading the pesticide imidacloprid using surface discharge cold plasma oxidation technology. The study showed that this method achieved a very high efficiency of imidacloprid degradation of 91.4%. The main reactive oxygen species (H2O2, O3, ·OH, O2-, 1O2) effectively participated in the decomposition reaction of imidacloprid. Reactive oxygen species were more sensitive to the structure of the nitroimine group. Density functional theory (DFT) further explored the sites of reactive oxygen species attack on imidacloprid and revealed the process of energy change of attacking imidacloprid. In addition, a degradation pathway for imidacloprid was proposed, mainly involving reactive oxygen species chemisorption, a ring-opening intermediate, and complete cleavage of the nitroimine group structure. Model predictions indicated that acute oral and developmental toxicity were significantly reduced after cold plasma treatment, as confirmed by insect experiments. Animal experiments have shown that plasma treatment reduces imidacloprid damage to mice hippocampal tissue structure and inhibits the reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor content, thus revealing the detoxification mechanism of the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Bao Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Xiangshan Beigou, Beijing 100093, China; College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, P.O. Box 194, 17 Qinghua Donglu, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Jia
- School of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Chang-Jiang Ding
- College of Science, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, China
| | - Wen-Li Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Xiangshan Beigou, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Wen-Jun Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Xiangshan Beigou, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Sara Zielinska
- Faculty of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Hong-Wei Xiao
- College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, P.O. Box 194, 17 Qinghua Donglu, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Xiao-Ming Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Xiangshan Beigou, Beijing 100093, China.
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24
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Tu X, Du C, He Y, Yang J, Chen J, Jin Q, Xie L, Zuo Y, Huang S, Chen W. Determination of bisphenols in beeswax based on sugaring out-assisted liquid-liquid extraction: Method development and application in survey, recycling and degradation studies. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 351:141274. [PMID: 38253088 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141274] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The methodology of sugaring out-assisted liquid-liquid extraction (SULLE) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection was devised for quantifying bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol B (BPB) in beeswax. The effectiveness of SULLE was methodically explored and proved superior to the salting out-assisted liquid-liquid extraction approach for beeswax sample preparation. The analytical performance underwent comprehensive validation, revealing detection limits of 10 μg/kg for BPA and 20 μg/kg for BPB. The method developed was employed to analyse commercial beeswax (n = 15), beeswax foundation (n = 15) and wild-build comb wax (n = 26) samples. The analysis revealed BPA presence in four commercial beeswax samples and three beeswax foundation samples, with the highest detected residue content being 88 ± 7 μg/kg. For BPB, two beeswax foundation samples were positive, with concentrations below the limits of quantification and 85 ± 4 μg/kg, respectively. No bisphenols were detected in wild-build comb wax. Furthermore, the bisphenol removal efficacy of two recycling methods-boiling in water and methanol extraction-was assessed. The findings indicated that after four recycling cycles using water boiling, 9.6% of BPA and 29.2% of BPB remained in the beeswax. Whereas methanol extraction resulted in approximately 7% residual after one recycling process. A long-term study over 210 days revealed the slow degradation of bisphenols in comb beeswax. This degradation fitted well with a first-order model, indicating half-lives (DT50) of 139 days for BPA and 151 days for BPB, respectively. This research provides the first report on bisphenol contamination in beeswax. The low removal rate during the recycling process and the gradual degradation in beeswax underscore the significance of bisphenol contamination and migration in bee hives along with their potential risk to pollinators warranting concern. Furthermore, the developed SULLE method shows promise in preparing beeswax samples to analyse other analytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijuan Tu
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; MOE Engineering Research Center of Bee Products Processing and Application, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Chunping Du
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Yuchang He
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Ji Yang
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Jiaxu Chen
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Qian Jin
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Lingfei Xie
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Yuqing Zuo
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Shaokang Huang
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Wenbin Chen
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; MOE Engineering Research Center of Bee Products Processing and Application, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Natural Biotoxin, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
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25
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Schwarz JM, Knauer AC, Alaux C, Barascou L, Barraud A, Dievart V, Ghazoul J, Michez D, Albrecht M. Diverse pollen nutrition can improve the development of solitary bees but does not mitigate negative pesticide impacts. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169494. [PMID: 38142004 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169494] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Floral resource loss and pesticide exposure are major threats to bees in intensively managed agroecosystems, but interactions among these drivers remain poorly understood. Altered composition and lowered diversity of pollen nutrition may reinforce negative pesticide impacts on bees. Here we investigated the development and survival of the solitary bee Osmia bicornis provisioned with three different pollen types, as well as a mixture of these types representing a higher pollen diversity. We exposed bees of each nutritional treatment to five pesticides at different concentrations in the laboratory. Two field-realistic concentrations of three nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) modulating insecticides (thiacloprid, sulfoxaflor and flupyradifurone), as well as of two fungicides (azoxystrobin and tebuconazole) were examined. We further measured the expression of two detoxification genes (CYP9BU1, CYP9BU2) under exposure to thiacloprid across different nutrition treatments as a potential mechanistic pathway driving pesticide-nutrition interactions. We found that more diverse pollen nutrition reduced development time, enhanced pollen efficacy (cocoon weight divided by consumed pollen weight) and pollen consumption, and increased weight of O. bicornis after larval development (cocoon weight). Contrary to fungicides, high field-realistic concentrations of all three insecticides negatively affected O. bicornis by extending development times. Moreover, sulfoxaflor and flupyradifurone also reduced pollen efficacy and cocoon weight, and sulfoxaflor reduced pollen consumption and increased mortality. The expression of detoxification genes differed across pollen nutrition types, but was not enhanced after exposure to thiacloprid. Our findings highlight that lowered diversity of pollen nutrition and high field-realistic exposure to nAChR modulating insecticides negatively affected the development of O. bicornis, but we found no mitigation of negative pesticide impacts through increased pollen diversity. These results have important implications for risk assessment for bee pollinators, indicating that negative effects of nAChR modulating insecticides to developing solitary bees are currently underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine M Schwarz
- Agroscope, Agroecology and Environment, Zurich, Switzerland; ETH Zurich, Institute for Terrestrial Ecosystems, Ecosystem Management, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Anina C Knauer
- Agroscope, Agroecology and Environment, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cedric Alaux
- INRAE, Abeilles et Environnement, Avignon, France
| | | | - Alexandre Barraud
- Research Institute for Biosciences, Laboratory of Zoology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | | | - Jaboury Ghazoul
- ETH Zurich, Institute for Terrestrial Ecosystems, Ecosystem Management, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Denis Michez
- Research Institute for Biosciences, Laboratory of Zoology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
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26
