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Gill MC, Chuttong B, Davies P, Etheridge D, Panyaraksa L, Tomkies V, Tonge G, Budge GE. Assessment of the efficacy of field and laboratory methods for the detection of Tropilaelaps spp. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301880. [PMID: 39240935 PMCID: PMC11379168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Tropilaelaps spp. are invasive mites that cause severe disease in Apis mellifera colonies. The UK has deployed an elaborate surveillance system that seeks to detect these mites early in any invasion to allow the best opportunity to eradicate any incursion. Effective field and laboratory protocols, capable of reliably detecting low numbers of mites, are key to the success of any intervention. Here we compared the efficacy of established field monitoring using brood removal with an uncapping fork, and brood 'bump' methods with novel methods for Tropilaelaps detection modified from Varroa monitoring schemes. In addition, we monitored the efficacy of the laboratory method for screening for mites in hive debris by floating mites in ethanol. Our results clearly indicated that novel methods such as uncapping infested brood with tweezers, catching mite drop using sticky traps and rolling adult bees in icing sugar were all significantly more likely to detect Tropilaelaps than existing methods such as using an uncapping fork on infested brood, or the brood 'bump' method. Existing laboratory protocols that sieved hive debris and then floated the mite containing layer failed to detect Tropilaelaps mites and new efficacious protocols were developed. Our results demonstrated that the national surveillance protocols for Tropilaelaps mite detection required modification to improve the early detection of this damaging invasive mite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie C Gill
- Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Horizon House, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Bajaree Chuttong
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Meliponini and Apini Research Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Paul Davies
- National Bee Unit, Animal Plant Health Agency, York Biotech Campus, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom
| | - Dan Etheridge
- National Bee Unit, Animal Plant Health Agency, York Biotech Campus, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom
| | - Lakkhika Panyaraksa
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Meliponini and Apini Research Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Victoria Tomkies
- Fera Science Ltd, York Biotech Campus, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom
| | - George Tonge
- National Bee Unit, Animal Plant Health Agency, York Biotech Campus, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom
| | - Giles E Budge
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Wu T, Choi YS, Kim DW, Wei X, Kang Y, Han B, Yang S, Gao J, Dai P. Interactive effects of chlorothalonil and Varroa destructor on Apis mellifera during adult stage. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 204:106107. [PMID: 39277411 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.106107] [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: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
The interaction between environmental factors affecting honey bees is of growing concern due to their potential synergistic effects on bee health. Our study investigated the interactive impact of Varroa destructor and chlorothalonil on workers' survival, fat body morphology, and the expression of gene associated with detoxification, immunity, and nutrition metabolism during their adult stage. We found that both chlorothalonil and V. destructor significantly decreased workers' survival rates, with a synergistic effect observed when bees were exposed to both stressors simultaneously. Morphological analysis of fat body revealed significant alterations in trophocytes, particularly a reduction in vacuoles and granules after Day 12, coinciding with the transition of the bees from nursing to other in-hive work tasks. Gene expression analysis showed significant changes in detoxification, immunity, and nutrition metabolism over time. Detoxification genes, such as CYP9Q2, CYP9Q3, and GST-D1, were downregulated in response to stressor exposure, indicating a potential impairment in detoxification processes. Immune-related genes, including defensin-1, Dorsal-1, and Kayak, exhibited an initially upregulation followed by varied expression patterns, suggesting a complex immune response to stressors. Nutrition metabolism genes, such as hex 70a, AmIlp2, VGMC, AmFABP, and AmPTL, displayed dynamic expression changes, reflecting alterations in nutrient utilization and energy metabolism in response to stressors. Overall, these findings highlight the interactive and dynamic effects of environmental stressor on honey bees, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying honey bee decline. These results emphasize the need to consider the interactions between multiple stressors in honey bee research and to develop management strategies to mitigate their adverse effects on bee populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yong Soo Choi
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Won Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiaoping Wei
- Modern Agricultural Development Institute, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550006, China
| | - Yuxin Kang
- 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
| | - 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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Becchimanzi A, Cacace A, Parziale M, De Leva G, Iacopino S, Jesu G, Di Lelio I, Stillittano V, Caprio E, Pennacchio F. The salivary gland transcriptome of Varroa destructor reveals suitable targets for RNAi-based mite control. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39039817 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
The mite Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) has a dramatic impact on beekeeping and is one of the main causes of honey bee colony losses. This ectoparasite feeds on honey bees' liquid tissues, through a wound created on the host integument, determining weight loss and a reduction of lifespan, as well as the transmission of viral pathogens. However, despite its importance, the mite feeding strategy and the host regulation role by the salivary secretions have been poorly explored. Here, we contribute to fill this gap by identifying the salivary components of V. destructor, to study their functional importance for mite feeding and survival. The differential expression analysis identified 30 salivary gland genes encoding putatively secreted proteins, among which only 15 were found to be functionally annotated. These latter include proteins with putative anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, cytolytic, digestive and immunosuppressive function. The three most highly transcribed genes, coding for a chitin-binding domain protein, a Kazal domain serine protease inhibitor and a papain-like cysteine protease were selected to study their functional importance by reverse genetics. Knockdown (90%-99%) by RNA interference (RNAi) of the transcript of a chitin-binding domain protein, likely interfering with the immune reaction to facilitate mite feeding, was associated with a 40%-50% decrease of mite survival. This work expands our knowledge of the host regulation and nutritional exploitation strategies adopted by ectoparasites of arthropods and allows the identification of potential targets for RNAi, paving the way towards the development of new strategies for Varroa mite control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Becchimanzi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
- BAT Center-Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso Cacace
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Parziale
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
- Arterra Bioscience, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Leva
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Jesu
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Lelio
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
- BAT Center-Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Virgilio Stillittano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana, Rome, Italy
- School of Specialization in Food Science, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Caprio
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Pennacchio
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
- BAT Center-Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
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Lopes AR, Low M, Martín-Hernández R, de Miranda JR, Pinto MA. Varroa destructor shapes the unique viral landscapes of the honey bee populations of the Azores archipelago. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012337. [PMID: 38959190 PMCID: PMC11221739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012337] [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: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The worldwide dispersal of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor from its Asian origins has fundamentally transformed the relationship of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) with several of its viruses, via changes in transmission and/or host immunosuppression. The extent to which honey bee-virus relationships change after Varroa invasion is poorly understood for most viruses, in part because there are few places in the world with several geographically close but completely isolated honey bee populations that either have, or have not, been exposed long-term to Varroa, allowing for separate ecological, epidemiological, and adaptive relationships to develop between honey bees and their viruses, in relation to the mite's presence or absence. The Azores is one such place, as it contains islands with and without the mite. Here, we combined qPCR with meta-amplicon deep sequencing to uncover the relationship between Varroa presence, and the prevalence, load, diversity, and phylogeographic structure of eight honey bee viruses screened across the archipelago. Four viruses were not detected on any island (ABPV-Acute bee paralysis virus, KBV-Kashmir bee virus, IAPV-Israeli acute bee paralysis virus, BeeMLV-Bee macula-like virus); one (SBV-Sacbrood virus) was detected only on mite-infested islands; one (CBPV-Chronic bee paralysis virus) occurred on some islands, and two (BQCV-Black queen cell virus, LSV-Lake Sinai virus,) were present on every single island. This multi-virus screening builds upon a parallel survey of Deformed wing virus (DWV) strains that uncovered a remarkably heterogeneous viral landscape featuring Varroa-infested islands dominated by DWV-A and -B, Varroa-free islands naïve to DWV, and a refuge of the rare DWV-C dominating the easternmost Varroa-free islands. While all four detected viruses investigated here were affected by Varroa for one or two parameters (usually prevalence and/or the Richness component of ASV diversity), the strongest effect was observed for the multi-strain LSV. Varroa unambiguously led to elevated prevalence, load, and diversity (Richness and Shannon Index) of LSV, with these results largely shaped by LSV-2, a major LSV strain. Unprecedented insights into the mite-virus relationship were further gained from implementing a phylogeographic approach. In addition to enabling the identification of a novel LSV strain that dominated the unique viral landscape of the easternmost islands, this approach, in combination with the recovered diversity patterns, strongly suggests that Varroa is driving the evolutionary change of LSV in the Azores. This study greatly advances the current understanding of the effect of Varroa on the epidemiology and adaptive evolution of these less-studied viruses, whose relationship with Varroa has thus far been poorly defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R. Lopes
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, Bragança, Portugal
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, Porto, Portugal
| | - Matthew Low
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Raquel Martín-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), IRIAF, Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal, Marchamalo, Spain
| | | | - M. Alice Pinto
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, Bragança, Portugal
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Arad M, Ku K, Frey C, Hare R, McAfee A, Ghafourifar G, Foster LJ. What proteomics has taught us about honey bee (Apis mellifera) health and disease. Proteomics 2024:e2400075. [PMID: 38896501 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202400075] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The Western honey bee, Apis mellifera, is currently navigating a gauntlet of environmental pressures, including the persistent threat of parasites, pathogens, and climate change - all of which compromise the vitality of honey bee colonies. The repercussions of their declining health extend beyond the immediate concerns of apiarists, potentially imposing economic burdens on society through diminished agricultural productivity. Hence, there is an imperative to devise innovative monitoring techniques for assessing the health of honey bee populations. Proteomics, recognized for its proficiency in biomarker identification and protein-protein interactions, is poised to play a pivotal role in this regard. It offers a promising avenue for monitoring and enhancing the resilience of honey bee colonies, thereby contributing to the stability of global food supplies. This review delves into the recent proteomic studies of A. mellifera, highlighting specific proteins of interest and envisioning the potential of proteomics to improve sustainable beekeeping practices amidst the challenges of a changing planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maor Arad
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kenneth Ku
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
| | - Connor Frey
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rhien Hare
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Alison McAfee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Golfam Ghafourifar
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Jobart B, Delatte H, Lebreton G, Cazanove N, Esnault O, Clémencet J, Blot N. Parasite and virus dynamics in the honeybee Apis mellifera unicolor on a tropical island recently invaded by Varroa destructor. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 204:108125. [PMID: 38705353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108125] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
In La Réunion, the established honeybee subspecies Apis mellifera unicolor, an endemic subspecies of African lineage, is facing considerable challenges. Since the introduction of the Varroa destructor mite in 2017 high colony losses have been recorded. We investigated the dynamics of V. destructor and two viruses, the Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), known to be transmitted by the mite, and the Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV), in A. m. unicolor. Colonies from two apiaries located at 300 and 900 m a.s.l were monitored twice for one year without any acaricide treatment. The brood area, V. destructor infestation rates, DWV and CBPV prevalence and load were recorded monthly. A. m. unicolor maintained brood rearing throughout the year. Varroa destructor infestation resulted in high colony mortality (up to 85 %) and high phoretic mite rates (up to 52 mites per hundred bees). The establishment of DWV in colonies occurred after that of V. destructor and the mite infestation rate had a significant effect on the virus prevalence and load. CBPV appeared only transiently throughout the surveys. The data showed that, in tropical colonies with permanent brood rearing, V. destructor and DWV can reach high levels, but are still subject to seasonal variations that appear to be influenced by environmental conditions. This suggests that beekeeping practices could be adapted by favouring sites and periods for transhumance or acaricide treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Jobart
- CIRAD, UMR PVBMT, F-97410 Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France; Université de La Réunion, UMR PVBMT, F-97400 Saint Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Hélène Delatte
- CIRAD, UMR PVBMT, F-97410 Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France
| | | | | | - Olivier Esnault
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PVBMT, F-97400 Saint Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Johanna Clémencet
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PVBMT, F-97400 Saint Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Nicolas Blot
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome Et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France; UMR PVBMT, F-97410 Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France.
