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Marsky U, Rognon B, Douablin A, Viry A, Rodríguez Ramos MA, Hammaidi A. Amitraz Resistance in French Varroa Mite Populations-More Complex Than a Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism. INSECTS 2024; 15:390. [PMID: 38921105 PMCID: PMC11203491 DOI: 10.3390/insects15060390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Resistance against amitraz in Varroa mite populations has become a subject of interest in recent years due to the increasing reports of the reduced field efficacy of amitraz treatments, especially from some beekeepers in France and the United States. The loss of amitraz as a reliable tool to effectively reduce Varroa mite infestation in the field could severely worsen the position of beekeepers in the fight to keep Varroa infestation rates in their colonies at low levels. In this publication, we present data from French apiaries, collected in the years 2020 and 2021. These data include the field efficacy of an authorized amitraz-based Varroa treatment (Apivar® ,Véto-pharma, France) and the results of laboratory sensitivity assays of Varroa mites exposed to the reference LC90 concentration of amitraz. In addition, a total of 240 Varroa mites from Eastern, Central, and Southern regions in France that were previously classified as either "sensitive" or "resistant" to amitraz in a laboratory sensitivity assay were genotyped. The genetic analyses of mite samples are focused on the β-adrenergic-like octopamine receptor, which is considered as the main target site for amitraz in Varroa mites. Special attention was paid to a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 260 of the ORβ-2R-L gene that was previously associated to amitraz resistance in French Varroa mites, Varroa. Our findings confirm that amitraz resistance occurs in patches or "islands of resistance", with a less severe reduction in treatment efficacy compared to pyrethroid resistance or coumaphos resistance in Varroa mites. The results of our genetic analyses of Varroa mites call into question the hypothesis of the SNP at position 260 of the ORβ-2R-L gene being directly responsible for amitraz resistance development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Marsky
- Véto-Pharma, 12 Rue de la Croix Martre, 91120 Palaiseau, France;
| | | | | | - Alain Viry
- LDA39, Laboratoire Départemental d’Analyses du Jura, 59 Rue du Vieil Hôpital, 39800 Poligny, France
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Scaramella N, Burke A, Oddie M, Dahle B, de Miranda J, Mondet F, Rosenkranze P, Neumann P, Locke B. Host brood traits, independent of adult behaviours, reduce Varroa destructor mite reproduction in resistant honeybee populations. Int J Parasitol 2023:S0020-7519(23)00092-9. [PMID: 37164049 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is an invasive species of Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) and the largest pathogenic threat to their health world-wide. Its successful invasion and expansion is related to its ability to exploit the worker brood for reproduction, which results in an exponential population growth rate in the new host. With invasion of the mite, wild honeybee populations have been nearly eradicated from Europe and North America, and the survival of managed honeybee populations relies on mite population control treatments. However, there are a few documented honeybee populations surviving extended periods without control treatments due to adapted host traits that directly impact Varroa mite fitness. The aim of this study was to investigate if Varroa mite reproductive success was affected by traits of adult bee behaviours or by traits of the worker brood, in three mite-resistant honey bee populations from Sweden, France and Norway. The mite's reproductive success was measured and compared in broods that were either exposed to, or excluded from, adult bee access. Mite-resistant bee populations were also compared with a local mite-susceptible population, as a control group. Our results show that mite reproductive success rates and mite fecundity in the three mite-resistant populations were significantly different from the control population, with the French and Swedish populations having significantly lower reproductive rates than the Norwegian population. When comparing mite reproduction in exposed or excluded brood treatments, no differences were observed, regardless of population. This result clearly demonstrates that Varroa mite reproductive success can be suppressed by traits of the brood, independent of adult worker bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Scaramella
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ashley Burke
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Melissa Oddie
- Norges Birøkterlag, Dyrskuevegen 20, 2040 Kløfta, Norway
| | - Bjørn Dahle