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Raine NE, Rundlöf M. Pesticide Exposure and Effects on Non- Apis Bees. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 69:551-576. [PMID: 37827173 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-040323-020625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Bees are essential pollinators of many crops and wild plants, and pesticide exposure is one of the key environmental stressors affecting their health in anthropogenically modified landscapes. Until recently, almost all information on routes and impacts of pesticide exposure came from honey bees, at least partially because they were the only model species required for environmental risk assessments (ERAs) for insect pollinators. Recently, there has been a surge in research activity focusing on pesticide exposure and effects for non-Apis bees, including other social bees (bumble bees and stingless bees) and solitary bees. These taxa vary substantially from honey bees and one another in several important ecological traits, including spatial and temporal activity patterns, foraging and nesting requirements, and degree of sociality. In this article, we review the current evidence base about pesticide exposure pathways and the consequences of exposure for non-Apis bees. We find that the insights into non-Apis bee pesticide exposure and resulting impacts across biological organizations, landscapes, mixtures, and multiple stressors are still in their infancy. The good news is that there are many promising approaches that could be used to advance our understanding, with priority given to informing exposure pathways, extrapolating effects, and determining how well our current insights (limited to very few species and mostly neonicotinoid insecticides under unrealistic conditions) can be generalized to the diversity of species and lifestyles in the global bee community. We conclude that future research to expand our knowledge would also be beneficial for ERAs and wider policy decisions concerning pollinator conservation and pesticide regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel E Raine
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada;
| | - Maj Rundlöf
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden;
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27
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Han B, Wu J, Wei Q, Liu F, Cui L, Rueppell O, Xu S. Life-history stage determines the diet of ectoparasitic mites on their honey bee hosts. Nat Commun 2024; 15:725. [PMID: 38272866 PMCID: PMC10811344 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44915-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Ectoparasitic mites of the genera Varroa and Tropilaelaps have evolved to exclusively exploit honey bees as food sources during alternating dispersal and reproductive life history stages. Here we show that the primary food source utilized by Varroa destructor depends on the host life history stage. While feeding on adult bees, dispersing V. destructor feed on the abdominal membranes to access to the fat body as reported previously. However, when V. destructor feed on honey bee pupae during their reproductive stage, they primarily consume hemolymph, indicated by wound analysis, preferential transfer of biostains, and a proteomic comparison between parasite and host tissues. Biostaining and proteomic results were paralleled by corresponding findings in Tropilaelaps mercedesae, a mite that only feeds on brood and has a strongly reduced dispersal stage. Metabolomic profiling of V. destructor corroborates differences between the diet of the dispersing adults and reproductive foundresses. The proteome and metabolome differences between reproductive and dispersing V. destructor suggest that the hemolymph diet coincides with amino acid metabolism and protein synthesis in the foundresses while the metabolism of non-reproductive adults is tuned to lipid metabolism. Thus, we demonstrate within-host dietary specialization of ectoparasitic mites that coincides with life history of hosts and parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jiangli Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qiaohong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fengying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lihong Cui
- Cell Biology Facility, Center of Biomedical Analysis, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Olav Rueppell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G2L3, Canada.
| | - Shufa Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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28
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Abou-Shaara HF. The response of heat shock proteins in honey bees to abiotic and biotic stressors. J Therm Biol 2024; 119:103784. [PMID: 38232472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Honey bees, Apis mellifera, are the most important managed pollinators worldwide. They are highly impacted by various abiotic and biotic stressors, especially temperature extremes, which can lead to cellular damage and death. The induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs) has been recorded in honey bees as a response to various types of stressors. HSPs are classified into different gene families according to their molecular weights. HSPs play an important role in maintaining cellular protein homeostasis due to their contribution as molecular chaperones or co-chaperones. HSPs in honey bees have complex functions with induction even under normal colony conditions. Previous studies have suggested various functions of HSPs to protect cells from damage under exposure to environmental stressors, pollutants, and pathogens. Surprisingly, HSPs have also been found to play roles in larval development and age-related tasks. The expression of HSPs varies depending on tissue type, developmental stage, age, and stress period. This article reviews studies on HSPs (sHSPs, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90) in honey bees and highlights gaps in the available knowledge. This review is crucial for honey bee research, particularly in the face of climate change challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam F Abou-Shaara
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22516, Egypt.
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29
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Nakagawa S, Lagisz M, Yang Y, Drobniak SM. Finding the right power balance: Better study design and collaboration can reduce dependence on statistical power. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002423. [PMID: 38190355 PMCID: PMC10773938 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Power analysis currently dominates sample size determination for experiments, particularly in grant and ethics applications. Yet, this focus could paradoxically result in suboptimal study design because publication biases towards studies with the largest effects can lead to the overestimation of effect sizes. In this Essay, we propose a paradigm shift towards better study designs that focus less on statistical power. We also advocate for (pre)registration and obligatory reporting of all results (regardless of statistical significance), better facilitation of team science and multi-institutional collaboration that incorporates heterogenization, and the use of prospective and living meta-analyses to generate generalizable results. Such changes could make science more effective and, potentially, more equitable, helping to cultivate better collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Nakagawa
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Theoretical Sciences Visiting Program, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Japan
| | - Malgorzata Lagisz
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Theoretical Sciences Visiting Program, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Japan
| | - Yefeng Yang
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Szymon M. Drobniak
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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30
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Fischer LR, Ramesh D, Weidenmüller A. Sub-lethal but potentially devastating - The novel insecticide flupyradifurone impairs collective brood care in bumblebees. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166097. [PMID: 37562619 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide decline in pollinating insects is alarming. One of the main anthropogenic drivers is the massive use of pesticides in agriculture. Risk assessment procedures test pesticides for mortality rates of well-fed, parasite free individuals of a few non-target species. Sublethal and synergistic effects of co-occurring stressors are usually not addressed. Here, we present a simple, wildly applicable bio-essay to assess such effects. Using brood thermoregulation in bumblebee microcolonies as readout, we investigate how this collective ability is affected by long-term feeding exposure to the herbicide glyphosate (5 mg/l), the insecticide flupyradifurone (0.4 mg/l) and the combination of both, when co-occurring with the natural stressor of resource limitation. Documenting brood temperature and development in 53 microcolonies we find no significant effect of glyphosate, while flupyradifurone significantly impaired the collective ability to maintain the necessary brood temperatures, resulting in prolonged developmental times and a decrease in colony growth by over 50 %. This reduction in colony growth has the potential to significantly curtail the reproductive chances of colonies in the field. Our findings highlight the potentially devastating consequences of flupyradifurone use in agriculture even at sub-lethal doses and underline the urgent need for improved risk assessment procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana R Fischer
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, Konstanz, Germany; School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, UK.