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7
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Hailu TG, Atsbeha AT, Wakjira K, Gray A. High Rates of Honey Bee Colony Losses and Regional Variability in Ethiopia Based on the Standardised COLOSS 2023 Survey. INSECTS 2024; 15:376. [PMID: 38921091 PMCID: PMC11203459 DOI: 10.3390/insects15060376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The COLOSS research association has been assessing honey bee colony losses, associated risk factors and management, focusing on Western countries but with a progressive international expansion. Here, we report the first survey on the loss rates of colonies in 2022/2023 in Ethiopia using COLOSS monitoring survey tools. A face-to-face interview questionnaire survey was conducted on 64 beekeepers selected from Oromia and Tigray regions. This covered 1713 honey bee colonies distributed in 68 apiaries. The percentages of colonies lost were significantly different between Oromia (24.1%) and Tigray (66.4%) regions. Colony losses were attributed as unsolvable queen problems (8% in Oromia; 10% in Tigray), natural disaster (32%; 82%), and empty hives or dead colonies (60%; 8%). The loss rate was significantly affected by queen replacement (p < 0.0001), use of natural comb (p < 0.0001), feed supplementation (p < 0.0001), region (p < 0.0001), varroa treatment (p < 0.0001), colony splitting (p < 0.01), and merging (p < 0.01). Beekeepers in Oromia managed more colonies and implemented improved practices compared to those in Tigray. However, all beekeepers in Oromia detected at least some bees with signs of deformed wing virus, compared to 76% of beekeepers in Tigray. In conclusion, the colony loss rate was significantly different between Oromia and Tigray regions due to differences in natural disasters, management, environment and health factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teweldemedhn Gebretinsae Hailu
- Department of Livestock Population Genomics, Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany;
- Department of Animal Sciences, Aksum University, Shire P.O. Box 314, Ethiopia;
| | | | | | - Alison Gray
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, 26 Richmond Street, Glasgow G1 1XH, UK
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Bubnič J, Prešern J, Pietropaoli M, Cersini A, Moškrič A, Formato G, Manara V, Smodiš Škerl MI. Integrated Pest Management Strategies to Control Varroa Mites and Their Effect on Viral Loads in Honey Bee Colonies. INSECTS 2024; 15:115. [PMID: 38392534 PMCID: PMC10889759 DOI: 10.3390/insects15020115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Honey bee viruses in combination with varroa mite are very damaging for honey bee colonies worldwide. There are no effective methods to control the viral load in honey bee colonies except regular and effective control of mites. Integrated Pest Management strategies are required to effectively control mites with veterinary medicines based on organic compounds. We evaluated the effect of two brood interruption techniques, queen caging (QC) and trapping comb (TC), followed by an oxalic acid treatment, on the mite fall, colony strength, and viral load of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) and Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV). In this paper, we report the data obtained in two experimental sites, in Slovenia and Italy, in terms of the varroacide efficacy, colony strength, and viral load. The number of adult bees after the adoption of the two techniques showed similar decreasing trends in both locations. The viral load of Acute Bee Paralysis Virus did not show any significant reduction after 25 days, reported as the number of Real-Time PCR cycles needed to detect the virus. The viral load of DWV also did not show a significant reduction after 25 days. The acaricidal efficacy of the applied protocols was high in both experimental groups and in both apiaries. Both the queen caging and trapping comb techniques, followed by an oxalic acid treatment, can be considered effective varroa treatment strategies, but further studies should be carried out to evaluate the long-term effects on viral loads to plan the Integrated Pest Management strategy with the right timing before wintering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jernej Bubnič
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova Ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Prešern
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova Ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marco Pietropaoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Cersini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Ajda Moškrič
- Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, Hacquetova Ulica 17, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Giovanni Formato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Manara
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
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Abban S, Smith B, Corona M, Cook SC, Evans JD, Chen Y, Alburaki M. Prevalence and distribution of Varroa destructor and Nosema spp. in symptomatic honey bee colonies across the USA from 2015 to 2022. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1726. [PMID: 38242935 PMCID: PMC10798951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51514-9] [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: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory received symptomatic honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) samples across the United States for disease diagnosis. Here, we present a retrospective study and cartography of ectoparasite Varroa destructor and intracellular microsporidia parasite Nosema spp. These two major parasites were identified in the diseased honey bee samples between 2015 and 2022. Varroa infestation level (VIL) was examined by a wash technique (Mites/100 bees) and calculated as a percentage, while Nosema infection was quantified by microscopical spore count (Million Spores/Bee). Data were analyzed by month, year, state, and by nine geographical climate regions described in the U.S. Of adult bee samples (n = 4039) that were analyzed for Varroa mite infestation, the overall VIL in the U.S. ranged between 0.4 and 30.85%, with an overall national VIL and Varroa prevalence of 8.21% and 85.14%, respectively. Overall monthly data showed VIL constantly exceeded the critical level of 4% except from June to September and reached a maximum of 15% in January and December. Nationwide, VIL significantly (p < 0.001) increased from 2015 to 2018 (1.1-4.7%), plateaued from 2018 to 2021 (4.7-4.5%), followed by a significant decrease in 2022 (3.6%). Significant VIL differences (p < 0.001) were recorded among climate regions, with the highest mite infestation levels in the Upper Midwest region (13.9%) and the lowest in the West region (5.1%). Of adult bee samples (n = 2,994) that were analyzed for Nosema infection, Nosema spore count ranged between (1-16.8) million spores per bee among states, with a national average of 6.8 and a prevalence of 99.7%. The lowest and highest Nosema loads were respectively recorded in the South region (3.1) and Upper Midwest (10.5), a significant difference (p < 0.001). No statistical differences were recorded among the six other climate regions. Overall, VIL and Nosema infection correlated significantly (p < 0.001) with a regression coefficient of (R2 = 0.6). Our data, which originated from ailing bee colonies, showed significantly higher rates of maladies compared to data from healthy colonies obtained by the USDA-APHIS National Honey Bee Survey, demonstrating the role of bee diseases caused by Varroa mite and Nosema in honey bee population declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Abban
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Bart Smith
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Miguel Corona
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Steven C Cook
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Jay D Evans
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Yanping Chen
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
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10
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Hazam S, Touati S, Touati L, Saher L, Khedidji H, Ait Kaki S, Chemat S. Promising Algerian essential oils as natural acaricides against the honey bee mite Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024; 92:87-107. [PMID: 38015279 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00866-4] [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: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Varroosis induced by Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman represents the most pathogenic and destructive disease affecting the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. In this study, we investigated the acaricidal activity against the Varroa mite using essential oils (EOs) from the aerial parts of four autochthonous Algerian herbal species, namely Artemisia herba alba, Artemisia campestris, Artemisia judaica and Ruta montana. EOs were obtained by means of hydrodistillation and their composition was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The toxicity of the selected EOs toward V. destructor and A. mellifera adult honey bees was evaluated using the complete exposure method. The results indicate the predominance of davanone (66.9%) in A. herba alba, β-pinene (19.5%) in A. campestris, piperitone (68.7%) in A. judaica and 2-undecanone (70.1%) in R. montana EOs. Interestingly, the LC50 values coupled to bee mortality rates revealed that all tested oils exhibited significant acaricidal efficiency with selectivity ratio (SR) values of 10.77, 8.78, 5.62 and 3.73 for A. campestris, A. judaica, A. herba alba, and R. montana, respectively. These values were better than that of thymol (SR = 3.65), the positive control. These findings suggest that these EOs could be used as plant-derived veterinary acaricides to control varroosis in field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souad Hazam
- Laboratory of Valorization and Conservation of Biological Resources (VALCOR), Faculty of Sciences, University of M'hamed Bougara, Boumerdes, Algeria.
- Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC), Zone Industrielle de Bousmail, PB 384, Tipaza, 42004, Algeria.
