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Farder-Gomes CF, Miranda FR, Bernardes RC, Bastos DSS, Gomes DS, da Silva FP, Gonçalves PL, Arndt S, da Silva Xavier A, Zago HB, Serrão JE, Martins GF, de Oliveira LL, Fernandes KM. Exposure to the herbicide tebuthiuron affects behavior, enzymatic activity, morphology and physiology of the midgut of the stingless bee Partamona helleri. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 110:104516. [PMID: 39032582 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Partamona helleri is an important pollinator in the Neotropics. However, this bee faces an increased risk of pesticide exposure, potentially affecting both individual bees and entire colonies. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of the herbicide tebuthiuron on behavior, antioxidant activity, midgut morphology, and signaling pathways related to cell death, cell proliferation and differentiation in P. helleri workers. tebuthiuron significantly reduced locomotor activity and induced morphological changes in the midgut. The activity of the detoxification enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase increased after exposure, indicating a detoxification mechanism. Furthermore, the herbicide led to alterations in the number of positive cells for signaling-pathway proteins in the midgut of bees, suggesting induction of apoptotic cell death and disruption of midgut epithelial regeneration. Therefore, tebuthiuron may negatively impact the behavior, antioxidant activity, morphology, and physiology of P. helleri workers, potentially posing a threat to the survival of this non-target organism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Franciane Rosa Miranda
- Department of General Biology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil.
| | | | - Daniel Silva Sena Bastos
- Department of General Biology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Davy Soares Gomes
- Department of General Biology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Pereira da Silva
- Department of Agronomy, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre, Alegre, Espírito Santo 29500-000, Brazil.
| | - Pollyana Leão Gonçalves
- Department of General Biology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Stella Arndt
- Department of Agronomy, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre, Alegre, Espírito Santo 29500-000, Brazil.
| | - André da Silva Xavier
- Department of Agronomy, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre, Alegre, Espírito Santo 29500-000, Brazil.
| | - Hugo Bolsoni Zago
- Department of Agronomy, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre, Alegre, Espírito Santo 29500-000, Brazil.
| | - José Eduardo Serrão
- Department of General Biology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo Ferreira Martins
- Department of General Biology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil.
| | | | - Kenner Morais Fernandes
- Department of Agronomy, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre, Alegre, Espírito Santo 29500-000, Brazil.
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2
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de Souza FC, Miotelo L, Maloni G, Otero IVR, Nocelli RCF, Malaspina O. Thiamethoxam toxicity on the stingless bee Friesiomelitta varia: LC 50, survival time, and enzymatic biomarkers assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142853. [PMID: 39019173 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Bees play a crucial role as pollinating insects in both natural and cultivated areas. However, the use of pesticides, such as thiamethoxam, has been identified as a contributing factor compromising bee health. The current risk assessment primarily relies on the model species Apis mellifera, raising concerns about the applicability of these assessments to other bee groups, including stingless bees. In this study, we investigated the acute toxicity of thiamethoxam on the stingless bee Frieseomelitta varia by determining the average lethal concentration (LC50) and mean lethal time (LT50). Additionally, we evaluated the enzymatic profile of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Carboxylesterase-3 (CaE-3), and Glutathione S-Transferase (GST), in the heads and abdomens of F. varia after exposure to thiamethoxam (LC50/10). The LC50 of thiamethoxam was determined to be 0.68 ng ai/μL, and the LT50 values were 37 days for the control group, 25 days at LC50/10, and 27 days at LC50/100. The thiamethoxam significantly decreased the survival time of F. varia. Furthermore, the enzymatic profile exhibited differences in CaE3 activity within one day in the heads and ten days in the abdomen. GST activity showed differences in the abdomen after one and five days of thiamethoxam exposure. These findings suggests that the abdomen is more affected than the head after oral exposure to thiamethoxam. Our study provides evidence of the toxicity of thiamethoxam at both the cellular and organismal levels, reinforcing the need to include non-Apis species in pollinator risk assessments. and provide solid arguments for bee protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Carolaine de Souza
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Rio Claro. Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Programa de pós graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Biologia Celular, Molecular e Microbiologia, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Miotelo
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Rio Claro. Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Programa de pós graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Biologia Celular, Molecular e Microbiologia, Brazil.
| | - Geovana Maloni
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Rio Claro. Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Programa de pós graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Biologia Celular, Molecular e Microbiologia, Brazil.
| | - Igor Vinicius Ramos Otero
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Rio Claro. Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Programa de pós graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Biologia Celular, Molecular e Microbiologia, Brazil.
| | | | - Osmar Malaspina
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Rio Claro. Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Programa de pós graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Biologia Celular, Molecular e Microbiologia, Brazil.