| | - Divya Ramesh
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, Konstanz, Germany; University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Anja Weidenmüller
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, Konstanz, Germany; University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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31
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Han Y, Yang H, Liu Z, Hu C, Lamine I, Liu Z, Gao P, Sui Y, Zheng P, Zhang H, Jia X. Tetrabromobisphenol a and its alternative tetrachlorobisphenol a induce oxidative stress, lipometabolism disturbance, and autophagy in the liver of male Pelophylax nigromaculatus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166421. [PMID: 37619733 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and tetrachlorobisphenol A (TCBPA) have been widely used as flame retardants. However, their potential health risks to organisms have raised concerns, particularly for liver toxicity. Present study aimed to explore the toxic effects of TCBPA and TBBPA on black-spotted frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) liver oxidative stress, autophagy, and lipid accumulation. After exposure to 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/L TBBPA and TCBPA for 14 days, the content of cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly elevated. In addition, the malondialdehyde level rose greatly in dose dependent. However, the glutathione level declined in high TBBPA groups (0.01 and 0.1 mg/L). Furthermore, expressions of Beclin1, Atg5, and Atg7 were significantly increased, while p62 was markedly declined, respectively. Results obstained suggested that TBBPA and TCBPA exposure induced liver toxicity in black-spotted frog. This study provided insights into the toxicity mechanism of bisphenol flame retardants in amphibians and will aid in the ecological risk assessment of flame retardants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Han
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Zhiqun Liu
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Chao Hu
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Imane Lamine
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems, Marine and Continental Ecosystems, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Panpan Gao
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yanming Sui
- School of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224002, China
| | - Pei Zheng
- Dianshan branch of Ecological Environment Bureau, Zhoushan, 316299, China
| | | | - Xiuying Jia
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China; Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
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32
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Thill A, Cammaerts MC, Balmori A. Biological effects of electromagnetic fields on insects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 0:reveh-2023-0072. [PMID: 37990587 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2023-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, insects are declining at an alarming rate. Among other causes, the use of pesticides and modern agricultural practices play a major role in this. Cumulative effects of multiple low-dose toxins and the distribution of toxicants in nature have only started to be investigated in a methodical way. Existing research indicates another factor of anthropogenic origin that could have subtle harmful effects: the increasingly frequent use of electromagnetic fields (EMF) from man-made technologies. This systematic review summarizes the results of studies investigating the toxicity of electromagnetic fields in insects. The main objective of this review is to weigh the evidence regarding detrimental effects on insects from the increasing technological infrastructure, with a particular focus on power lines and the cellular network. The next generation of mobile communication technologies, 5G, is being deployed - without having been tested in respect of potential toxic effects. With humanity's quest for pervasiveness of technology, even modest effects of electromagnetic fields on organisms could eventually reach a saturation level that can no longer be ignored. An overview of reported effects and biological mechanisms of exposure to electromagnetic fields, which addresses new findings in cell biology, is included. Biological effects of non-thermal EMF on insects are clearly proven in the laboratory, but only partly in the field, thus the wider ecological implications are still unknown. There is a need for more field studies, but extrapolating from the laboratory, as is common practice in ecotoxicology, already warrants increasing the threat level of environmental EMF impact on insects.
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33
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Araújo RDS, Viana TA, Botina LL, Bastos DSS, da Silva Alves BC, Machado-Neves M, Bernardes RC, Martins GF. Investigating the effects of mesotrione/atrazine-based herbicide on honey bee foragers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165526. [PMID: 37451454 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165526] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
A mixture of the herbicides mesotrione and atrazine (Calaris®) is a widely used herbicide in agriculture in several countries. However, the possible toxicological effects of this formulation on non-target organisms require investigation. In this study, the effects of acute oral exposure to Calaris® were evaluated in Apis mellifera foragers. The effect of seven different concentrations of Calaris® on survival and sucrose consumption was studied, while the recommended concentration for field use (FC) and its 10× dilution (0.1 FC) were used to assess overall locomotor activity, respiratory rate, flight, midgut morphology, oxidative and nitrosative stresses, and hemocyte counting. The exposure to FC or 0.1 FC decreased locomotor activity and induced damage to the midgut epithelium. Additionally, the two tested concentrations reduced superoxide dismutase activity, nitric oxide levels, and total hemocyte count. FC also increased malondialdehyde content and 0.1 FC increased respiratory rate and decreased the proportion of prohemocytes. Overall, our findings evidenced significant harmful effects on A. mellifera foragers resulting from the ingestion of the Calaris® herbicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan Dos Santos Araújo
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, 78698-000 Pontal do Araguaia, MT, Brazil.