| | - Salem Touati
- Multipurpose Agricultural Cooperative of Tizi-Ouzou (CAPTO), Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria
| | - Lounis Touati
- Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC), Zone Industrielle de Bousmail, PB 384, Tipaza, 42004, Algeria
| | - Liza Saher
- Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC), Zone Industrielle de Bousmail, PB 384, Tipaza, 42004, Algeria
| | - Hassiba Khedidji
- Laboratory of Valorization and Conservation of Biological Resources (VALCOR), Faculty of Sciences, University of M'hamed Bougara, Boumerdes, Algeria
| | - Sabrina Ait Kaki
- Laboratory of Valorization and Conservation of Biological Resources (VALCOR), Faculty of Sciences, University of M'hamed Bougara, Boumerdes, Algeria
| | - Smain Chemat
- Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC), Zone Industrielle de Bousmail, PB 384, Tipaza, 42004, Algeria
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11
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Warner S, Pokhrel LR, Akula SM, Ubah CS, Richards SL, Jensen H, Kearney GD. A scoping review on the effects of Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) on global honey bee decline. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167492. [PMID: 37778563 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167492] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Arguably the most ecologically and economically valuable pollinators worldwide, honey bees play a significant role in food production and enrich biodiversity through pollination. Varroa destructor is an invasive ectoparasitic mite that attacks and feeds on European honey bee, Apis mellifera. Because literature on the effectiveness and sustainability of various treatment modalities available for Varroa mite control in honey bee colonies are scattered, this scoping review was conducted to serve as a guiding document with a focus on: (1) identifying the detrimental impact Varroa mites have on the European honey bee; (2) determining current methods for Varroa mite control and their limitations; (3) examining current market landscape and key players in the pesticide market; and (4) identifying opportunities for more sustainable Varroa mite control methods. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, 397 articles published between 1998 and 2022 were screened; of which 65 articles were retained using inclusion/exclusion criteria, which were systematically analyzed in-depth, information extracted, and included in this scoping review. The results suggest that Varroa mites are one of the predominant causes of global honey bee decline as they lack natural resistance to Varroa mites, thereby negatively affecting honey bee reproduction and immunity, killing broods, and transmitting pathogenic viruses to colonies. Further, our findings suggest that: apiarists have many options for Varroa control, but no method has proven to be effective, safe and nonpersistent in the environment; adoption of nano-pesticides and development of sustainable alternatives to traditional pesticides are key drivers for growing pesticide market; and nano-pesticides may have potential to serve as an effective, safe and non-ecopersistent pesticide for Varroa mite and associated virus control. In conclusion, this review highlights an unmet need for effective and sustainable control strategies and tools for Varroa mite and virus control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summer Warner
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Lok R Pokhrel
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
| | - Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Chukwudi S Ubah
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie L Richards
- Environmental Health Science Program, Department of Health Education and Promotion, College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Heidi Jensen
- Department of Biology, Chowan University, Murfreesboro, NC, USA
| | - Gregory D Kearney
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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12
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Wu T, Gao J, Choi YS, Kim DW, Han B, Yang S, Lu Y, Kang Y, Du H, Diao Q, Dai P. Interaction of chlorothalonil and Varroa destructor on immature honey bees rearing in vitro. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166302. [PMID: 37595923 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166302] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Under realistic environmental conditions, bees are often exposed to multiple stressors, especially Varroa destructor and pesticides. In this study, the effects of exposure to NOAEC of chlorothalonil during the larval stage, in the presence or absence of V. destructor, was examined in terms of survival, morphological and transcriptional changes. The interaction between chlorothalonil and V. destructor on the survival of honey bee was additive. V. destructor are the dominant factor in the interaction for survival and transcriptome alternation. The downregulation of the genes related to tissue growth and caste differentiation may directly link to the mortality of honey bees. Either chlorothalonil or V. destructor induces the irregular morphology of trophocytes and oenocytes in the fat body. In addition to irregular shapes, oenocytes in V. destructor alone and double-stressor treatment group showed altered nuclei and vacuoles in the cytoplasm. The interaction of V. destructor and chlorothalonil at the larval stage have potential adverse effects on the subsequent adult bees, with up-regulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism and detoxification/defense in fat body tissue. Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of combinatorial effects between biotic and abiotic stressors on one of the most important pollinators, honey bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- 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.
| | - Yong Soo Choi
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Won Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju-gun 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - 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
| | - Ying Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Northern Urban Agriculture of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Bioscience and Resource Environment, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yuxin Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hanchao Du
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qingyun Diao
- 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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13
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Bava R, Castagna F, Lupia C, Ruga S, Musella V, Conforti F, Marrelli M, Argentieri MP, Britti D, Statti G, Palma E. Chemical Profile of Essential Oils of Selected Lamiaceae Plants and In Vitro Activity for Varroosis Control in Honeybees (Apis mellifera). Vet Sci 2023; 10:701. [PMID: 38133253 PMCID: PMC10747025 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10120701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The most significant ectoparasitic mite of honeybees, Varroa destructor, has a detrimental effect on bee health and honey output. The principal strategy used by the control programs is the application of synthetic acaricides. All of this has resulted in drug resistance, which is now a major worry for beekeeping. As a result, research on alternate products and techniques for mite management is now required. The aim of this study was to determine whether essential oils (EOs) extracted from botanical species of Lamiacae, typical of the Calabria region of Southern Italy, could reduce the population of the mite V. destructor. Among the best-known genera of the Lamiaceae family are oregano, rosemary and thyme, whose EOs were employed in this study. By steam distillation, the EOs were extracted from Origanum vulgare subsp. viridulum (Martrin-Donos) Nyman, Thymus capitatus Hoffmanns. and Link, Thymus longicaulis C.Presl and Salvia rosmarinus Schleid. plant species harvested directly on the Calabrian territory in their balsamic time. Each EO went to the test in vitro (contact toxicity) against V. destructor. Fifty adult female mites, five for each EO and the positive and negative control, were used in each experimental replicate. The positive controls comprised five individuals treated to Amitraz dilute in acetone, and the negative controls included five individuals exposed to acetone alone. To create the working solution to be tested (50 μL/tube), the EOs were diluted (0.5 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL, 2 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL) in HPLC-grade acetone. After 1 h of exposure, mite mortality was manually assessed. Origanum vulgare subsp. viridulum, Thymus capitatus and Thymus longicaulis were the EOs with the highest levels of efficiency at 2 mg/mL, neutralizing (dead + inactivated), 94%, 92% and 94% of parasites, respectively. Salvia rosmarinus EO gave a lower efficacy, resulting in a percentage of 38%. Interestingly, no adverse effects were highlighted in toxicity tests on honeybees. These results show that these OEs of the Lamiaceae family have antiparasitic action on V. destructor. Therefore, they could be used, individually or combined, to exploit the synergistic effect for a more sustainable control of this parasite mite in honeybee farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bava
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Fabio Castagna
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
- Mediterranean Ethnobotanical Conservatory, 88054 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carmine Lupia
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
- Mediterranean Ethnobotanical Conservatory, 88054 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Ruga
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Vincenzo Musella
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Filomena Conforti
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (F.C.); (M.M.); (G.S.)
| | - Mariangela Marrelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (F.C.); (M.M.); (G.S.)
| | - Maria Pia Argentieri
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Domenico Britti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Giancarlo Statti
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (F.C.); (M.M.); (G.S.)
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (S.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety & Health (IRC-FISH), University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Nutramed S.c.a.r.l., Complesso Ninì Barbieri, 88021 Catanzaro, Italy
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14
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Chau KD, Samad-Zada F, Kelemen EP, Rehan SM. Integrative population genetics and metagenomics reveals urbanization increases pathogen loads and decreases connectivity in a wild bee. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:4193-4211. [PMID: 37173859 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
As urbanization continues to increase, it is expected that two-thirds of the human population will reside in cities by 2050. Urbanization fragments and degrades natural landscapes, threatening wildlife including economically important species such as bees. In this study, we employ whole genome sequencing to characterize the population genetics, metagenome and microbiome, and environmental stressors of a common wild bee, Ceratina calcarata. Population genomic analyses revealed the presence of low genetic diversity and elevated levels of inbreeding. Through analyses of isolation by distance, resistance, and environment across urban landscapes, we found that green spaces including shrubs and scrub were the most optimal pathways for bee dispersal, and conservation efforts should focus on preserving these land traits to maintain high connectivity across sites for wild bees. Metagenomic analyses revealed landscape sites exhibiting urban heat island effects, such as high temperatures and development but low precipitation and green space, had the highest taxa alpha diversity across all domains even when isolating for potential pathogens. Notably, the integration of population and metagenomic data showed that reduced connectivity in urban areas is not only correlated with lower relatedness among individuals but is also associated with increased pathogen diversity, exposing vulnerable urban bees to more pathogens. Overall, our combined population and metagenomic approach found significant environmental variation in bee microbiomes and nutritional resources even in the absence of genetic differentiation, as well as enabled the potential early detection of stressors to bee health.
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15
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Rako L, Agarwal A, Eow L, Roberts JMK, Rodoni BC, Blacket MJ. LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal amplification) assay for rapid identification of Varroa mites. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11931. [PMID: 37488147 PMCID: PMC10366197 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38860-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Varroa mites are serious pests of European honeybees (Apis mellifera). For detection of Varroa mite, a new molecular LAMP-based assay has been developed, which retains the body of the mite intact for morphological identification. Six novel Varroa LAMP primers were designed from existing DNA sequences of the COI locus to target V. destructor and V. jacobsoni, providing the ability to tell them apart from other non-target beehive associated mite and insect species. This LAMP assay is specific in detecting these Varroa species and has been tested on specimens originating from multiple countries. It produces amplification of V. destructor and V. jacobsoni in 16 ± 3.4 min with an anneal derivative of 78 ± 0.5 °C whilst another Varroa species,V. underwoodi, showed late amplification. A gBlock gene fragment, used here as a positive control has a different anneal derivative of 80 °C. Three non-destructive DNA extraction methods (HotShot, QuickExtract and Xtract) were tested and found to be suitable for use in the field. The LAMP assay was sensitive to very low levels of Varroa DNA, down to 0.24 picogram (~ 1 × 10 copies/µL of Varroa gBlock). This is a new molecular tool for rapid and accurate detection and identification of Varroa mites for pest management, in areas where these mites do not occur.
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Grants
- 4-8KPXYWM Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australian Government
- 4-8KPXYWM Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australian Government
- 4-8KPXYWM Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australian Government
- 4-8KPXYWM Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australian Government
- 4-8KPXYWM Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australian Government
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Rako
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio - Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia.
| | - Arati Agarwal
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio - Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Lixin Eow
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio - Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - John M K Roberts
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Brendan C Rodoni
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio - Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Mark J Blacket
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio - Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
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16
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Noriega-Escamilla A, Camacho-Bello CJ, Ortega-Mendoza RM, Arroyo-Núñez JH, Gutiérrez-Lazcano L. Varroa Destructor Classification Using Legendre-Fourier Moments with Different Color Spaces. J Imaging 2023; 9:144. [PMID: 37504821 PMCID: PMC10381282 DOI: 10.3390/jimaging9070144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bees play a critical role in pollination and food production, so their preservation is essential, particularly highlighting the importance of detecting diseases in bees early. The Varroa destructor mite is the primary factor contributing to increased viral infections that can lead to hive mortality. This study presents an innovative method for identifying Varroa destructors in honey bees using multichannel Legendre-Fourier moments. The descriptors derived from this approach possess distinctive characteristics, such as rotation and scale invariance, and noise resistance, allowing the representation of digital images with minimal descriptors. This characteristic is advantageous when analyzing images of living organisms that are not in a static posture. The proposal evaluates the algorithm's efficiency using different color models, and to enhance its capacity, a subdivision of the VarroaDataset is used. This enhancement allows the algorithm to process additional information about the color and shape of the bee's legs, wings, eyes, and mouth. To demonstrate the advantages of our approach, we compare it with other deep learning methods, in semantic segmentation techniques, such as DeepLabV3, and object detection techniques, such as YOLOv5. The results suggest that our proposal offers a promising means for the early detection of the Varroa destructor mite, which could be an essential pillar in the preservation of bees and, therefore, in food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Noriega-Escamilla
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Universidad Politécnica de Tulancingo, Tulancingo 43629, Hidalgo, Mexico
| | - César J Camacho-Bello
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Universidad Politécnica de Tulancingo, Tulancingo 43629, Hidalgo, Mexico
| | - Rosa M Ortega-Mendoza
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Universidad Politécnica de Tulancingo, Tulancingo 43629, Hidalgo, Mexico
| | - José H Arroyo-Núñez
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Universidad Politécnica de Tulancingo, Tulancingo 43629, Hidalgo, Mexico
| | - Lucia Gutiérrez-Lazcano
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Universidad Politécnica de Tulancingo, Tulancingo 43629, Hidalgo, Mexico
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17
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Hall H, Bencsik M, Newton M. Automated, non-invasive Varroa mite detection by vibrational measurements of gait combined with machine learning. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10202. [PMID: 37353609 PMCID: PMC10290145 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36810-0] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about mite gait, but it has been suggested that there could be greater variation in locomotory styles for arachnids than insects. The Varroa destructor mite is a devastating ectoparasite of the honeybee. We aim to automatically detect Varroa-specific signals in long-term vibrational recordings of honeybee hives and additionally provide the first quantification and characterisation of Varroa gait through the analysis of its unique vibrational trace. These vibrations are used as part of a novel approach to achieve remote, non-invasive Varroa monitoring in honeybee colonies, requiring discrimination between mite and honeybee signals. We measure the vibrations occurring in samples of freshly collected capped brood-comb, and through combined critical listening and video recordings we build a training database for discrimination and classification purposes. In searching for a suitable vibrational feature, we demonstrate the outstanding value of two-dimensional-Fourier-transforms in invertebrate vibration analysis. Discrimination was less reliable when testing datasets comprising of Varroa within capped brood-cells, where Varroa induced signals are weaker than those produced on the cell surface. We here advance knowledge of Varroa vibration and locomotion, whilst expanding upon the remote detection strategies available for its control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Hall
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Martin Bencsik
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK.