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Botina LL, Barbosa WF, Viana TA, de Oliveira Faustino A, Martins GF. Physiological responses of the stingless bee Partamona helleri to oral exposure to three agrochemicals: impact on antioxidant enzymes and hemocyte count. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:54648-54658. [PMID: 39207621 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34790-w] [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: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Agrochemicals pose significant threats to the survival of bees, yet the physiological impacts of sublethal doses on stingless bees remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of acute oral exposure to three commercial formulations of agrochemicals [CuSO4 (leaf fertilizer), glyphosate (herbicide), and spinosad (bioinsecticide)] on antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde content (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) levels, and total hemocyte count (THC) in the stingless bee Partamona helleri. Foragers were exposed to lethal concentrations aimed to kill 5% (LC5) of CuSO4 (120 μg mL-1) or spinosad (0.85 μg mL-1) over a 24-h period. Glyphosate-exposed bees received the recommended label concentration (7400 μg mL-1), as they exhibited 100% survival after exposure. Ingestion of CuSO4 or glyphosate-treated diets by bees was reduced. Levels of NO and catalase (CAT) remained unaffected at 0 h or 24 h post-exposure. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was higher at 0 h compared to 24 h, although insignificantly so when compared to the control. Exposure to CuSO4 reduced glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity at 0 h but increased it after 24 h, for both CuSO4 and glyphosate. MDA levels decreased after 0 h exposure to CuSO4 or spinosad but increased after 24 h exposure to all tested agrochemicals. THC showed no difference among glyphosate or spinosad compared to the control or across time. However, CuSO4 exposure significantly increased THC. These findings shed light on the physiological responses of stingless bees to agrochemicals, crucial for understanding their overall health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Lisbetd Botina
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Wagner Faria Barbosa
- Departamento de Estatística, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Thaís Andrade Viana
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
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Rodríguez-Aguilar BA, Peregrina-Lucano AA, Ceballos-Magaña SG, Rodríguez-García A, Calderon R, Palma P, Muñiz-Valencia R. Spatiotemporal variability of pesticides concentration in honeybees (Apis mellifera) and their honey from western Mexico. Risk assessment for honey consumption. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174702. [PMID: 39002602 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
The study conducted in the state of Colima, western Mexico, aimed to assess the 1) occurrence, 2) temporal variability, 3) spatial variability, and 4) potential risk for honeybees and human consumption of pesticide-contaminated honey. For that purpose, 48 pesticides were determined in bees and their honey during both dry and wet seasons. The research considered two variables: land use categorization (irrigated agriculture, rainfed agriculture, grassland, and forest area) and location (coastal, valley, and mountain). Bee and honey samples were collected, pre-treated using solid-phase extraction (SPE), and analyzed using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS techniques. Occurrence: of the total number of pesticides, 17 were detected in the bee samples and 12 in the honey samples. The pesticides with the highest concentrations in the bee samples were glufosinate ammonium, picloram, and permethrin, while in the honey samples, picloram, permethrin, and atrazine were the most prevalent. Temporal variability: analyses revealed significant differences between dry and wet seasons for glufosinate ammonium and DEET in bee samples and only for glufosinate ammonium in honey samples. Spatial variability: analyses showed a trend in the number of detected pesticides, with irrigated agriculture areas having the highest detection and grassland areas having the least. The human potential risk assessment of contaminated honey consumption indicated no risk. The bee's potential risk for consumption of pesticides contaminated honey revealed chronic effects due to permethrin in a general scenario, and carbofuran, diazinon and permethrin in the worst scenario, and potential risk of acute effects by permethrin. The findings of this study contribute to understanding the contamination levels of pesticides in bees and their honey, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and mitigating the adverse effects of pesticide exposure on bee populations and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alejandro A Peregrina-Lucano
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas e Ingeniería, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44430, Jalisco, Mexico
| | | | | | - Raul Calderon
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Fabrica 1990, Segundo Piso, Santiago, Chile; Núcleo de Investigación en Sustentabilidad Agroambiental, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulina Palma
- Laboratorio de Salud Pública, Ambiental y Laboral, Secretaria Regional Ministerial, Ministerio de Salud, Región Metropolitana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto Muñiz-Valencia
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Colima, Coquimatlán 28400, Colima, Mexico; Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Fabrica 1990, Segundo Piso, Santiago, Chile.