| | - Thaís Andrade Viana
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
| | - Lorena Lisbetd Botina
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
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Fisher A, Tadei R, Berenbaum M, Nieh J, Siviter H, Crall J, Glass JR, Muth F, Liao LH, Traynor K, DesJardins N, Nocelli R, Simon-Delso N, Harrison JF. Breaking the cycle: Reforming pesticide regulation to protect pollinators. Bioscience 2023; 73:808-813. [PMID: 38125825 PMCID: PMC10728777 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biad088] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Over decades, pesticide regulations have cycled between approval and implementation, followed by the discovery of negative effects on nontarget organisms that result in new regulations, pesticides, and harmful effects. This relentless pattern undermines the capacity to protect the environment from pesticide hazards and frustrates end users that need pest management tools. Wild pollinating insects are in decline, and managed pollinators such as honey bees are experiencing excessive losses, which threatens sustainable food security and ecosystem function. An increasing number of studies demonstrate the negative effects of field-realistic exposure to pesticides on pollinator health and fitness, which contribute to pollinator declines. Current pesticide approval processes, although they are superior to past practices, clearly continue to fail to protect pollinator health. In the present article, we provide a conceptual framework to reform cyclical pesticide approval processes and better protect pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Fisher
- School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States
| | | | - May Berenbaum
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
| | - James Nieh
- University of California, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Harry Siviter
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States
- University of Bristol, Bristol, England, United Kingdom
| | - James Crall
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Widsconsin, United States
| | - Jordan R Glass
- School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States
| | - Felicity Muth
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States
| | - Ling-Hsiu Liao
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
| | | | - Nicole DesJardins
- School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States
| | | | - Noa Simon-Delso
- BeeLife European Beekeeping Coordination, Louvain la Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jon F Harrison
- School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States
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35
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Ge J, Wang LJ, Pan X, Zhang C, Wu MY, Feng S. Colorimetric and ratiometric supramolecular AIE fluorescent probe for the on-site monitoring of fipronil. Analyst 2023; 148:5395-5401. [PMID: 37754754 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01333b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The overuse of fipronil (FPN, a broad-spectrum insecticide) in agriculture has brought great concerns for environmental pollution and food safety. The development of a rapid, reliable, and portable analytical method for the on-site monitoring of FPN is therefore of great significance but is full of challenge. Herein, a novel supramolecular probe using human serum albumin (HSA) as the host and an aggregation-induced emission-active fluorescence probe LIQ-TPA-TZ as the guest was developed for the colorimetric and ratiometric detection of FPN, displaying fast response (30 s), high sensitivity (LOD ∼ 0.05 μM), and good selectivity and anti-interference performance. Moreover, portable paper-based test strips could be facilely obtained and utilized for the determination of FPN, showing colorimetric changes from yellow to orange. This supramolecular probe also demonstrated great potential in real applications for choosing the best cleaning method to reduce the residue rate of FPN on apples. This study provides a versatile tool for the fast and real-time analysis of FPN, which greatly benefits the on-site determination of pesticides with the use of simple testing apparatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxu Ge
- School of Intelligent Manufacturing and Electronic Engineering, Wenzhou University of Technology, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Li-Juan Wang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China.
| | - Xiu Pan
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China.
| | - Chungu Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China.
| | - Ming-Yu Wu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China.
| | - Shun Feng
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China.
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36
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Dirilgen T, Herbertsson L, O'Reilly AD, Mahon N, Stanley DA. Moving past neonicotinoids and honeybees: A systematic review of existing research on other insecticides and bees. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 235:116612. [PMID: 37454798 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic pesticides (e.g. herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) are used widely in agriculture to protect crops from pests, weeds and disease. However, their use also comes with a range of environmental concerns. One key concern is the effect of insecticides on non-target organisms such as bees, who provide pollination services for crops and wild plants. This systematic literature review quantifies the existing research on bees and insecticides broadly, and then focuses more specifically on non-neonicotinoid insecticides and non-honeybees. We find that articles on honeybees (Apis sp.) and insecticides account for 80% of all research, with all other bees combined making up 20%. Neonicotinoids were studied in 34% of articles across all bees and were the most widely studied insecticide class for non-honeybees overall, with almost three times as many studies than the second most studied class. Of non-neonicotinoid insecticide classes and non-honeybees, the most studied were pyrethroids and organophosphates followed by carbamates, and the most widely represented bee taxa were bumblebees (Bombus), followed by leaf-cutter bees (Megachile) and mason bees (Osmia). Research has taken place across several countries, with the highest numbers of articles from Brazil and the US, and with notable gaps from countries in Asia, Africa and Oceania. Mortality was the most studied effect type, while sub-lethal effects such as on behaviour were less studied. Few studies tested how the effect of insecticides were influenced by multiple pressures, such as climate change and co-occurring pesticides (cocktail effects). As anthropogenic pressures do not occur in isolation, we suggest that future research also addresses these knowledge gaps. Given the changing global patterns in insecticide use, and the increasing inclusion of both non-honeybees and sub-lethal effects in pesticide risk assessment, there is a need for expanding research beyond its current state to ensure a strong scientific evidence base for the development of risk assessment and associated policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Dirilgen
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland; Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - L Herbertsson
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - A D O'Reilly
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland; Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - N Mahon
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - D A Stanley
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland; Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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37
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Straub F, Birkenbach M, Leonhardt SD, Ruedenauer FA, Kuppler J, Wilfert L, Ayasse M. Land-use-associated stressors interact to reduce bumblebee health at the individual and colony level. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231322. [PMID: 37817596 PMCID: PMC10565366 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In agricultural landscapes, bees face a variety of stressors, including insecticides and poor-quality food. Although both stressors individually have been shown to affect bumblebee health negatively, few studies have focused on stressor interactions, a scenario expected in intensively used agricultural landscapes. Using the bumblebee Bombus terrestris, a key pollinator in agricultural landscapes, we conducted a fully factorial laboratory experiment starting at nest initiation. We assessed the effects of food quality and insecticides, alone and in interaction, on health traits at various levels, some of which have been rarely studied. Pollen with a diluted nutrient content (low quality) reduced ovary size and delayed colony development. Wing asymmetry, indicating developmental stress, was increased during insecticide exposure and interactions with poor food, whereas both stressors reduced body size. Both stressors and their interaction changed the workers' chemical profile and reduced worker interactions and the immune response. Our findings suggest that insecticides combined with nutritional stress reduce bumblebee health at the individual and colony levels, thus possibly affecting colony performance, such as development and reproduction, and the stability of plant-pollinator networks. The synergistic effects highlight the need of combining stressors in risk assessments and when studying the complex effects of anthropogenic stressors on health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Straub