- Norges Birøkterlag, Dyrskuevegen 20, 2040 Kløfta, Norway; Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Joachim de Miranda
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fanny Mondet
- INRAE, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 84914 Avignon, France
| | - Peter Rosenkranze
- Apiculture State Institute, University of Hohenheim, Erna-hruschka-Weg 6, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Peter Neumann
- Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Center, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Locke
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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3
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Common LK, Kleindorfer S, Colombelli-Négrel D, Dudaniec RY. Genetics reveals shifts in reproductive behaviour of the invasive bird parasite Philornis downsi collected from Darwin’s finch nests. Biol Invasions 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-022-02935-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
AbstractDue to novel or dynamic fluctuations in environmental conditions and resources, host and parasite relationships can be subject to diverse selection pressures that may lead to significant changes during and after invasion of a parasite. Genomic analyses are useful for elucidating evolutionary processes in invasive parasites following their arrival to a new area and host. Philornis downsi (Diptera: Muscidae), the avian vampire fly, was introduced to the Galápagos Islands circa 1964 and has since spread across the archipelago, feeding on the blood of developing nestlings of endemic land birds. Since its discovery, there have been significant changes to the dynamics of P. downsi and its novel hosts, such as shifting mortality rates and changing oviposition behaviour, however no temporal genetic studies have been conducted. We collected P. downsi from nests and traps from a single island population over a 14-year period, and genotyped flies at 469 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RADSeq). Despite significant genetic differentiation (FST) between years, there was no evidence for genetic clustering within or across four sampling years between 2006 and 2020, suggesting a lack of population isolation. Sibship reconstructions from P. downsi collected from 10 Darwin’s finch nests sampled in 2020 showed evidence for shifts in reproductive behaviour compared to a similar genetic analysis conducted in 2004–2006. Compared with this previous study, females mated with fewer males, individual females oviposited fewer offspring per nest, but more unique females oviposited per nest. These findings are important to consider within reproductive control techniques, and have fitness implications for both parasite evolution and host fitness.
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4
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Beaurepaire A, Arredondo D, Genchi-García ML, Castelli L, Reynaldi FJ, Antunez K, Invernizzi C, Mondet F, Le Conte Y, Dalmon A. Genetic diversification of an invasive honey bee ectoparasite across sympatric and allopatric host populations. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 103:105340. [PMID: 35853582 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Invasive parasites are major threats to biodiversity. The honey bee ectoparasite, Varroa destructor, has shifted host and spread almost globally several decades ago. This pest is generally considered to be the main global threat to Western honey bees, Apis mellifera, although the damages it causes are not equivalent in all its new host's populations. Due to the high virulence of this parasite and the viruses it vectors, beekeepers generally rely on acaricide treatments to keep their colonies alive. However, some populations of A. mellifera can survive without anthropogenic mite control, through the expression of diverse resistance and tolerance traits. Such surviving colonies are currently found throughout the globe, with the biggest populations being found in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Recently, genetic differences between mite populations infesting surviving and treated A. mellifera colonies in Europe were found, suggesting that adaptations of honey bees drive mite evolution. Yet, the prevalence of such co-evolutionary adaptations in other invasive populations of V. destructor remain unknown. Using the previous data from Europe and novel genetic data from V. destructor populations in South America and Africa, we here investigated whether mites display signs of adaptations to different host populations of diverse origins and undergoing differing management. Our results show that, contrary to the differences previously documented in Europe, mites infesting treated and untreated honey bee populations in Africa and South America are genetically similar. However, strong levels of genetic differentiation were found when comparing mites across continents, suggesting ongoing allopatric speciation despite a recent spread from genetically homogenous lineages. This study provides novel insights into the co-evolution of V. destructor and A. mellifera, and confirms that these species are ideal to investigate coevolution in newly established host-parasite systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Beaurepaire