| | - Michael Newton
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
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18
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Albarrak AB, Gray A. Seasonal Colony Loss Rates and Honey Bee Management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Results of a Survey of Beekeepers. INSECTS 2023; 14:513. [PMID: 37367329 DOI: 10.3390/insects14060513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
There is high demand for honey in Saudi Arabia, honey bees make a valuable contribution to agriculture and the economy, and therefore it is important to know levels of colony loss and potential reasons for losses. While there is much research into honey bee colony losses worldwide, little is known about colony losses in Saudi Arabia, management practices or beekeeping experience there. The aims of this work were to address this knowledge gap. Results of a survey of beekeepers in southwest Saudi Arabia conducted in summer 2018 are presented, including colony losses in five different seasons. Data collection involved face-to-face interviews, supplemented by an online survey, using a purpose-designed questionnaire. Responses were obtained from 109 beekeepers, all male, managing 135 to 1700 colonies, with 2 to 45 years of beekeeping experience. Most (73.1%) respondents mainly kept local hybrid bees, while 25.9% mainly kept Apis mellifera jemenitica. Honey yields per colony varied much more between beekeepers than between bee races. A high proportion (83.5%) of beekeepers reported losing colonies over the period studied. The reported colony loss rate was significantly higher in summer than in other seasons, but still low. The overall proportion of colonies lost was 11.4% in summer 2017 and was lowest in spring 2018 (6.6%). The main reported causes of loss were Varroa destructor and disease. Most beekeepers (88.0%) treated against the Varroa mite, although only one method was reported, tau-fluvalinate as Apistan strips, and only 41.7% used a screened bottom board. The results establish a benchmark for future beekeeper surveys in Saudi Arabia and other environmentally similar countries where colony losses are of interest in all seasons of the year. Informing and supporting Saudi beekeepers concerning Varroa monitoring and treatment and optimal hive management could result in fewer losses, higher honey yields, potential to market organic honey and a greater share of the domestic honey market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmajeed Barrak Albarrak
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XH, UK
- Mathematics Department, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka P.O. Box 2014, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alison Gray
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XH, UK
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19
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Bava R, Castagna F, Palma E, Ceniti C, Millea M, Lupia C, Britti D, Musella V. Prevalence of Varroa destructor in Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Farms and Varroosis Control Practices in Southern Italy. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1228. [PMID: 37317203 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051228] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of honeybee farms in industrialized countries currently base their Varroa destructor control programs on the use of acaricides in conjunction with other management practices. However, the outcomes of these practices are often misunderstood and have only been studied to a limited extent. Better yields are guaranteed by having hives with low infection levels in the spring. Therefore, it is crucial to understand which beekeeping practices can result in increased control effectiveness. This study aimed to analyze the potential effects of environmental factors and beekeeping practices on the dynamics of V. destructor population. Experimental evidence was obtained by interpolating percentage infestation data from diagnoses conducted on several apiaries in the Calabria region (Southern Italy) with data acquired from a questionnaire on pest control strategies. Data on climatic temperature during the different study periods were also taken into account. The study was conducted over two years and involved 84 Apis mellifera farms. For each apiary, the diagnosis of infestation was made on a minimum of 10 hives. In total, 840 samples of adult honeybees were analyzed in the field to determine the level of infestation. In 2020, 54.7% of the inspected apiaries tested positive for V. destructor, and in 2021, 50% tested positive, according to a study of the field test findings (taking into account a threshold of 3% in July). A significant effect of the number of treatments on parasite prevalence was found. The results showed a significant reduction in the infestation rate in apiaries that received more than two treatments each year. Furthermore, it was shown that management practices, such as drone brood removal and frequent queen replacement, have a statistically significant impact on the infestation rate. The analysis of the questionnaires revealed some critical issues. In particular, only 50% of the interviewed beekeepers diagnosed infestation on samples of adult bees, and only 69% practiced drug rotation. In conclusion, it is only possible to maintain the infestation rate at an acceptable threshold by implementing integrated pest management (IPM) programs and using good beekeeping practices (GBPs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bava
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Fabio Castagna
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Institute of Research for Food Safety & Health (IRC-FISH), Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Nutramed S.c.a.r.l., Complesso Ninì Barbieri, Roccelletta di Borgia, 88021 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carlotta Ceniti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maurizio Millea
- ARA Calabria (Calabria Regional Breeders Association), Via Umberto Boccioni, 88046 Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Carmine Lupia
- National Ethnobotanical Conservatory, Castelluccio Superiore, 85040 Potenza, Italy
- Mediterranean Ethnobotanical Conservatory, Sersale (CZ), 88054 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenico Britti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Musella
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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20
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Zhang G, Olsson RL, Hopkins BK. Strategies and techniques to mitigate the negative impacts of pesticide exposure to honey bees. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 318:120915. [PMID: 36563989 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In order to support food, fiber, and fuel production around the world, billions of kilograms of pesticides are applied to crop fields every year to suppress pests, plant diseases and weeds. These fields are often home to the most important commercial pollinators, honey bees (Apis spp.), which improve yield and quality of many agricultural products. The pesticides applied to support crop health can be detrimental to honey bee health. The conflict of pesticide use and reliance on honey bees contributes to significant honey bee colony losses across the world. Recommendations for reducing impact on honey bees are generally suggested in literature, pesticide regulations, and by crop consultants, but without a considerable discussion of the realistic limitations of protecting honey bees. New techniques in farming and beekeeping can reduce pesticide exposure through reduction in bee exposure, reduced toxicity of pesticides, and remedies that can be in response to exposure. However, lack of assessment of those new techniques under a systematical, comprehensive framework may overestimate or underestimate these techniques' potential to protect honey bees from pesticide damage. In this review, we summarize the current and arising strategies and techniques with the goal to inspire the development and adoption of pesticide mitigation practices for both agriculture and apiculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Zhang
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington State 99164, United State of America.
| | - Rae L Olsson
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington State 99164, United State of America
| | - Brandon Kingsley Hopkins
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington State 99164, United State of America
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21
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Crude Extracts of Talaromyces Strains (Ascomycota) Affect Honey Bee ( Apis mellifera) Resistance to Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020343. [PMID: 36851556 PMCID: PMC9958978 DOI: 10.3390/v15020343] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses contribute significantly to the global decline of honey bee populations. One way to limit the impact of such viruses is the introduction of natural antiviral compounds from fungi as a component of honey bee diets. Therefore, we examined the effect of crude organic extracts from seven strains of the fungal genus Talaromyces in honey bee diets under laboratory conditions. The strains were isolated from bee bread prepared by honey bees infected with chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV). The antiviral effect of the extracts was also quantified in vitro using mammalian cells as a model system. We found that three extracts (from strains B13, B18 and B30) mitigated CBPV infections and increased the survival rate of bees, whereas other extracts had no effect (B11 and B49) or were independently toxic (B69 and B195). Extract B18 inhibited the replication of feline calicivirus and feline coronavirus (FCoV) in mammalian cells, whereas extracts B18 and B195 reduced the infectivity of FCoV by ~90% and 99%, respectively. Our results show that nonpathogenic fungi (and their products in food stores) offer an underexplored source of compounds that promote disease resistance in honey bees.