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Birkenbach
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Sara D. Leonhardt
- Plant-Insect-Interactions, Research Department Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Fabian A. Ruedenauer
- Plant-Insect-Interactions, Research Department Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Jonas Kuppler
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Lena Wilfert
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Manfred Ayasse
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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38
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Tang Q, Li W, Wang Z, Dong Z, Li X, Li J, Huang Q, Cao Z, Gong W, Zhao Y, Wang M, Guo J. Gut microbiome helps honeybee (Apis mellifera) resist the stress of toxic nectar plant (Bidens pilosa) exposure: Evidence for survival and immunity. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:2020-2031. [PMID: 37291689 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Honeybee (Apis mellifera) ingestion of toxic nectar plants can threaten their health and survival. However, little is known about how to help honeybees mitigate the effects of toxic nectar plant poisoning. We exposed honeybees to different concentrations of Bidens pilosa flower extracts and found that B. pilosa exposure significantly reduced honeybee survival in a dose-dependent manner. By measuring changes in detoxification and antioxidant enzymes and the gut microbiome, we found that superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase and carboxylesterase activities were significantly activated with increasing concentrations of B. pilosa and that different concentrations of B. pilosa exposure changed the structure of the honeybee gut microbiome, causing a significant reduction in the abundance of Bartonella (p < 0.001) and an increase in Lactobacillus. Importantly, by using Germ-Free bees, we found that colonization by the gut microbes Bartonella apis and Apilactobacillus kunkeei (original classification as Lactobacillus kunkeei) significantly increased the resistance of honeybees to B. pilosa and significantly upregulated bee-associated immune genes. These results suggest that honeybee detoxification systems possess a level of resistance to the toxic nectar plant B. pilosa and that the gut microbes B. apis and A. kunkeei may augment resistance to B. pilosa stress by improving host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihe Tang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Wanli Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Zhengwei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jinghong, China
| | - Zhixiang Dong
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Xijie Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Jiali Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Zhe Cao
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Wei Gong
- Yunnan Vocational and Technical College of Agriculture, Kunming, China
| | - Yazhou Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Minzeng Wang
- Beijing Xishan Experimental Forest Farm, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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39
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Sheridan AB, Johnson EJ, Vallat-Michel AJ, Glauser G, Harris JW, Neumann P, Straub L. Thiamethoxam soil contaminations reduce fertility of soil-dwelling beetles, Aethina tumida. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139648. [PMID: 37506888 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139648] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
There in increasing evidence for recent global insect declines. This is of major concern as insects play a critical role in ecosystem functionality and human food security. Even though environmental pollutants are known to reduce insect fertility, their potential effects on insect fitness remain poorly understood - especially for soil-dwelling species. Here, we show that fertility of soil-dwelling beetles, Aethina tumida, is reduced, on average, by half due to field-realistic neonicotinoid soil contaminations. In the laboratory, pupating beetles were exposed via soil to concentrations of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam that reflect global pollution of agricultural and natural habitats. Emerged adult phenotypes and reproduction were measured, and even the lowest concentration reported from natural habitats reduced subsequent reproduction by 50%. The data are most likely a conservative estimate as the beetles were only exposed during pupation. Since the tested concentrations reflect ubiquitous soil pollution, the data reveal a plausible mechanism for ongoing insect declines. An immediate reduction in environmental pollutants is urgently required if our aim is to mitigate the prevailing loss of species biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey B Sheridan
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, USA
| | - Elijah J Johnson
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, USA
| | | | - Gaëtan Glauser
- Neuchâtel Platform of Analytical Chemistry, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Jeffrey W Harris
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, USA
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Swiss Bee Research Center, Agroscope, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lars Straub
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus, Rayong, Thailand; Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Behaviour, Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, United Kingdom.
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40
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Straw EA, Cini E, Gold H, Linguadoca A, Mayne C, Rockx J, Brown MJF, Garratt MPD, Potts SG, Senapathi D. Neither sulfoxaflor, Crithidia bombi, nor their combination impact bumble bee colony development or field bean pollination. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16462. [PMID: 37777537 PMCID: PMC10542809 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43215-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Many pollinators, including bumble bees, are in decline. Such declines are known to be driven by a number of interacting factors. Decreases in bee populations may also negatively impact the key ecosystem service, pollination, that they provide. Pesticides and parasites are often cited as two of the drivers of bee declines, particularly as they have previously been found to interact with one another to the detriment of bee health. Here we test the effects of an insecticide, sulfoxaflor, and a highly prevalent bumble bee parasite, Crithidia bombi, on the bumble bee Bombus terrestris. After exposing colonies to realistic doses of either sulfoxaflor and/or Crithidia bombi in a fully crossed experiment, colonies were allowed to forage on field beans in outdoor exclusion cages. Foraging performance was monitored, and the impacts on fruit set were recorded. We found no effect of either stressor, or their interaction, on the pollination services they provide to field beans, either at an individual level or a whole colony level. Further, there was no impact of any treatment, in any metric, on colony development. Our results contrast with prior findings that similar insecticides (neonicotinoids) impact pollination services, and that sulfoxaflor impacts colony development, potentially suggesting that sulfoxaflor is a less harmful compound to bee health than neonicotinoids insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward A Straw
- Department of Botany, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Elena Cini
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK.
| | - Harriet Gold
- The School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AB, UK
| | - Alberto Linguadoca
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
- Pesticides Peer Review Unit, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Chloe Mayne
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AS, UK
| | - Joris Rockx
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK
| | - Mark J F Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Michael P D Garratt
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK
| | - Simon G Potts
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK
| | - Deepa Senapathi
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK.