- INRAE, UR Abeilles et Environnement, Avignon, France; Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Daniela Arredondo
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Laura Genchi-García
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern, Switzerland; Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Loreley Castelli
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Francisco Jose Reynaldi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Karina Antunez
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ciro Invernizzi
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República de Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Fanny Mondet
- INRAE, UR Abeilles et Environnement, Avignon, France
| | - Yves Le Conte
- INRAE, UR Abeilles et Environnement, Avignon, France
| | - Anne Dalmon
- INRAE, UR Abeilles et Environnement, Avignon, France
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5
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Truong Nguyen PT, Culverwell CL, Suvanto MT, Korhonen EM, Uusitalo R, Vapalahti O, Smura T, Huhtamo E. Characterisation of the RNA Virome of Nine Ochlerotatus Species in Finland. Viruses 2022; 14:1489. [PMID: 35891469 PMCID: PMC9324324 DOI: 10.3390/v14071489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA viromes of nine commonly encountered Ochlerotatus mosquito species collected around Finland in 2015 and 2017 were studied using next-generation sequencing. Mosquito homogenates were sequenced from 91 pools comprising 16-60 morphologically identified adult females of Oc. cantans, Oc. caspius, Oc. communis, Oc. diantaeus, Oc. excrucians, Oc. hexodontus, Oc. intrudens, Oc. pullatus and Oc. punctor/punctodes. In total 514 viral Reverse dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) sequences of 159 virus species were recovered, belonging to 25 families or equivalent rank, as follows: Aliusviridae, Aspiviridae, Botybirnavirus, Chrysoviridae, Chuviridae, Endornaviridae, Flaviviridae, Iflaviridae, Negevirus, Partitiviridae, Permutotetraviridae, Phasmaviridae, Phenuiviridae, Picornaviridae, Qinviridae, Quenyavirus, Rhabdoviridae, Sedoreoviridae, Solemoviridae, Spinareoviridae, Togaviridae, Totiviridae, Virgaviridae, Xinmoviridae and Yueviridae. Of these, 147 are tentatively novel viruses. One sequence of Sindbis virus, which causes Pogosta disease in humans, was detected from Oc. communis from Pohjois-Karjala. This study greatly increases the number of mosquito-associated viruses known from Finland and presents the northern-most mosquito-associated viruses in Europe to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuoc T. Truong Nguyen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland; (C.L.C.); (M.T.S.); (E.M.K.); (R.U.); (O.V.); (T.S.); (E.H.)
| | - C. Lorna Culverwell
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland; (C.L.C.); (M.T.S.); (E.M.K.); (R.U.); (O.V.); (T.S.); (E.H.)
- The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW5 7BD, UK
| | - Maija T. Suvanto
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland; (C.L.C.); (M.T.S.); (E.M.K.); (R.U.); (O.V.); (T.S.); (E.H.)
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Agnes Sjöbergin Katu 2, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Essi M. Korhonen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland; (C.L.C.); (M.T.S.); (E.M.K.); (R.U.); (O.V.); (T.S.); (E.H.)
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Agnes Sjöbergin Katu 2, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ruut Uusitalo
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland; (C.L.C.); (M.T.S.); (E.M.K.); (R.U.); (O.V.); (T.S.); (E.H.)
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Agnes Sjöbergin Katu 2, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, Gustaf Hällströmin Katu 2, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland; (C.L.C.); (M.T.S.); (E.M.K.); (R.U.); (O.V.); (T.S.); (E.H.)
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Agnes Sjöbergin Katu 2, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Virology and Immunology, Diagnostic Center, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, FI-00029 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Teemu Smura
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland; (C.L.C.); (M.T.S.); (E.M.K.); (R.U.); (O.V.); (T.S.); (E.H.)
| | - Eili Huhtamo
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, FI-00290 Helsinki, Finland; (C.L.C.); (M.T.S.); (E.M.K.); (R.U.); (O.V.); (T.S.); (E.H.)