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22
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Mazur ED, Czopowicz M, Gajda AM. Two Faces of the Screened Bottom Boards-An Ambiguous Influence on the Honey Bee Winter Colony Loss Rate. INSECTS 2022; 13:1128. [PMID: 36555038 PMCID: PMC9784936 DOI: 10.3390/insects13121128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a citizen science survey on the winter honey bee colony losses in Poland from 2017/18 to 2019/20 to determine the influence of the use of screened bottom boards on the winter colony losses due to various causes. A total of 1035 beekeepers with 40,003 colonies reported valid data. The overall winter colony loss rate ranged from 10.7% to 13.9%, and in every year, the overall winter colony loss rate was higher than 10% (which is considered as acceptable in Poland). The study reveals that the use of screened bottom boards was associated with reduced overall loss rate. However, the nature of this relationship was not the same in terms of all types of colony losses: while the use of screened bottom boards was associated with a reduced mortality rate (management-related colony loss rate due to dead colonies) in which the empty hives were observed (colony depopulation syndrome, CDS), it was associated with an increased mortality rate in which the lack of food was observed (starvation). Given that in our study the role of CDS in the overall colony loss rate was 2.5-fold higher than the role of starvation, the final influence of the use of screened bottom boards on the overall colony loss rate turned out to be beneficial. Given the well-known beneficial role of screened bottom boards in varroosis control, they are highly recommended in beekeeping practices in Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Danuta Mazur
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska St. 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Czopowicz
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska St. 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Maria Gajda
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska St. 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
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23
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Dequenne I, Philippart de Foy JM, Cani PD. Developing Strategies to Help Bee Colony Resilience in Changing Environments. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233396. [PMID: 36496917 PMCID: PMC9737243 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233396] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change, loss of plant biodiversity, burdens caused by new pathogens, predators, and toxins due to human disturbance and activity are significant causes of the loss of bee colonies and wild bees. The aim of this review is to highlight some possible strategies that could help develop bee resilience in facing their changing environments. Scientists underline the importance of the links between nutrition, microbiota, and immune and neuroendocrine stress resistance of bees. Nutrition with special care for plant-derived molecules may play a major role in bee colony health. Studies have highlighted the importance of pollen, essential oils, plant resins, and leaves or fungi as sources of fundamental nutrients for the development and longevity of a honeybee colony. The microbiota is also considered as a key factor in bee physiology and a cornerstone between nutrition, metabolism, growth, health, and pathogen resistance. Another stressor is the varroa mite parasite. This parasite is a major concern for beekeepers and needs specific strategies to reduce its severe impact on honeybees. Here we discuss how helping bees to thrive, especially through changing environments, is of great concern for beekeepers and scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Dequenne
- J-M Philippart de Foy & I Dequenne Consultation, Avenue Orban, 127, 1150 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Patrice D. Cani
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and BIOtechnology (WELBIO), Avenue Pasteur, 6, 1300 Wavre, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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24
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Zhao X, Liu Y. Current Knowledge on Bee Innate Immunity Based on Genomics and Transcriptomics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214278. [PMID: 36430757 PMCID: PMC9692672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As important pollinators, bees play a critical role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and improving the yield and quality of crops. However, in recent years, the bee population has significantly declined due to various pathogens and environmental stressors including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and increased pesticide application. The above threats trigger or suppress the innate immunity of bees, their only immune defense system, which is essential to maintaining individual health and that of the colony. In addition, bees can be divided into solitary and eusocial bees based on their life traits, and eusocial bees possess special social immunities, such as grooming behavior, which cooperate with innate immunity to maintain the health of the colony. The omics approach gives us an opportunity to recognize the distinctive innate immunity of bees. In this regard, we summarize innate bee immunity from a genomic and transcriptomic perspective. The genetic characteristics of innate immunity were revealed by the multiple genomes of bees with different kinds of sociality, including honeybees, bumblebees, wasps, leaf-cutter bees, and so on. Further substantial transcriptomic data of different tissues from diverse bees directly present the activation or suppression of immune genes under the infestation of pathogens or toxicity of pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Zhao
- College of Engineering, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Yanjie Liu
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
- Correspondence:
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25
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Jovanovic NM, Glavinic U, Ristanic M, Vejnovic B, Stevanovic J, Cosic M, Stanimirovic Z. Contact varroacidal efficacy of lithium citrate and its influence on viral loads, immune parameters and oxidative stress of honey bees in a field experiment. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1000944. [PMID: 36171978 PMCID: PMC9510912 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1000944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With an almost global distribution, Varroa destuctor is the leading cause of weakening and loss of honey bee colonies. New substances are constantly being tested in order to find those that will exhibit high anti-Varroa efficacy at low doses/concentrations, without unwanted effects on bees. Lithium (Li) salts stood out as candidates based on previous research. The aims of this study were to evaluate Li citrate hydrate (Li-cit) for its contact efficacy against Varroa, but also the effect of Li-cit on honey bees by estimating loads of honey bee viruses, expression levels of immune-related genes and genes for antioxidative enzymes and oxidative stress parameters on two sampling occasions, before the treatment and after the treatment. Our experiment was performed on four groups, each consisting of seven colonies. Two groups were treated with the test compound, one receiving 5 mM and the other 10 mM of Li-cit; the third received oxalic acid treatment (OA group) and served as positive control, and the fourth was negative control (C group), treated with 50% w/v pure sucrose-water syrup. Single trickling treatment was applied in all groups. Both tested concentrations of Li-cit, 5 and 10 mM, expressed high varroacidal efficacy, 96.85% and 96.80%, respectively. Load of Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus significantly decreased (p < 0.01) after the treatment in group treated with 5 mM of Li-cit. In OA group, loads of Acute Bee Paralysis Virus and Deformed Wing Virus significantly (p < 0.05) increased, and in C group, loads of all viruses significantly (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) increased. Transcript levels of genes for abaecin, apidaecin, defensin and vitellogenin were significantly higher (p < 0.05—p < 0.001), while all oxidative stress parameters were significantly lower (p < 0.05—p < 0.001) after the treatment in both groups treated with Li-cit. All presented results along with easy application indicate benefits of topical Li-cit treatment and complete the mosaic of evidence on the advantages of this salt in the control of Varroa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nemanja M. Jovanovic
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Uros Glavinic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Ristanic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branislav Vejnovic
- Department of Economics and Statistics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jevrosima Stevanovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Jevrosima Stevanovic,
| | - Milivoje Cosic
- Institute of Forestry, Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Animal Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Bijeljina University, Bijeljina, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Zoran Stanimirovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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26
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Bava R, Castagna F, Carresi C, Cardamone A, Federico G, Roncada P, Palma E, Musella V, Britti D. Comparison of Two Diagnostic Techniques for the Apis mellifera Varroatosis: Strengths, Weaknesses and Impact on the Honeybee Health. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070354. [PMID: 35878371 PMCID: PMC9315579 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Varroa destructor is the most dangerous pest that poses a threat to honey bee survival. In recent years, increasingly worrying phenomena of drug resistance have occurred to various active ingredients of pharmaceutical formulations used to control this parasitosis. Determining the level of infestation is essential to preventing the inappropriate use and abuse of veterinary medicines, and to choose the most appropriate time for treatment. This comparative study investigates the sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of two field techniques for diagnosing V. destructor infestations in hives. The EasyCheck device (Véto-pharma) was used in two of its application modes, namely, the sugar roll test and carbon dioxide (CO2) injection. The experiments were conducted on 15 samples of 300 bees each taken from the same frame and checked for the presence of mites using standard and modified field techniques in both uncaged and caged queen hive conditions. The results demonstrate that the sugar roll technique is significantly more effective and safer than CO2 injection, allowing for a higher accuracy in diagnosing a V. destructor infestation. Furthermore, the evaluation of mites present on bees in brood block conditions has proven to be particularly reliable. Considering the number of mites on the filter of the device as an additional step helps to implement the diagnostic accuracy of the CO2 injection technique, however, not achieving the efficacy results of the sugar roll.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bava
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Fabio Castagna
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cristina Carresi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
- Veterinary Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (E.P.)
| | - Antonio Cardamone
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Giovanni Federico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Loc. Catona, 89135 Reggio Calabria, Italy;
| | - Paola Roncada
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
- Veterinary Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Nutramed S.c.a.r.l. Complesso Ninì Barbieri, Roccelletta di Borgia, 88021 Catanzaro, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (E.P.)
| | - Vincenzo Musella
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenico Britti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (F.C.); (A.C.); (P.R.); (V.M.); (D.B.)
- Interdepartmental Center Veterinary Service for Human and Animal Health, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, CISVetSUA, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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27
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Howard JD, Beghyn M, Dewulf N, De Vos Y, Philips A, Portwood D, Kilby PM, Oliver D, Maddelein W, Brown S, Dickman MJ. Chemically-modified dsRNA induces RNAi effects in insects in vitro and in vivo: A potential new tool for improving RNA-based plant protection. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102311. [PMID: 35921898 PMCID: PMC9478931 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Global agriculture loses over $100 billion of produce annually to crop pests such as insects. Many of these crop pests either are not currently controlled by artificial means or have developed resistance against chemical pesticides. Long dsRNAs are capable of inducing RNAi in insects and are emerging as novel, highly selective alternatives for sustainable insect management strategies. However, there are significant challenges associated with RNAi efficacy in insects. In this study, we synthesized a range of chemically modified long dsRNAs in an approach to improve nuclease resistance and RNAi efficacy in insects. Our results showed that dsRNAs containing phosphorothioate modifications demonstrated increased resistance to southern green stink bug saliva nucleases. Phosphorothioate-modified and 2′-fluoro-modified dsRNA also demonstrated increased resistance to degradation by soil nucleases and increased RNAi efficacy in Drosophila melanogaster cell cultures. In live insects, we found chemically modified long dsRNAs successfully resulted in mortality in both stink bug and corn rootworm. These results provide further mechanistic insight into the dependence of RNAi efficacy on nucleotide modifications in the sense or antisense strand of the dsRNA in insects and demonstrate for the first time that RNAi can successfully be triggered by chemically modified long dsRNAs in insect cells or live insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Howard
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Yves De Vos
- Syngenta, Ghent Innovation Center, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - David Portwood
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, United Kingdom
| | - Peter M Kilby
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Stephen Brown
- Sheffield RNAi Screening Facility, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J Dickman
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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28
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Lester PJ, Felden A, Baty JW, Bulgarella M, Haywood J, Mortensen AN, Remnant EJ, Smeele ZE. Viral communities in the parasite Varroa destructor and in colonies of their honey bee host (Apis mellifera) in New Zealand. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8809. [PMID: 35614309 PMCID: PMC9133037 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12888-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasitic mite Varroa destructor is a leading cause of mortality for Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies around the globe. We sought to confirm the presence and likely introduction of only one V. destructor haplotype in New Zealand, and describe the viral community within both V. destructor mites and the bees that they parasitise. A 1232 bp fragment from mitochondrial gene regions suggests the likely introduction of only one V. destructor haplotype to New Zealand. Seventeen viruses were found in bees. The most prevalent and abundant was the Deformed wing virus A (DWV-A) strain, which explained 95.0% of the variation in the viral community of bees. Black queen cell virus, Sacbrood virus, and Varroa destructor virus 2 (VDV-2) played secondary roles. DWV-B and the Israeli acute paralysis virus appeared absent from New Zealand. Ten viruses were observed in V. destructor, with > 99.9% of viral reads from DWV-A and VDV-2. Substantially more variation in viral loads was observed in bees compared to mites. Where high levels of VDV-2 occurred in mites, reduced DWV-A occurred in both the mites and the bees co-occurring within the same hive. Where there were high loads of DWV-A in mites, there were typically high viral loads in bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Lester
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand.