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5
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Botina LL, Barbosa WF, Martins GF. Toxicological Assessments of Agrochemicals in Stingless Bees in Brazil: a Systematic Review. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 53:480-489. [PMID: 38358646 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-024-01132-x] [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: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The growing concern with the decline of pollinators worldwide is centered on honey bees, due to their wide distribution, economic, and ecological importance. This type of concern remained less evident for stingless bees, which are widely distributed in the Neotropics, until recently. Since exposure to agrochemicals has been identified as one of the potential threats to bees, the present systematic review compiled information from toxicological evaluations in stingless bees in Brazil, home to a considerable portion of the existing species. This systematic review was performed considering species, research institutions, scientific journals, metrics, experimental set ups, and agrochemicals. The first article in this topic was published in 2010. Since then, 93 scientific papers were published, which showed that there are few species of stingless bees used for toxicological evaluations and Brazilian institutions lead these evaluations. Only 1.5% of the stingless bees' species that occur in Brazil were assessed through chronic exposure in the larval stage. The Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV) is responsible for 37% of the total publications. The main route of exposure was acute, using adults in laboratory conditions. The main group of agrochemicals studied were insecticides, in particular the neonicotinoids. The current results reveal the advances achieved and point out the gaps that still need to be filled considering toxicological evaluations in stingless bees.
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Schuhmann A, Schulte J, Feldhaar H, Scheiner R. Bumblebees are resilient to neonicotinoid-fungicide combinations. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108608. [PMID: 38554503 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Bumblebees are among the most important wild bees for pollination of crops and securing wildflower diversity. However, their abundance and diversity have been on a steady decrease in the last decades. One of the most important factors leading to their decline is the frequent use of plant protection products (PPPs) in agriculture, which spread into forests and natural reserves. Mixtures of different PPPs pose a particular threat because of possible synergistic effects. While there is a comparatively large body of studies on the effects of PPPs on honeybees, we still lack data on wild bees. We here investigated the influence of the frequent fungicide Cantus® Gold (boscalid/dimoxystrobin), the neonicotinoid insecticide Mospilan® (acetamiprid) and their combination on bumblebees. Cognitive performance and foraging flights of bumblebees were studied. They are essential for the provisioning and survival of the colony. We introduce a novel method for testing four treatments simultaneously on the same colony, minimizing inter-colony differences. For this, we successfully quartered the colony and moved the queen daily between compartments. Bumblebees appeared astonishingly resilient to the PPPs tested or they have developed mechanisms for detoxification. Neither learning capacity nor flight activity were inhibited by treatment with the single PPPs or their combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Schuhmann
- Biocenter, Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Janna Schulte
- Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Heike Feldhaar
- Department of Animal Ecology I, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Ricarda Scheiner
- Biocenter, Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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Raine NE, Rundlöf M. Pesticide Exposure and Effects on Non- Apis Bees. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 69:551-576. [PMID: 37827173 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-040323-020625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Bees are essential pollinators of many crops and wild plants, and pesticide exposure is one of the key environmental stressors affecting their health in anthropogenically modified landscapes. Until recently, almost all information on routes and impacts of pesticide exposure came from honey bees, at least partially because they were the only model species required for environmental risk assessments (ERAs) for insect pollinators. Recently, there has been a surge in research activity focusing on pesticide exposure and effects for non-Apis bees, including other social bees (bumble bees and stingless bees) and solitary bees. These taxa vary substantially from honey bees and one another in several important ecological traits, including spatial and temporal activity patterns, foraging and nesting requirements, and degree of sociality. In this article, we review the current evidence base about pesticide exposure pathways and the consequences of exposure for non-Apis bees. We find that the insights into non-Apis bee pesticide exposure and resulting impacts across biological organizations, landscapes, mixtures, and multiple stressors are still in their infancy. The good news is that there are many promising approaches that could be used to advance our understanding, with priority given to informing exposure pathways, extrapolating effects, and determining how well our current insights (limited to very few species and mostly neonicotinoid insecticides under unrealistic conditions) can be generalized to the diversity of species and lifestyles in the global bee community. We conclude that future research to expand our knowledge would also be beneficial for ERAs and wider policy decisions concerning pollinator conservation and pesticide regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel E Raine
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada;
| | - Maj Rundlöf
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden;