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Agnes Sjöbergin Katu 2, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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6
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Techer MA, Roberts JMK, Cartwright RA, Mikheyev AS. The first steps toward a global pandemic: Reconstructing the demographic history of parasite host switches in its native range. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:1358-1374. [PMID: 34882860 PMCID: PMC11105409 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Host switching allows parasites to expand their niches. However, successful switching may require suites of adaptations and also may decrease performance on the old host. As a result, reductions in gene flow accompany many host switches, driving speciation. Because host switches tend to be rapid, it is difficult to study them in real-time, and their demographic parameters remain poorly understood. As a result, fundamental factors that control subsequent parasite evolution, such as the size of the switching population or the extent of immigration from the original host, remain largely unknown. To shed light on the host switching process, we explored how host switches occur in independent host shifts by two ectoparasitic honey bee mites (Varroa destructor and V. jacobsoni). Both switched to the western honey bee (Apis mellifera) after being brought into contact with their ancestral host (Apis cerana), ~70 and ~12 years ago, respectively. Varroa destructor subsequently caused worldwide collapses of honey bee populations. Using whole-genome sequencing on 63 mites collected in their native ranges from both the ancestral and novel hosts, we were able to reconstruct the known temporal dynamics of the switch. We further found multiple previously undiscovered mitochondrial lineages on the novel host, along with the genetic equivalent of tens of individuals that were involved in the initial host switch. Despite being greatly reduced, some gene flow remains between mites adapted to different hosts. Our findings suggest that while reproductive isolation may facilitate the fixation of traits beneficial for exploiting the new host, ongoing genetic exchange may allow genetic amelioration of inbreeding effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeva A Techer
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa, Japan
| | - John M K Roberts
- Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Reed A Cartwright
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Alexander S Mikheyev
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa, Japan
- Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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7
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Rafaluk-Mohr C, Gerth M, Sealey JE, Ekroth AKE, Aboobaker AA, Kloock A, King KC. Microbial protection favors parasite tolerance and alters host-parasite coevolutionary dynamics. Curr Biol 2022; 32:1593-1598.e3. [PMID: 35148861 PMCID: PMC9355892 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.01.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Coevolution between hosts and parasites is a major driver of rapid evolutionary change1 and diversification.2,3 However, direct antagonistic interactions between hosts and parasites could be disrupted4 when host microbiota form a line of defense, a phenomenon widespread across animal and plant species.5,6 By suppressing parasite infection, protective microbiota could reduce the need for host-based defenses and favor host support for microbiota colonization,6 raising the possibility that the microbiota can alter host-parasite coevolutionary patterns and processes.7 Here, using an experimental evolution approach, we co-passaged populations of nematode host (Caenorhabditis elegans) and parasites (Staphylococcus aureus) when hosts were colonized (or not) by protective bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis). We found that microbial protection during coevolution resulted in the evolution of host mortality tolerance—higher survival following parasite infection—and in parasites adapting to microbial defenses. Compared to unprotected host-parasite coevolution, the protected treatment was associated with reduced dominance of fluctuating selection dynamics in host populations. No differences in host recombination rate or genetic diversity were detected. Genomic divergence was observed between parasite populations coevolved in protected and unprotected hosts. These findings indicate that protective host microbiota can determine the evolution of host defense strategies and shape host-parasite coevolutionary dynamics. Microbial protection resulted in the evolution of host mortality tolerance Parasites adapted to counter microbial defenses within hosts Protective microbes reduced fluctuating selection dynamics Microbial protection did not impact host genetic diversity or recombination rates
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Gerth
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Jordan E Sealey
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Alice K E Ekroth
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Aziz A Aboobaker
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Anke Kloock
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Kayla C King
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK.