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41
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Wu WY, Liao LH, Lin CH, Johnson RM, Berenbaum MR. Effects of pesticide-adjuvant combinations used in almond orchards on olfactory responses to social signals in honey bees (Apis mellifera). Sci Rep 2023; 13:15577. [PMID: 37730836 PMCID: PMC10511525 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41818-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to agrochemical sprays containing pesticides and tank-mix adjuvants has been implicated in post-bloom mortality, particularly of brood, in honey bee colonies brought into California almond orchards for pollination. Although adjuvants are generally considered to be biologically inert, some adjuvants have exhibited toxicity and sublethal effects, including decreasing survival rates of next-generation queens. Honey bees have a highly developed olfactory system to detect and discriminate among social signals. To investigate the impact of pesticide-adjuvant combinations on honey bee signal perception, we performed electroantennography assays to assess alterations in their olfactory responsiveness to the brood ester pheromone (BEP), the volatile larval pheromone β-ocimene, and the alarm pheromone 2-heptanone. These assays aimed to uncover potential mechanisms underlying changes in social behaviors and reduced brood survival after pesticide exposure. We found that combining the adjuvant Dyne-Amic with the fungicide Tilt (propiconazole) and the insecticide Altacor (chlorantraniliprole) synergistically enhanced olfactory responses to three concentrations of BEP and as well exerted dampening and compensatory effects on responses to 2-heptanone and β-ocimene, respectively. In contrast, exposure to adjuvant alone or the combination of fungicide and insecticide had no effect on olfactory responses to BEP at most concentrations but altered responses to β-ocimene and 2-heptanone. Exposure to Dyne-Amic, Altacor, and Tilt increased BEP signal amplitude, indicating potential changes in olfactory receptor sensitivity or sensilla permeability to odorants. Given that, in a previous study, next-generation queens raised by nurses exposed to the same treated pollen experienced reduced survival, these new findings highlight the potential disruption of social signaling in honey bees and its implications for colony reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yen Wu
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 505 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Ling-Hsiu Liao
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 505 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
| | - Chia-Hua Lin
- Department of Entomology, Rothenbuhler Honey Bee Research Laboratory, The Ohio State University, 2501 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Reed M Johnson
- Department of Entomology, Rothenbuhler Honey Bee Research Laboratory, The Ohio State University, 2501 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - May R Berenbaum
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 505 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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42
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Cedergreen N, Pedersen KE, Fredensborg BL. Quantifying synergistic interactions: a meta-analysis of joint effects of chemical and parasitic stressors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13641. [PMID: 37608060 PMCID: PMC10444819 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40847-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The global biodiversity crisis emphasizes our need to understand how different stressors (climatic, chemical, parasitic, etc.) interact and affect biological communities. We provide a comprehensive meta-analysis investigating joint effects of chemical and parasitic stressors for 1064 chemical-parasitic combinations using the Multiplicative model on mortality of arthropods. We tested both features of the experimental setup (control mortality, stressor effect level) and the chemical mode of action, host and parasite phylogeny, and parasite-host interaction traits as explanatory factors for deviations from the reference model. Synergistic interactions, defined as higher mortality than predicted, were significantly more frequent than no interactions or antagony. Experimental setup significantly affected the results, with studies reporting high (> 10%) control mortality or using low stressor effects (< 20%) being more synergistic. Chemical mode of action played a significant role for synergy, but there was no effects of host and parasite phylogeny, or parasite-host interaction traits. The finding that experimental design played a greater role in finding synergy than biological factors, emphasize the need to standardize the design of mixed stressor studies across scientific disciplines. In addition, combinations testing more biological traits e.g. avoidance, coping, and repair processes are needed to test biology-based hypotheses for synergistic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Cedergreen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Kathrine Eggers Pedersen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Brian Lund Fredensborg
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
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43
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Lopez LK, Gil MA, Crowley PH, Trimmer PC, Munson A, Ligocki IY, Michelangeli M, Sih A. Integrating animal behaviour into research on multiple environmental stressors: a conceptual framework. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1345-1364. [PMID: 37004993 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
While a large body of research has focused on the physiological effects of multiple environmental stressors, how behavioural and life-history plasticity mediate multiple-stressor effects remains underexplored. Behavioural plasticity can not only drive organism-level responses to stressors directly but can also mediate physiological responses. Here, we provide a conceptual framework incorporating four fundamental trade-offs that explicitly link animal behaviour to life-history-based pathways for energy allocation, shaping the impact of multiple stressors on fitness. We first address how small-scale behavioural changes can either mediate or drive conflicts between the effects of multiple stressors and alternative physiological responses. We then discuss how animal behaviour gives rise to three additional understudied and interrelated trade-offs: balancing the benefits and risks of obtaining the energy needed to cope with stressors, allocation of energy between life-history traits and stressor responses, and larger-scale escape from stressors in space or time via large-scale movement or dormancy. Finally, we outline how these trade-offs interactively affect fitness and qualitative ecological outcomes resulting from multiple stressors. Our framework suggests that explicitly considering animal behaviour should enrich our mechanistic understanding of stressor effects, help explain extensive context dependence observed in these effects, and highlight promising avenues for future empirical and theoretical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Lopez
- Department of Environmental Science & Policy, University of California, 2132 Wickson Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Kids Research, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Corner Hawkesbury Road & Hainsworth Street, Westmead, New South Wales, 2145, Australia
| | - Michael A Gil
- Department of Environmental Science & Policy, University of California, 2132 Wickson Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Ramaley N122/Campus Box 334, Boulder, CO, 80309-0334, USA
| | - Philip H Crowley
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, 195 Huguelet Drive, 101 Thomas Hunt Morgan Building, Lexington, KY, 40506-0225, USA
| | - Pete C Trimmer
- Department of Environmental Science & Policy, University of California, 2132 Wickson Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, University Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Amelia Munson
- Department of Environmental Science & Policy, University of California, 2132 Wickson Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Isaac Y Ligocki
- Department of Biology, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Roddy Science Hall, PO Box 1002, Millersville, PA, 17551, USA
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, 318 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Marcus Michelangeli
- Department of Environmental Science & Policy, University of California, 2132 Wickson Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Department of Wildlife, Fish & Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skogsmarksgränd, Umeå, SE-907 36, Sweden
| | - Andrew Sih
- Department of Environmental Science & Policy, University of California, 2132 Wickson Hall, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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Jiang X, Xiao L, Chen Y, Huang C, Wang J, Tang X, Wan K, Xu H. Degradation of the Novel Heterocyclic Insecticide Pyraquinil in Water: Kinetics, Degradation Pathways, Transformation Products Identification, and Toxicity Assessment. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023. [PMID: 37378629 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c01971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