| | - Antoine Felden
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - James W Baty
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - Mariana Bulgarella
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - John Haywood
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - Ashley N Mortensen
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 3230, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
| | - Emily J Remnant
- Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Science Road, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Zoe E Smeele
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
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29
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Bartlett LJ. Frontiers in effective control of problem parasites in beekeeping. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:263-272. [PMID: 35309040 PMCID: PMC8924282 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Demand for better control of certain parasites in managed western honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) remains apparent amongst beekeepers in both Europe and North America, and is of widespread public, scientific, and agricultural concern. Academically, interest from numerous fields including veterinary sciences has led to many exemplary reviews of the parasites of honey bees and the treatment options available. However, summaries of current research frontiers in treating both novel and long-known parasites of managed honey bees are lacking. This review complements the currently comprehensive body of literature summarizing the effectiveness of parasite control in managed honey bees by outlining where significant gaps in development, implementation, and uptake lie, including integration into IPM frameworks and separation of cultural, biological, and chemical controls. In particular, I distinguish where challenges in identifying appropriate controls exist in the lab compared to where we encounter hurdles in technology transfer due to regulatory, economic, or cultural contexts. I overview how exciting frontiers in honey bee parasite control research are clearly demonstrated by the abundance of recent publications on novel control approaches, but also caution that temperance must be levied on the applied end of the research engine in believing that what can be achieved in a laboratory research environment can be quickly and effectively marketed for deployment in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis J Bartlett
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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Kumar D, Alburaki M, Tahir F, Goblirsch M, Adamczyk J, Karim S. An Insight Into the microRNA Profile of the Ectoparasitic Mite Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae), the Primary Vector of Honey Bee Deformed Wing Virus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:847000. [PMID: 35372101 PMCID: PMC8966896 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.847000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The remarkably adaptive mite Varroa destructor is the most important honey bee ectoparasite. Varroa mites are competent vectors of deformed wing virus (DWV), and the Varroa-virus complex is a major determinant of annual honey bee colony mortality and collapse. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 22-24 nucleotide non-coding RNAs produced by all plants and animals and some viruses that influence biological processes through post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Knowledge of miRNAs and their function in mite biology remains limited. Here we constructed small RNA libraries from male and female V. destructor using Illumina's small RNA-Seq platform. A total of 101,913,208 and 91,904,732 small RNA reads (>18 nucleotides) from male and female mites were analyzed using the miRDeep2 algorithm. A conservative approach predicted 306 miRNAs, 18 of which were upregulated and 13 downregulated in female V. destructor compared with males. Quantitative real-time PCR validated the expression of selected differentially-expressed female Varroa miRNAs. This dataset provides a list of potential miRNA targets involved in regulating vital Varroa biological processes and paves the way for developing strategies to target Varroa and their viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Mohamed Alburaki
- Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS), Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Faizan Tahir
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Michael Goblirsch
- Southern Horticultural Research Unit, USDA ARS, Poplarville, MS, United States
| | - John Adamczyk
- Southern Horticultural Research Unit, USDA ARS, Poplarville, MS, United States
| | - Shahid Karim
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
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31
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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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Wu JL, Hu RY, Li NN, Tan J, Zhou CX, Han B, Xu SF. Integrative Analysis of lncRNA-mRNA Co-expression Provides Novel Insights Into the Regulation of Developmental Transitions in Female Varroa destructor. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.842704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Varroa destructor is a major pathogenic driver of the Western honeybee colony losses globally. Understanding the developmental regulation of V. destructor is critical to develop effective control measures. Development is a complex biological process regulated by numerous genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs); however, the underlying regulation of lncRNAs in the development of V. destructor remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data derived from the four stages of female V. destructor in the reproductive phase (i.e., egg, protonymph, deutonymph, and adult). The identified differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs exhibited a stage-specific pattern during developmental transitions. Further functional enrichment established that fat digestion and absorption, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and ubiquitin-proteasome pathway play key roles in the maturation of female V. destructor. Moreover, the lncRNAs and mRNAs of some pivotal genes were significantly upregulated at the deutonymph stage, such as cuticle protein 65/6.4/63/38 and mucin 5AC, suggesting that deutonymph is the key stage of metamorphosis development and pathogen resistance acquisition for female V. destructor. Our study provides novel insights into a foundational understanding of V. destructor biology.
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Căuia E, Căuia D. Improving the Varroa (Varroa destructor) Control Strategy by Brood Treatment with Formic Acid—A Pilot Study on Spring Applications. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13020149. [PMID: 35206723 PMCID: PMC8875234 DOI: 10.3390/insects13020149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The varroa mite control in a natural and sustainable way is critical for beekeeping, taking into account the importance of honey bees for pollination as well as for obtaining clean products. In recent time, new procedures for varroosis treatment in the reproductive phase were developed, which can be applied any time during the active season as they use volatile organic acids, widely accepted for organic beekeeping. Such a procedure consists of brushing the capped brood with formic acid, which is very effective in killing varroa mites but also minimally invasive for honey bee colonies. The importance of varroosis treatments before winter bee rearing is evident and widely accepted, as most of the actual treatments are limited to the late active season applications for different reasons, especially because they are focused on phoretic mites. Having in view the flexibility of the new procedure’s application in the whole period of the active season, we started a pilot study to preliminarily test the effectiveness of spring applications on varroa mite control. The results show significant differences in brood infestation between experimental and control groups, in the same apiary, which gives clear indications that spring applications could be beneficial for improving the varroa control strategies. Abstract The importance of varroosis control in a natural and sustainable way is crucial for beekeeping, having in view the varroa mite impact on honey bee health. In the last years, we developed a highly effective procedure for treating varroa in capped brood using volatile organic acids. This procedure can be applied at any moment of the active season as it uses organic substances. Taking into account the necessity to drastically reduce the level of varroa infestation in colonies before winter bee rearing, we developed a relatively simple pilot study to preliminarily test the impact of spring treatments on varroa infestation level in brood, to be evaluated in summer when, naturally, the population of mites increases. To test the hypothesis, two experimentally treated groups and a control group were used. The treatment consisted of brushing all capped brood with formic acid of 65% concentration in one and two applications. The obtained results show very significant differences between the treated and control groups in terms of infested cell percentages evaluated in the July–August period. Consequently, the spring treatments could be an important tool in limiting the varroa mite multiplication, but further experiments are necessary to test and adapt them to different local conditions.
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Reams T, Rangel J. Understanding the Enemy: A Review of the Genetics, Behavior and Chemical Ecology of Varroa destructor, the Parasitic Mite of Apis mellifera. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2022; 22:18. [PMID: 35137134 PMCID: PMC8825774 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) is arguably the most damaging parasitic mite that attacks honey bees worldwide. Since its initial host switch from the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) to the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), Varroa has become a widely successful invasive species, attacking honey bees on almost every continent where apiculture is practiced. Two haplotypes of V. destructor (Japanese and Korean) parasitize A. mellifera, both of which vector various honey bee-associated viruses. As the population of Varroa grows within a colony in the spring and summer, so do the levels of viral infections. Not surprisingly, high Varroa parasitization impacts bees at the individual level, causing bees to exhibit lower weight, decreased learning capacity, and shorter lifespan. High levels of Varroa infestation can lead to colony-wide varroosis and eventually colony death, especially when no control measures are taken against the mites. Varroa has become a successful parasite of A. mellifera because of its ability to reproduce within both drone cells and worker cells, which allows populations to expand rapidly. Varroa uses several chemical cues to complete its life cycle, many of which remain understudied and should be further explored. Given the growing reports of pesticide resistance by Varroa in several countries, a better understanding of the mite's basic biology is needed to find alternative pest management strategies. This review focuses on the genetics, behavior, and chemical ecology of V. destructor within A. mellifera colonies, and points to areas of research that should be exploited to better control this pervasive honey bee enemy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Reams
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Juliana Rangel
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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El Agrebi N, Steinhauer N, Tosi S, Leinartz L, de Graaf DC, Saegerman C. Risk and protective indicators of beekeeping management practices. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 799:149381. [PMID: 34358747 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Explaining the reasons for the high honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony loss rate in recent years has become a top global research priority in apicultural and agricultural sciences. Although there are indications of the role played by beekeeping management practices on honey bee health, very little information is currently available. Our study aimed to characterize the beekeeping management practices carried out in Belgium, and to determine the relationship between beekeeping management practices and colony losses. Variables obtained from face-to-face questioning of a representative randomized and stratified sample of Belgian beekeepers (n = 186) were integrated into a logistic regression model (univariate and multivariate) and correlated to the declared colony loss rates to identify risk and protective indicators. We used a classification tree analysis to validate the results. We present evidence of a relationship between poor beekeeping management practices and colony losses. The main factors protecting honey bee colonies are the aptitude of the beekeeper to change his management practices, the hive type, the equipment origin and hygiene, wintering in proper conditions (the use of divider boards, i.e. board blocks or space fillers off part of the hive body), the colony strength estimation before wintering, winter monitoring, and last but not least, appropriate integrated pest management. Proper estimation of the Varroa infestation level should be performed prior to treatment. The consequences of poor beekeeping practices on honey bee health can be addressed by proper training of beekeepers. An online tool was developed and published for beekeepers allowing them to evaluate the effect of their management practices on colony health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noëmie El Agrebi
- Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULiège), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Quartier Vallée 2, Avenue de Cureghem 7A, B42, 4000 Liège (Sart-Tilman), Belgium
| | - Nathalie Steinhauer
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Simone Tosi
- Department of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Via Verdi 8, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Laurent Leinartz
- Teaching Support Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Quartier Vallée 2, Avenue de Cureghem 5C-5D, B41, 4000 Liège, Sart-Tilman, Belgium
| | - Dirk C de Graaf
- Faculty of Sciences, Honeybee Valley, Ghent University (UGent), Krijgslaan 281 S33, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Faculty of Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Ghent University (UGent), Krijgslaan 281 S2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULiège), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Quartier Vallée 2, Avenue de Cureghem 7A, B42, 4000 Liège (Sart-Tilman), Belgium.
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Wagoner K, Millar JG, Keller J, Bello J, Waiker P, Schal C, Spivak M, Rueppell O. Hygiene-Eliciting Brood Semiochemicals as a Tool for Assaying Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colony Resistance to Varroa (Mesostigmata: Varroidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2021; 21:6414651. [PMID: 34723332 PMCID: PMC8559158 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite numerous interventions, the ectoparasitic mite Varroa (Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman [Mesostigmata: Varroidae]) and the pathogens it vectors remain a primary threat to honey bee (Apis mellifera Linnaeus [Hymenoptera: Apidae]) health. Hygienic behavior, the ability to detect, uncap, and remove unhealthy brood from the colony, has been bred for selectively for over two decades and continues to be a promising avenue for improved Varroa management. Although hygienic behavior is expressed more in Varroa-resistant colonies, hygiene does not always confer resistance to Varroa. Additionally, existing Varroa resistance selection methods trade efficacy for efficiency, because those achieving the highest levels of Varroa resistance can be time-consuming, and thus expensive and impractical for apicultural use. Here, we tested the hypothesis that hygienic response to a mixture of semiochemicals associated with Varroa-infested honey bee brood can serve as an improved tool for predicting colony-level Varroa resistance. In support of our hypothesis, we demonstrated that a mixture of the compounds (Z)-10-tritriacontene, (Z)-8-hentriacontene, (Z)-8-heptadecene, and (Z)-6-pentadecene triggers hygienic behavior in a two-hour assay, and that high-performing colonies (hygienic response to ≥60% of treated cells) have significantly lower Varroa infestations, remove significantly more introduced Varroa, and are significantly more likely to survive the winter compared to low-performing colonies (hygienic response to <60% of treated cells). We discuss the relative efficacy and efficiency of this assay for facilitating apiary management decisions and selection of Varroa-resistant honey bees, as well as the relevance of these findings to honey bee health, pollination services, and social insect communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Wagoner
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA
| | - J G Millar
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, 165 Entomology Building, Citrus Drive, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - J Keller
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - J Bello
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, 165 Entomology Building, Citrus Drive, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - P Waiker
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, P.O. Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA
| | - C Schal
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - M Spivak
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - O Rueppell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, CW-405 Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
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Efficacy and Toxicity of VarroMed® Used for Controlling Varroa destructor Infestation in Different Seasons and Geographical Areas. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11188564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
VarroMed® is a soft acaricide registered for honey bees on the European Union market since 2017 for Varroa control. Researchers involved were partners of different countries of the Varroa control task force of the COLOSS Association. Our goal was to evaluate performances (acaricide efficacy and toxic effects on honey bees) of VarroMed® in different climatic conditions. Our results in the tested apiaries showed an efficacy ranging from 71.2 to 89.3% in summer/autumn, and from 71.8 to 95.6% in winter. No toxic effects on bees were observed, except in one apiary, where severe cold climatic conditions played a crucial role. The treatment could be efficiently applied in broodright as well as in broodless colonies. Integrated pest management (IPM) recommendations for beekeepers are provided in order to apply the best Varroa control protocol.