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8
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Liu Y, Henkel J, Beaurepaire A, Evans JD, Neumann P, Huang Q. Comparative genomics suggests local adaptations in the invasive small hive beetle. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:15780-15791. [PMID: 34824789 PMCID: PMC8601931 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive species are a major driver of ecological and environmental changes that affect human health, food security, and natural biodiversity. The success and impact of biological invasions depend on adaptations to novel abiotic and biotic selective pressures. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying adaptations in invasive parasitic species are inadequately understood. Small hive beetles, Aethina tumida, are parasites of bee nests. Originally endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, they are now found nearly globally. Here, we investigated the molecular bases of the adaptations to novel environments underlying their invasion routes. Genomes of historic and recent adults A. tumida from both the endemic and introduced ranges were compared. Analysis of gene-environment association identified 3049 candidate loci located in 874 genes. Functional annotation showed a significant bias toward genes linked to growth and reproduction. One of the genes from the apoptosis pathway encodes an "ecdysone-related protein," which is a crucial regulator in controlling body size in response to environmental cues for holometabolous insects during cell death and renewal. Genes whose proteins regulate organ size, ovary activation, and oviposition were also detected. Functions of these enriched pathways parallel behavioral differences between introduced and native A. tumida populations, which may reflect patterns of local adaptation. The results considerably improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and ecological factors driving adaptations of invasive species. Deep functional investigation of these identified loci will help clarify the mechanisms of local adaptation in A. tumida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhen Liu
- Vetsuisse FacultyInstitute of Bee HealthUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Jan Henkel
- Vetsuisse FacultyInstitute of GeneticsUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Alexis Beaurepaire
- Vetsuisse FacultyInstitute of Bee HealthUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Jay D. Evans
- USDA‐ARS Beltsville Bee Research LaboratoryBeltsvilleMarylandUSA
| | - Peter Neumann
- Vetsuisse FacultyInstitute of Bee HealthUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- AgroscopeSwiss Bee Research CentreBernSwitzerland
| | - Qiang Huang
- Honeybee Research InstituteJiangxi Agricultural UniversityNanchangChina
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9
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Grindrod I, Martin SJ. Parallel evolution of Varroa resistance in honey bees: a common mechanism across continents? Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211375. [PMID: 34344183 PMCID: PMC8334839 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The near-globally distributed ecto-parasitic mite of the Apis mellifera honeybee, Varroa destructor, has formed a lethal association with Deformed wing virus, a once rare and benign RNA virus. In concert, the two have killed millions of wild and managed colonies, particularly across the Northern Hemisphere, forcing the need for regular acaricide application to ensure colony survival. However, despite the short association (in evolutionary terms), a small but increasing number of A. mellifera populations across the globe have been surviving many years without any mite control methods. This long-term survival, or Varroa resistance, is consistently associated with the same suite of traits (recapping, brood removal and reduced mite reproduction) irrespective of location. Here we conduct an analysis of data extracted from 60 papers to illustrate how these traits connect together to explain decades of mite resistance data. We have potentially a unified understanding of natural Varroa resistance that will help the global industry achieve widespread miticide-free beekeeping and indicate how different honeybee populations across four continents have resolved a recent threat using the same suite of behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel Grindrod
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
| | - Stephen J. Martin
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
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10
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Moro A, Blacquière T, Dahle B, Dietemann V, Le Conte Y, Locke B, Neumann P, Beaurepaire A. Adaptive population structure shifts in invasive parasitic mites, Varroa destructor. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:5937-5949. [PMID: 34141194 PMCID: PMC8207383 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Comparative studies of genetic diversity and population structure can shed light on the ecological and evolutionary factors governing host-parasite interactions. Even though invasive parasites are considered of major biological importance, little is known about their adaptative potential when infesting the new hosts. Here, the genetic diversification of Varroa destructor, a novel parasite of Apis mellifera originating from Asia, was investigated using population genetics to determine how the genetic structure of the parasite changed in distinct European populations of its new host. To do so, mites infesting two categories of hosts in four European regions were compared: (a) adapted hosts surviving through means of natural selection, thereby expected to impose strong selective pressure on the mites, and (b) treated host populations, surviving mite infestations because acaricides are applied, therefore characterized by a relaxed selection imposed by the host on the mites. Significant genetic divergence was found across regions, partially reflecting the invasion pattern of V. destructor throughout Europe and indicating local adaptation of the mite to the host populations. Additionally, varying degrees of genotypic changes were found between mites from adapted and treated colonies. Altogether, these results indicate that V. destructor managed to overcome the genetic bottlenecks following its introduction in Europe and that host-mediated selection fostered changes in the genetic structure of this mite at diverse geographic scales. These findings highlight the potential of parasites to adapt to their local host populations and confirm that adaptations developed within coevolutionary dynamics are a major determinant of population genetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arrigo Moro