As new pesticides are continuously introduced into agricultural systems, it is essential to investigate their environmental behavior and toxicity effects to better evaluate their potential risks. In this study, the degradation kinetics, pathways, and aquatic toxicity of the new fused heterocyclic insecticide pyraquinil in water under different conditions were investigated for the first time. Pyraquinil was classified as an easily degradable pesticide in natural water, and hydrolyzes faster in alkaline conditions and at higher temperatures. The formation trends of the main transformation products (TPs) of pyraquinil were also quantified. Fifteen TPs were identified in water using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS) and Compound Discoverer software, which adopted suspect and nontarget screening strategies. Among them, twelve TPs were reported for the first time and 11 TPs were confirmed by synthesis of their standards. The proposed degradation pathways have demonstrated that the 4,5-dihydropyrazolo[1,5-a]quinazoline skeleton of pyraquinil is stable enough to retain in its TPs. ECOSAR prediction and laboratory tests showed that pyraquinil was "very toxic" or "toxic" to aquatic organisms, while the toxicities of all of the TPs are substantially lower than that of pyraquinil except for TP484, which was predicted to pose a higher toxicity. The results are important for elucidating the fate and assessing the environmental risks of pyraquinil, and provide guidance for scientific and reasonable use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunyuan Jiang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-products of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products, and Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Guangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Lu Xiao
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-products of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products, and Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Guangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-products of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products, and Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Guangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Congling Huang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-products of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products, and Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Guangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Jiale Wang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-products of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products, and Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Guangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xuemei Tang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-products of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products, and Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Guangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Kai Wan
- Institute of Quality Standard and Monitoring Technology for Agro-products of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products, and Key Laboratory of Testing and Evaluation for Agro-product Safety and Quality (Guangzhou), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Hanhong Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China
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45
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Mancini F, Cooke R, Woodcock BA, Greenop A, Johnson AC, Isaac NJB. Invertebrate biodiversity continues to decline in cropland. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230897. [PMID: 37282535 PMCID: PMC10244961 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Modern agriculture has drastically changed global landscapes and introduced pressures on wildlife populations. Policy and management of agricultural systems has changed over the last 30 years, a period characterized not only by intensive agricultural practices but also by an increasing push towards sustainability. It is crucial that we understand the long-term consequences of agriculture on beneficial invertebrates and assess if policy and management approaches recently introduced are supporting their recovery. In this study, we use large citizen science datasets to derive trends in invertebrate occupancy in Great Britain between 1990 and 2019. We compare these trends between regions of no- (0%), low- (greater than 0-50%) and high-cropland (greater than 50%) cover, which includes arable and horticultural crops. Although we detect general declines, invertebrate groups are declining most strongly in high-cropland cover regions. This suggests that even in the light of improved policy and management over the last 30 years, the way we are managing cropland is failing to conserve and restore invertebrate communities. New policy-based drivers and incentives are required to support the resilience and sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. Post-Brexit changes in UK agricultural policy and reforms under the Environment Act offer opportunities to improve agricultural landscapes for the benefit of biodiversity and society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rob Cooke
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Ben A. Woodcock
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Arran Greenop
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, OX10 8BB, UK
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46
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Li Y, Wang C, Deng X, Cai R, Cao L, Cao C, Zheng L, Zhao P, Huang Q. Preparation of Thifluzamide Polylactic Acid Glycolic Acid Copolymer Microspheres and Its Effect on the Growth of Cucumber Seedlings. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10121. [PMID: 37373269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210121] [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: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA) has been proven to be applicable in medicine, but there is limited research on its application and safety in the agricultural field. In this paper, thifluzamide PLGA microspheres were prepared via phacoemulsification and solvent volatilization, using the PLGA copolymer as the carrier and thifluzamide as the active component. It was found that the microspheres had good slow-release performance and fungicidal activity against Rhizoctonia solani. A comparative study was conducted to show the effect of thifluzamide PLGA microspheres on cucumber seedlings. Physiological and biochemical indexes of cucumber seedlings, including dry weight, root length, chlorophyll, protein, flavonoids, and total phenol content, indicated that the negative effect of thifluzamide on plant growth could be mitigated when it was wrapped in PLGA microspheres. This work explores the feasibility of PLGA as carriers in fungicide applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chaojie Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xile Deng
- Hunan Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Runze Cai
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lidong Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chong Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Pengyue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qiliang Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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47
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Tong Z, Shen Y, Meng D, Yi X, Sun M, Dong X, Chu Y, Duan J. Ecological threat caused by malathion and its chiral metabolite in a honey bee-rape system: Stereoselective exposure risk and the mechanism revealed by proteome. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162585. [PMID: 36870510 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162585] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Honey bees play an important role in the ecological environment. Regrettably, a decline in honey bee colonies caused by chemical insecticides has occurred throughout the world. Potential stereoselective toxicity of chiral insecticides may be a hidden source of danger to bee colonies. In this study, the stereoselective exposure risk and mechanism of malathion and its chiral metabolite malaoxon were investigated. The absolute configurations were identified using an electron circular dichroism (ECD) model. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used for chiral separation. In pollen, the initial residues of malathion and malaoxon enantiomers were 3571-3619 and 397-402 μg/kg, respectively, and R-malathion degraded relatively slowly. The oral LD50 values of R-malathion and S-malathion were 0.187 and 0.912 μg/bee with 5 times difference, respectively, and the malaoxon values were 0.633 and 0.766 μg/bee. The Pollen Hazard Quotient (PHQ) was used to evaluate exposure risk. R-malathion showed a higher risk. An analysis of the proteome, including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and subcellular localization, indicated that energy metabolism and neurotransmitter transport were the main affected pathways. Our results provide a new scheme for the evaluation of the stereoselective exposure risk of chiral pesticides to honey bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Tong
- Institute of Plant Protection and Agro-Product Safety, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Safety Risk Evaluation (Hefei), Ministry of Agriculture, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Yan Shen
- Institute of Plant Protection and Agro-Product Safety, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - DanDan Meng
- Institute of Plant Protection and Agro-Product Safety, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Safety Risk Evaluation (Hefei), Ministry of Agriculture, Hefei 230031, China
| | - XiaoTong Yi
- Institute of Plant Protection and Agro-Product Safety, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Safety Risk Evaluation (Hefei), Ministry of Agriculture, Hefei 230031, China
| | - MingNa Sun
- Institute of Plant Protection and Agro-Product Safety, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Safety Risk Evaluation (Hefei), Ministry of Agriculture, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Xu Dong
- Institute of Plant Protection and Agro-Product Safety, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Safety Risk Evaluation (Hefei), Ministry of Agriculture, Hefei 230031, China; Department of Pesticide Science, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yue Chu
- Institute of Plant Protection and Agro-Product Safety, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Safety Risk Evaluation (Hefei), Ministry of Agriculture, Hefei 230031, China
| | - JinSheng Duan
- Institute of Plant Protection and Agro-Product Safety, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Product Safety Risk Evaluation (Hefei), Ministry of Agriculture, Hefei 230031, China.