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Vilarem C, Piou V, Vogelweith F, Vétillard A. Varroa destructor from the Laboratory to the Field: Control, Biocontrol and IPM Perspectives-A Review. INSECTS 2021; 12:800. [PMID: 34564240 PMCID: PMC8465918 DOI: 10.3390/insects12090800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Varroa destructor is a real challenger for beekeepers and scientists: fragile out of the hive, tenacious inside a bee colony. From all the research done on the topic, we have learned that a better understanding of this organism in its relationship with the bee but also for itself is necessary. Its biology relies mostly on semiochemicals for reproduction, nutrition, or orientation. Many treatments have been developed over the years based on hard or soft acaricides or even on biocontrol techniques. To date, no real sustainable solution exists to reduce the pressure of the mite without creating resistances or harming honeybees. Consequently, the development of alternative disruptive tools against the parasitic life cycle remains open. It requires the combination of both laboratory and field results through a holistic approach based on health biomarkers. Here, we advocate for a more integrative vision of V. destructor research, where in vitro and field studies are more systematically compared and compiled. Therefore, after a brief state-of-the-art about the mite's life cycle, we discuss what has been done and what can be done from the laboratory to the field against V. destructor through an integrative approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Vilarem
- Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique, UMR5174, CNRS-Université de Toulouse III-IRD, INU Jean-François Champollion, Université Paul Sabatier, 31077 Toulouse, France; (C.V.); (V.P.)
- M2i Biocontrol–Entreprise SAS, 46140 Parnac, France;
| | - Vincent Piou
- Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique, UMR5174, CNRS-Université de Toulouse III-IRD, INU Jean-François Champollion, Université Paul Sabatier, 31077 Toulouse, France; (C.V.); (V.P.)
| | | | - Angélique Vétillard
- Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique, UMR5174, CNRS-Université de Toulouse III-IRD, INU Jean-François Champollion, Université Paul Sabatier, 31077 Toulouse, France; (C.V.); (V.P.)
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Jack CJ, Ellis JD. Integrated Pest Management Control of Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae), the Most Damaging Pest of (Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)) Colonies. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2021; 21:6. [PMID: 34536080 PMCID: PMC8449538 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Varroa destructor is among the greatest biological threats to western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) health worldwide. Beekeepers routinely use chemical treatments to control this parasite, though overuse and mismanagement of these treatments have led to widespread resistance in Varroa populations. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecologically based, sustainable approach to pest management that relies on a combination of control tactics that minimize environmental impacts. Herein, we provide an in-depth review of the components of IPM in a Varroa control context. These include determining economic thresholds for the mite, identification of and monitoring for Varroa, prevention strategies, and risk conscious treatments. Furthermore, we provide a detailed review of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control strategies, both longstanding and emerging, used against Varroa globally. For each control type, we describe all available treatments, their efficacies against Varroa as described in the primary scientific literature, and the obstacles to their adoption. Unfortunately, reliable IPM protocols do not exist for Varroa due to the complex biology of the mite and strong reliance on chemical control by beekeepers. To encourage beekeeper adoption, a successful IPM approach to Varroa control in managed colonies must be an improvement over conventional control methods and include cost-effective treatments that can be employed readily by beekeepers. It is our intention to provide the most thorough review of Varroa control options available, ultimately framing our discussion within the context of IPM. We hope this article is a call-to-arms against the most damaging pest managed honey bee colonies face worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J Jack
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - James D Ellis
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Koç N, İnak E, Jonckheere W, Van Leeuwen T. Genetic analysis and screening of pyrethroid resistance mutations in Varroa destructor populations from Turkey. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2021; 84:433-444. [PMID: 33983538 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-021-00626-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Varroa destructor is the most common ectoparasite of the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) worldwide and poses a serious threat to bee health. Synthetic acaricides, particularly pyrethroids, are frequently used to control Varroa mites. However, long-term and repeated use of synthetic pyrethroids has led to the development of resistance. In this study, we report on the presence of resistance mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel in V. destructor populations from Turkish beekeeping areas. Two resistance mutations, L925V and L925I, that were previously associated with pyrethroid resistance, were found in more than 75% of the populations. A general correlation between the presence of mutations and the history of acaricide usage was observed for the sampled hives. In addition, we show there is only a low genetic distance among the sampled V. destructor populations, based on the analysis of three mitochondrial genes: cytochrome b (cytb), ATP synthase subunit 6 (atp6), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit III (cox3). Revealing the presence and geographical distribution of pyrethroid resistance mutations in V. destructor populations from Turkish apiaries will contribute to create more effective mite management programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiye Koç
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Diskapi, 06110, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emre İnak
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara University, Diskapi, 06110, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Wim Jonckheere
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas Van Leeuwen
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Ebani VV, Mancianti F. Entomopathogenic Fungi and Bacteria in a Veterinary Perspective. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10060479. [PMID: 34071435 PMCID: PMC8229426 DOI: 10.3390/biology10060479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Several fungal species are well suited to control arthropods, being able to cause epizootic infection among them and most of them infect their host by direct penetration through the arthropod’s tegument. Most of organisms are related to the biological control of crop pests, but, more recently, have been applied to combat some livestock ectoparasites. Among the entomopathogenic bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis, innocuous for humans, animals, and plants and isolated from different environments, showed the most relevant activity against arthropods. Its entomopathogenic property is related to the production of highly biodegradable proteins. Entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria are usually employed against agricultural pests, and some studies have focused on their use to control animal arthropods. However, risks of infections in animals and humans are possible; thus, further studies about their activity are necessary. Abstract The present study aimed to review the papers dealing with the biological activity of fungi and bacteria against some mites and ticks of veterinary interest. In particular, the attention was turned to the research regarding acarid species, Dermanyssus gallinae and Psoroptes sp., which are the cause of severe threat in farm animals and, regarding ticks, also pets. Their impact on animal and human health has been stressed, examining the weaknesses and strengths of conventional treatments. Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are the most widely employed agents. Their activities have been reviewed, considering the feasibility of an in-field application and the effectiveness of the administration alone or combined with conventional and alternative drugs is reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-221-6968
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Chen G, Wang S, Jia S, Feng Y, Hu F, Chen Y, Zheng H. A New Strain of Virus Discovered in China Specific to the Parasitic Mite Varroa destructor Poses a Potential Threat to Honey Bees. Viruses 2021; 13:679. [PMID: 33920919 PMCID: PMC8071286 DOI: 10.3390/v13040679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor, feeds directly on honey bees and serves as a vector for transmitting viruses among them. The Varroa mite causes relatively little damage to its natural host, the Eastern honey bee (Apis cerana) but it is the most devastating pest for the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera). Using Illumina HiSeq sequencing technology, we conducted a metatranscriptome analysis of the microbial community associated with Varroa mites. This study led to the identification of a new Chinese strain of Varroa destructor virus-2 (VDV-2), which is a member of the Iflaviridae family and was previously reported to be specific to Varroa mites. A subsequent epidemiological investigation of Chinese strain of VDV-2 (VDV-2-China) showed that the virus was highly prevalent among Varroa populations and was not identified in any of the adult workers from both A. mellifera and A.cerana colonies distributed in six provinces in China, clearly indicating that VDV-2-China is predominantly a Varroa-adapted virus. While A. mellifera worker pupae exposed to less than two Varroa mites tested negative for VDV-2-China, VDV-2-China was detected in 12.5% of the A. mellifera worker pupae that were parasitized by more than 10 Varroa mites, bringing into play the possibility of a new scenario where VDV-2 could be transmitted to the honey bees during heavy Varroa infestations. Bioassay for the VDV-2-China infectivity showed that A. cerana was not a permissive host for VDV-2-China, yet A. mellifera could be a biological host that supports VDV-2-China's replication. The different replication dynamics of the virus between the two host species reflect their variation in terms of susceptibility to the virus infection, posing a potential threat to the health of the Western honey bee. The information gained from this study contributes to the knowledge concerning genetic variabilities and evolutionary dynamics of Varroa-borne viruses, thereby enhancing our understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms governing honey bee Varroosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongwen Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (G.C.); (S.W.); (S.J.); (F.H.)
| | - Shuai Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (G.C.); (S.W.); (S.J.); (F.H.)
| | - Shuo Jia
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (G.C.); (S.W.); (S.J.); (F.H.)
| | - Ye Feng
- Insitutute for Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China;
| | - Fuliang Hu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (G.C.); (S.W.); (S.J.); (F.H.)
| | - Yanping Chen
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Huoqing Zheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (G.C.); (S.W.); (S.J.); (F.H.)