- Vetsuisse FacultyInstitute of Bee HealthUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Swiss Bee Research CenterAgroscopeBernSwitzerland
| | | | - Bjørn Dahle
- Norwegian Beekeepers AssociationKløftaNorway
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource ManagementNorwegian University of Life SciencesÅsNorway
| | - Vincent Dietemann
- Swiss Bee Research CenterAgroscopeBernSwitzerland
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | | | - Barbara Locke
- Department of EcologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
| | - Peter Neumann
- Vetsuisse FacultyInstitute of Bee HealthUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Swiss Bee Research CenterAgroscopeBernSwitzerland
| | - Alexis Beaurepaire
- Vetsuisse FacultyInstitute of Bee HealthUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Swiss Bee Research CenterAgroscopeBernSwitzerland
- UR 406 Abeilles et EnvironnementINRAEAvignonFrance
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11
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Moro A, Blacquière T, Panziera D, Dietemann V, Neumann P. Host-Parasite Co-Evolution in Real-Time: Changes in Honey Bee Resistance Mechanisms and Mite Reproductive Strategies. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12020120. [PMID: 33572966 PMCID: PMC7911685 DOI: 10.3390/insects12020120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Parasitic mites, Varroa destructor, are a major threat for Western honey bees, Apismellifera, colonies globally. Nevertheless, some honey bee populations can survive infestations with this mite, probably due to behaviors that suppress parasite reproduction. However, possible changes in mites associated with these surviving bees and the potential variations of bee behavior over time are poorly understood. Here, we show that mites can change their reproduction when associated with surviving hosts and that the bee behaviors suppressing mite reproduction can vary over time. In a fully-crossed field experiment on Dutch surviving colonies (Amsterdam Water Dunes (AWD) selection), worker brood cell recapping and varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH) performed by bees and mite reproductive parameters were investigated. Neither recapping nor VSH were significantly expressed even though a previous study showed VSH in these AWD bees. A larger proportion of mites that co-evolved with AWD surviving bees reproduced compared to mites in routinely treated colonies, but had lower fecundity. Overall, our study suggests that honeybee colonies can survive infestations with these mites by not yet understood means and shows for the first time adaptive changes in the reproduction of their coevolved mites. Abstract Co-evolution is a major driving force shaping the outcome of host-parasite interactions over time. After host shifts, the lack of co-evolution can have a drastic impact on novel host populations. Nevertheless, it is known that Western honey bee (Apismellifera) populations can cope with host-shifted ectoparasitic mites (Varroa destructor) by means of natural selection. However, adaptive phenotypic traits of the parasites and temporal variations in host resistance behavior are poorly understood. Here, we show that mites made adaptive shifts in reproductive strategy when associated with resistant hosts and that host resistance traits can change over time. In a fully-crossed field experiment, worker brood cells of local adapted and non-adapted (control) A.mellifera host colonies were infested with mites originating from both types of host colonies. Then, mite reproduction as well as recapping of cells and removal of infested brood (i.e., Varroa Sensitive Hygiene, VSH) by host workers were investigated and compared to data from the same groups of host colonies three years earlier. The data suggest adaptive shifts in mite reproductive strategies, because mites from adapted hosts have higher probabilities of reproduction, but lower fecundity, when infesting their associated hosts than mites in treated colonies. The results confirm that adapted hosts can reduce mite reproductive success. However, neither recapping of cells nor VSH were significantly expressed, even though the latter was significantly expressed in this adapted population three years earlier. This suggests temporal variation in the expression of adaptive host traits. It also appears as if mechanisms not investigated here were responsible for the reduced mite reproduction in the adapted hosts. In conclusion, a holistic view including mite adaptations and studies of the same parasite/host populations over time appears overdue to finally understand the mechanisms enabling survival of V.destructor-infested honey bee host colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arrigo Moro
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3097 Bern, Switzerland;
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Center, CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Tjeerd Blacquière
- Wageningen Plant Research, Wageningen University & Research, 6708PB-1 Wageningen, The Netherlands; (T.B.); (D.P.)