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48
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Tison L, Franc C, Burkart L, Jactel H, Monceau K, de Revel G, Thiéry D. Pesticide contamination in an intensive insect predator of honey bees. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 176:107975. [PMID: 37216836 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Pesticides used for plant protection can indirectly affect target and non-target organisms and are identified as a major cause of insect decline. Depending on species interactions, pesticides can be transferred into the environment from plants to preys and predators. While the transfer of pesticides is often studied through vertebrate and aquatic exposure, arthropod predators of insects may represent valuable bioindicators of environmental exposure to pesticides. A modified QuEChERS extraction coupled with HPLC-MS/MS analysis was used to address the question of the exposure to pesticides of the invasive hornet Vespa velutina, a specialist predator of honey bees. This analytical method allows the accurate quantification of nanogram/gram levels of 42 contaminants in a sample weight that can be obtained from single individuals. Pesticide residues were analyzed in female workers from 24 different hornet nests and 13 different pesticides and 1 synergist, piperonyl butoxide, were identified and quantified. In 75 % of the explored nests, we found at least one compound and in 53 % of the positive samples we could quantify residues ranging from 0.5 to 19.5 ng.g-1. In this study, hornets from nests located in sub-urban environments were the most contaminated. Pesticide residue analysis in small and easy to collect predatory insects opens new perspectives for the study of environmental contamination and the transfer of pesticides in terrestrial trophic chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Tison
- INRAE, UMR1065 SAVE, 33140 Villenave d'Ornon, France.
| | - Céline Franc
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, UMR 1366, OENO, ISVV, 33140 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | | | | | - Karine Monceau
- Univ. La Rochelle CEBC, UMR CNRS 7372, 79360 Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Gilles de Revel
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, UMR 1366, OENO, ISVV, 33140 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Denis Thiéry
- INRAE, UMR1065 SAVE, 33140 Villenave d'Ornon, France
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49
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Barascou L, Godeau U, Pioz M, Martin O, Sené D, Crauser D, Le Conte Y, Alaux C. Real-time monitoring of honeybee colony daily activity and bee loss rates can highlight the risk posed by a pesticide. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 886:163928. [PMID: 37156377 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Information on honeybee foraging performance and especially bee loss rates at the colony level are crucial for evaluating the magnitude of effects due to pesticide exposure, thereby ensuring that protection goals for honeybee colonies are met (i.e. threshold of acceptable effects). However, current methods for monitoring honeybee foraging activity and mortality are very approximate (visual records) or are time-limited and mostly based on single cohort analysis. We therefore assess the potential of bee counters, that enable a colony-level and continuous monitoring of bee flight activity and mortality, in pesticide risk assessment. After assessing the background activity and bee loss rates, we exposed colonies to two concentrations of sulfoxaflor (a neurotoxic insecticide) in sugar syrup: a concentration that was considered to be field realistic (0.59 μg/ml) and a higher concentration (2.36 μg/ml) representing a worst-case exposure scenario. We did not find any effect of the field-realistic concentration on flight activity and bee loss rates. However, a two-fold decrease in daily flight activity and a 10-fold increase in daily bee losses were detected in colonies exposed to the highest sulfoxaflor concentration as compared to before exposure. When compared to the theoretical trigger values associated with the specific protection goal of 7 % colony-size reduction, the observed fold changes in daily bee losses were often found to be at risk for colonies. In conclusion, the real-time and colony-level monitoring of bee loss rates, combined with threshold values indicating at which levels bee loss rates threaten the colony, have great potential for improving regulatory pesticide risk assessments for honeybees under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Olivier Martin
- INRAE, Biostatistique et processus Spatiaux, Avignon, France
| | - Deborah Sené
- INRAE, Abeilles et Environnement, Avignon, France
| | | | | | - Cedric Alaux
- INRAE, Abeilles et Environnement, Avignon, France
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50
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Botina LL, Barbosa WF, Acosta JPL, Bernardes RC, Cortes JEQ, Pylro VS, Mendonça AC, Barbosa RC, Lima MAP, Martins GF. The impact of early-life exposure to three agrochemicals on survival, behavior, and gut microbiota of stingless bees (Partamona helleri). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27385-4. [PMID: 37147541 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27385-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, agrochemicals have been partially associated with a global reduction in bees' population. Toxicological assessment is therefore crucial for understanding the overall agrochemical risks to stingless bees. Therefore, the lethal and sublethal effects of agrochemicals commonly used in crops (copper sulfate, glyphosate, and spinosad) on the behavior and gut microbiota of the stingless bee, Partamona helleri, were assessed using chronic exposure during the larval stage. When used at the field-recommended rates, both copper sulfate (200 µg of active ingredient/bee; a.i µg bee-1) and spinosad (8.16 a.i µg bee-1) caused a decrease in bee survival, while glyphosate (148 a.i µg bee-1) did not show any significant effects. No significant adverse effects on bee development were observed in any treatment with CuSO4 or glyphosate, but spinosad (0.08 or 0.03 a.i µg bee -1) increased the number of deformed bees and reduced their body mass. Agrochemicals changed the behavior of bees and composition of the gut microbiota of adult bees, and metals such as copper accumulated in the bees' bodies. The response of bees to agrochemicals depends on the class or dose of the ingested compound. In vitro rearing of stingless bees' larvae is a useful tool to elucidate the sublethal effects of agrochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Lisbetd Botina
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Wagner Faria Barbosa
- Departamento de Estatística, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Lima Acosta
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | | | | | - Victor Satler Pylro
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Lavras - UFLA, Lavras, MG, 37200-900, Brazil
| | - Adriana Corrêa Mendonça
- Departamento de Ciência de Solos, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Renata Cristina Barbosa
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
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