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Cameron TC, Wiles D, Beddoe T. Current Status of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Technologies for the Detection of Honey Bee Pathogens. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:659683. [PMID: 33912610 PMCID: PMC8071855 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.659683] [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: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately one-third of the typical human Western diet depends upon pollination for production, and honey bees (Apis mellifera) are the primary pollinators of numerous food crops, including fruits, nuts, vegetables, and oilseeds. Regional large scale losses of managed honey bee populations have increased significantly during the last decade. In particular, asymptomatic infection of honey bees with viruses and bacterial pathogens are quite common, and co-pathogenic interaction with other pathogens have led to more severe and frequent colony losses. Other multiple environmental stress factors, including agrochemical exposure, lack of quality forage, and reduced habitat, have all contributed to the considerable negative impact upon bee health. The ability to accurately diagnose diseases early could likely lead to better management and treatment strategies. While many molecular diagnostic tests such as real-time PCR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry have been developed to detect honey bee pathogens, they are not field-deployable and thus cannot support local apiary husbandry decision-making for disease control. Here we review the field-deployable technology termed loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and its application to diagnose honey bee infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Cameron
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Science, Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Livestock Interactions With Pathogens, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Danielle Wiles
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Science, Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Livestock Interactions With Pathogens, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Travis Beddoe
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Science, Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Livestock Interactions With Pathogens, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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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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Becchimanzi A, Tatè R, Campbell EM, Gigliotti S, Bowman AS, Pennacchio F. A salivary chitinase of Varroa destructor influences host immunity and mite's survival. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1009075. [PMID: 33275645 PMCID: PMC7744053 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Varroa destructor is an ectoparasite of honey bees and an active disease vector, which represents one of the most severe threats for the beekeeping industry. This parasitic mite feeds on the host’s body fluids through a wound in the cuticle, which allows food uptake by the mother mite and its progeny, offering a potential route of entrance for infecting microorganisms. Mite feeding is associated with saliva injection, whose role is still largely unknown. Here we try to fill this gap by identifying putative host regulation factors present in the saliva of V. destructor and performing a functional analysis for one of them, a chitinase (Vd-CHIsal) phylogenetically related to chitinases present in parasitic and predatory arthropods, which shows a specific and very high level of expression in the mite’s salivary glands. Vd-CHIsal is essential for effective mite feeding and survival, since it is apparently involved both in maintaining the feeding wound open and in preventing host infection by opportunistic pathogens. Our results show the important role in the modulation of mite-honey bee interactions exerted by a host regulation factor shared by different evolutionary lineages of parasitic arthropods. We predict that the functional characterization of Varroa sialome will provide new background knowledge on parasitism evolution in arthropods and the opportunity to develop new bioinspired strategies for mite control based on the disruption of their complex interactions with a living food source. Varroa destructor is a parasitic mite of honey bees and a major driver of honey bee colony losses. The feeding mites inject a salivary blend of poorly known molecules, which regulate host physiology. Here, we have identified in silico putative host regulation factors occurring in Varroa saliva and characterized the functional role of a highly expressed chitinase, which is conserved across different evolutionary lineages of parasitic arthropods. This enzyme influences host immune response and mite’s survival. An in-depth functional analysis of Varroa saliva will shed light on parasitism evolution in arthropods and will pave the way towards the development of new bioinspired strategies for mite control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Becchimanzi
- Laboratorio di Entomologia “E. Tremblay”, Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Rosarita Tatè
- Istituto di Genetica e Biofisica “Adriano Buzzati Traverso”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Napoli, Italy
| | - Ewan M. Campbell
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Gigliotti
- Istituto di Bioscienze e Biorisorse, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alan S. Bowman
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Pennacchio
- Laboratorio di Entomologia “E. Tremblay”, Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Portici (NA), Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), University of Napoli “Federico II”, Portici (NA), Italy
- * E-mail:
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47
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Lenda M, Skórka P, Kuszewska K, Moroń D, Bełcik M, Baczek Kwinta R, Janowiak F, Duncan DH, Vesk PA, Possingham HP, Knops JMH. Misinformation, internet honey trading and beekeepers drive a plant invasion. Ecol Lett 2020; 24:165-169. [PMID: 33201583 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Biological invasions are a major human induced global change that is threatening global biodiversity by homogenizing the world's fauna and flora. Species spread because humans have moved species across geographical boundaries and have changed ecological factors that structure ecosystems, such as nitrogen deposition, disturbance, etc. Many biological invasions are caused accidentally, as a byproduct of human travel and commerce driven product shipping. However, humans also have spread many species intentionally because of perceived benefits. Of interest is the role of the recent exponential growth in information exchange via internet social media in driving biological invasions. To date, this has not been examined. Here, we show that for one such invasive species, goldenrod, social networks spread misleading and incomplete information that is enhancing the spread of goldenrod invasions into new environments. We show that the notion of goldenrod honey as a "superfood" with unsupported healing properties is driving a demand that leads beekeepers to produce goldenrod honey. Social networks provide a forum for such information exchange and this is leading to further spread of goldenrod in many countries where goldenrod is not native, such as Poland. However, this informal social information exchange ignores laws that focus on preventing the further spread of invasive species and the strong negative effects that goldenrod has on native ecosystems, including floral resources that negatively impact honeybee performance. Thus, scientifically unsupported information on "superfoods" such as goldenrod honey that is disseminated through social internet networks has real world consequences such as increased goldenrod invasions into novel geographical regions which decreases native biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Lenda
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld., Australia.,Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Mickiewicza 33, Kraków, 31-120, Poland
| | - Piotr Skórka
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Mickiewicza 33, Kraków, 31-120, Poland
| | - Karolina Kuszewska
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Kraków, 30-387, Poland
| | - Dawid Moroń
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sławkowska 17, Kraków, 31-016, Poland
| | - Michał Bełcik
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Mickiewicza 33, Kraków, 31-120, Poland
| | - Renata Baczek Kwinta
- Department of Plant Physiology, Breeding and Seed Science, Kraków, ul. Podłużna, Kraków, 3, 30-239, Poland
| | - Franciszek Janowiak
- The Franciszek Górski Institute of Plant Physiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Niezapominajek 21, Kraków, 30-239, Poland
| | - David H Duncan
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., 3010, Australia
| | - Peter A Vesk
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., 3010, Australia
| | - Hugh P Possingham
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld., Australia
| | - Johannes M H Knops
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Lin Z, Liu Y, Chen X, Han C, Wang W, Ke Y, Su X, Li Y, Chen H, Xu H, Chen G, Ji T. Genome-Wide Identification of Long Non-coding RNAs in the Gravid Ectoparasite Varroa destructor. Front Genet 2020; 11:575680. [PMID: 33193688 PMCID: PMC7596327 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.575680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) emerge as critical regulators across a wide variety of biological functions in living organisms. However, to date, no systematic characterization of lncRNAs has been investigated in the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor, the most severe biotic threat to honey bees worldwide. Here, we performed an initial genome-wide identification of lncRNAs in V. destructor via high-throughput sequencing technology and reported, for the first time, the transcriptomic landscape of lncRNAs in the devastating parasite. By means of a lncRNA identification pipeline, 6,645 novel lncRNA transcripts, encoded by 3,897 gene loci, were identified, including 2,066 sense lncRNAs, 2,772 lincRNAs, and 1,807 lncNATs. Compared with protein-coding mRNAs, V. destructor lncRNAs are shorter in terms of full length, as well as of the ORF length, contain less exons, and express at lower level. GO term and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of the lncRNA target genes demonstrated that these predicted lncRNAs may be potentially responsible for the regulatory functions of cellular and biological progresses in the reproductive phase of V. destructor. To our knowledge, this is the first catalog of lncRNA profile in the parasitiformes species, providing a valuable resource for genetic and genomic studies. Understanding the characteristics and features of lncRNAs in V. destructor would promote sustainable parasite control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheguang Lin
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yibing Liu
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Chen
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Cong Han
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Wuzhong Animal Health Supervision Institute, Suzhou, China
| | - Yalu Ke
- Wuzhong Animal Health Supervision Institute, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Su
- Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinhua, China
| | - Yujiao Li
- Shandong Apiculture Breeding of Improved Varieties and Extension Center, Tai’an, China
| | - Heng Chen
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Guohong Chen
- 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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Maucourt S, Fortin F, Robert C, Giovenazzo P. Genetic Parameters of Honey Bee Colonies Traits in a Canadian Selection Program. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11090587. [PMID: 32882855 PMCID: PMC7564374 DOI: 10.3390/insects11090587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Genetic selection has led to spectacular advances in animal production in many domestic species. However, it is still little applied to honey bees (Apis mellifera), whose complex genetic and reproductive characteristics are a challenge to model statistically. Advances in informatics now enable creation of a statistical model consistent with honey bee genetics, and, consequently, genetic selection for this species. The aim of this project was to determine the genetic parameters of several traits important for Canadian beekeepers with a view to establishing a breeding program in a northern context. Our results show that the five traits measured (Varroa destructor infestation, spring development, honey production, winter consumption, and hygienic behavior) are heritable. Thus, the rate of V. destructor infestation has a high heritability (h2 = 0.44 ± 0.56), spring development and honey production have a medium heritability (respectively, h2 = 0.30 ± 0.14 and h2 = 0.20 ± 0.13), and winter consumption and hygienic behavior have a low heritability (respectively, h2 = 0.11 ± 0.09 and h2 = 0.18 ± 0.13). Furthermore, the genetic correlations between these traits are all positive or null, except between hygienic behavior and V. destructor infestation level. These genetic parameters will be instrumental to the development of a selection index that will be used to improve the capacity of honey bees to thrive in northern conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ségolène Maucourt
- Department of Biology, Vachon Pavillon, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
- Correspondence:
| | - Frédéric Fortin
- Centre de Développement du porc du Québec, 450-2590 Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4M6, Canada;
| | - Claude Robert
- Department of Animal Science, Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Pierre Giovenazzo
- Department of Biology, Vachon Pavillon, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
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Scott-Brown A, Koch H. New directions in pollinator research: diversity, conflict and response to global change. Emerg Top Life Sci 2020; 4:ETLS20200123. [PMID: 32556155 DOI: 10.1042/etls20200123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between pollinators and their plant hosts are central to maintaining global biodiversity and ensuring our food security. In this special issue, we compile reviews that summarize existing knowledge and point out key outstanding research areas to understand and safeguard pollinators, pollinators-host plant interactions and the pollination ecosystem services they provide. The vast diversity of the pollinator-plant interactions that exists on this planet still remains poorly explored, with many being associations involving a specialist pollinator partner, although historically most focus has been given to generalist pollinators, such as the honeybee. Two areas highlighted here are the ecology and evolution of oligolectic bee species, and the often-neglected groups of pollinators that forage solely at night. Advances in automated detection technologies could offer potential and complementary solutions to the current shortfall in knowledge on interactions occurring between less well-documented plant-pollinator associations, by increasing the collection range and capacity of flower visitation data over space and time. Pollinator-host plant interactions can be affected by external biotic factors, with herbivores and pathogens playing particularly important roles. Such interactions can be disrupted by modifying plant volatile and reward chemistry, with possible effects on pollinator attraction and pollination success. Mechanisms which underpin interactions between plants and their pollinators also face many anthropogenic disturbances. Reviews in this issue discuss threats from parasites and climate change to pollinator populations and plant-pollinator networks, and suggest new ways to mitigate these threats. While the protection of existing plant-pollinator networks will be a crucial goal for conservation biology, more research is needed to understand how lost interactions in degraded habitats may be restored with mutual benefits to plants and pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Scott-Brown
- Department of Natural Capital and Plant Health, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, U.K
| | - Hauke Koch
- Department of Natural Capital and Plant Health, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, U.K
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