| | - Delphine Panziera
- Wageningen Plant Research, Wageningen University & Research, 6708PB-1 Wageningen, The Netherlands; (T.B.); (D.P.)
| | - Vincent Dietemann
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Center, CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland;
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3097 Bern, Switzerland;
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Center, CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland;
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12
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Le Conte Y, Meixner MD, Brandt A, Carreck NL, Costa C, Mondet F, Büchler R. Geographical Distribution and Selection of European Honey Bees Resistant to Varroa destructor. INSECTS 2020; 11:E873. [PMID: 33302465 PMCID: PMC7764010 DOI: 10.3390/insects11120873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Developing resistance to the varroa mite in honey bees is a major goal for apicultural science and practice, the development of selection strategies and the availability of resistant stock. Here we present an extended literature review and survey of resistant populations and selection programs in the EU and elsewhere, including expert interviews. We illustrate the practical experiences of scientists, beekeepers, and breeders in search of resistant bees. We describe numerous resistant populations surviving without acaricide treatments, most of which developed under natural infestation pressure. Their common characteristics: reduced brood development; limited mite population growth; and low mite reproduction, may cause conflict with the interests of commercial beekeeping. Since environmental factors affect varroa mite resistance, particular honey bee strains must be evaluated under different local conditions and colony management. The resistance traits of grooming, hygienic behavior and mite reproduction, together with simple testing of mite population development and colony survival, are significant in recent selection programs. Advanced breeding techniques and genetic and physiological selection tools will be essential in the future. Despite huge demand, there is no well-established market for resistant stock in Europe. Moreover, reliable experience or experimental evidence regarding the resistance of stocks under different environmental and management conditions is still lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Le Conte
- INRAE, Abeilles et Environnement, 84914 Avignon, France;
| | - Marina D. Meixner
- Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen, Bee Institute, Erlenstrasse 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany; (M.D.M.); (A.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Annely Brandt
- Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen, Bee Institute, Erlenstrasse 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany; (M.D.M.); (A.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Norman L. Carreck
- Carreck Consultancy Ltd., Woodside Cottage, Dragons Lane, Shipley RH13 8GD, West Sussex, UK;
- Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, East Sussex, UK
| | - Cecilia Costa
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Saliceto 80, 40128 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Fanny Mondet
- INRAE, Abeilles et Environnement, 84914 Avignon, France;
| | - Ralph Büchler
- Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen, Bee Institute, Erlenstrasse 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany; (M.D.M.); (A.B.); (R.B.)
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13
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Varroa destructor: how does it harm Apis mellifera honey bees and what can be done about it? Emerg Top Life Sci 2020; 4:45-57. [PMID: 32537655 PMCID: PMC7326341 DOI: 10.1042/etls20190125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Since its migration from the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) to the European honey bee (Apis mellifera), the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor has emerged as a major issue for beekeeping worldwide. Due to a short history of coevolution, the host–parasite relationship between A. mellifera and V. destructor is unbalanced, with honey bees suffering infestation effects at the individual, colony and population levels. Several control solutions have been developed to tackle the colony and production losses due to Varroa, but the burden caused by the mite in combination with other biotic and abiotic factors continues to increase, weakening the beekeeping industry. In this synthetic review, we highlight the main advances made between 2015 and 2020 on V. destructor biology and its impact on the health of the honey bee, A. mellifera. We also describe the main control solutions that are currently available to fight the mite and place a special focus on new methodological developments, which point to integrated pest management strategies for the control of Varroa in honey bee colonies.
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14
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Unraveling Honey Bee- Varroa destructor Interaction: Multiple Factors Involved in Differential Resistance between Two Uruguayan Populations. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7030116. [PMID: 32825255 PMCID: PMC7558146 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7030116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The ectoparasite Varroa destructor is the greatest biotic threat of honey bees Apis mellifera in vast regions of the world. Recently, the study of natural mite-resistant populations has gained much interest to understand the action of natural selection on the mechanisms that limit the mite population. In this study, the components of the A. mellifera–V. destructor relationship were thoroughly examined and compared in resistant and susceptible honey bee populations from two regions of Uruguay. Mite-resistant honey bees have greater behavioral resistance (hygienic and grooming behaviors) than susceptible honey bees. At the end of the summer, resistant honey bees had fewer mites and a lower deformed wing virus (DWV) viral load than susceptible honey bees. DWV variant A was the only detected variant in honey bees and mites. Molecular analysis by Short Tandem Repeat showed that resistant honey bees were Africanized (A. m. scutellata hybrids), whereas susceptible honey bees were closer to European subspecies. Furthermore, significant genetic differentiation was also found between the mite populations. The obtained results show that the natural resistance of honey bees to V. destructor in Uruguay depends on several factors and that the genetic variants of both organisms can play a relevant role.
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Eliash N, Mikheyev A. Varroa mite evolution: a neglected aspect of worldwide bee collapses? CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 39:21-26. [PMID: 32088383 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
While ectoparasitic Varroa mites cause minimal damage to their co-evolved ancestral host, the eastern honey bee (Apis cerana), they devastate their novel host, the western honey bee (Apis mellifera). Over several decades, the host switch caused worldwide population collapses, threatening global food security. Varroa management strategies have focused on breeding bees for tolerance. But, can Varroa overcome these counter-adaptations in a classic coevolutionary arms race? Despite increasing evidence for Varroa genetic diversity and evolvability, this eventuality has largely been neglected. We therefore suggest a more holistic paradigm for studying this host-parasite interaction, one in which 'Varroa-tolerant' bee traits should be viewed as a shared phenotype resulting from Varroa and honey bee interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurit Eliash
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel; Ecology and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Onna-son, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Alexander Mikheyev
- Ecology and Evolution Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Onna-son, Okinawa, Japan; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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Honey bee survival mechanisms against the parasite Varroa destructor: a systematic review of phenotypic and genomic research efforts. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:433-447. [PMID: 32380096 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is the most significant pathological threat to the western honey bee, Apis mellifera, leading to the death of most colonies if left untreated. An alternative approach to chemical treatments is to selectively enhance heritable honey bee traits of resistance or tolerance to the mite through breeding programs, or select for naturally surviving untreated colonies. We conducted a literature review of all studies documenting traits of A. mellifera populations either selectively bred or naturally selected for resistance and tolerance to mite parasitism. This allowed us to conduct an analysis of the diversity, distribution and importance of the traits in different honey bee populations that can survive V. destructor globally. In a second analysis, we investigated the genetic bases of these different phenotypes by comparing 'omics studies (genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics) of A. mellifera resistance and tolerance to the parasite. Altogether, this review provides a detailed overview of the current state of the research projects and breeding efforts against the most devastating parasite of A. mellifera. By highlighting the most promising traits of Varroa-surviving bees and our current knowledge on their genetic bases, this work will help direct future research efforts and selection programs to control this pest. Additionally, by comparing the diverse populations of honey bees that exhibit those traits, this review highlights the consequences of anthropogenic and natural selection in the interactions between hosts and parasites.
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