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Farder-Gomes CF, Grella TC, Malaspina O, Nocelli RFC. Exposure to sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid, pyraclostrobin, and glyphosate harm the behavior and fat body cells of the stingless bee Scaptotrigona postica. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:168072. [PMID: 37879468 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Pesticide use in agriculture threatens non-target insects such as bees. Considering the ecological and economic relevance of native bees, such as Scaptotrigona postica, and the insufficient studies on the effects of pesticides on their behavior and physiology, improving the current knowledge on this issue is essential. Therefore, this study investigated the sublethal effects of imidacloprid, pyraclostrobin, and glyphosate on the behavior and fat body cells of S. postica. Pesticide ingestion decreased the walking distance and mean velocity of bees compared to the control and solvent control groups. The oenocytes of the control groups were spherical, with central nuclei containing decondensed chromatin, and the trophocytes presented irregular morphology, with cells varying in shape and the cytoplasm filled with vacuoles and granules. However, bees exposed to pesticides showed extensive cytoarchitectural disruption in the fat body, such as vacuolization and shape changes in oenocytes and altered nuclei morphology in trophocytes. Moreover, pesticide exposure increased the number of atypical oenocytes and altered trophocytes, except for the PYR group, which showed a lower number of atypical oenocytes. Caspase-positive labeling significantly increased in all exposed bee groups. Alternatively, TLR4 labeling was significantly decreased in the exposed groups compared to the control groups. There was a significant increase in HSP90 immunolabeling in all exposed groups compared to the control. These findings reinforce the importance of research on the sublethal effects of low pesticide concentrations on key neotropical pollinators and prove that these toxic substances can impair their detoxification and immune defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cliver Fernandes Farder-Gomes
- Departamento de Ciências da Natureza, Matemática e Educação, Universidade Federal de São Carlos Campus Araras, Araras, SP 13.600-970, Brazil.
| | - Tatiane Caroline Grella
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) - "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Instituto de Biociências (IB), Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Osmar Malaspina
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) - "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Instituto de Biociências (IB), Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil.
| | - Roberta Ferreira Cornélio Nocelli
- Departamento de Ciências da Natureza, Matemática e Educação, Universidade Federal de São Carlos Campus Araras, Araras, SP 13.600-970, Brazil.
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Kiljanek T. Application of 3D-printed pollen traps as a useful tool for exposure and risk assessment of pesticide residues on bumblebees. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 348:140748. [PMID: 37992905 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140748] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The study was designed to test the feasibility of using 3D-printed pollen traps for long-term monitoring of Bombus terrestris colonies' exposure to pesticide residues in pollen loads collected by them, along with an assessment of the resulting risks to the bumblebee's adults, larvae, and queens. Bumblebee colonies were placed in the vicinity of flowering orchards, winter oilseed rape, allotments, or home gardens for 6 weeks of the experiment. Pollen traps printed in 3D technology were installed in the hive inlets. The weight of bumblebee pollen loads obtained using pollen traps was in the range of 0.036-5.83 g. Pollen load samples were analyzed for residues of up to 261 pesticides and their metabolites by liquid and gas chromatography techniques coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS). Residues of 18 fungicides, 12 herbicides, 6 insecticides, and an acaricide were detected. Herbicide - pendimethalin, fungicide - thiophanate-methyl, and insecticide - chlorpyrifos-ethyl were the most commonly detected pesticides. Chlorpyrifos and thiacloprid residues were detected in pollen load samples in the next year after their ban from use as plant protection products in the European Union. The risk of acute or chronic effects was assessed as negligible or low, although the chronic risk of bumblebee queens to insecticide chlorpyrifos and the acute risk of larvae exposed to acaricide fenpyroximate could be interpreted as moderate. The risk of sublethal effects related to chronic exposure of adult bumblebees and queens to pollen loads contaminated by chlorpyrifos-ethyl and cypermethrin cannot be excluded. The risk of chronic toxicity or sublethal effects may be particularly relevant for bumblebee queens, especially during their foraging in the initial period of establishing a new colony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Kiljanek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Pulawy, Poland.
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Jütte T, Wernecke A, Klaus F, Pistorius J, Dietzsch AC. Risk assessment requires several bee species to address species-specific sensitivity to insecticides at field-realistic concentrations. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22533. [PMID: 38110412 PMCID: PMC10728145 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48818-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In the European registration process, pesticides are currently mainly tested on the honey bee. Since sensitivity data for other bee species are lacking for the majority of xenobiotics, it is unclear if and to which extent this model species can adequately serve as surrogate for all wild bees. Here, we investigated the effects of field-realistic contact exposure to a pyrethroid insecticide, containing lambda-cyhalothrin, on seven bee species (Andrena vaga, Bombus terrestris, Colletes cunicularius, Osmia bicornis, Osmia cornuta, Megachile rotundata, Apis mellifera) with different life history characteristics in a series of laboratory trials over two years. Our results on sensitivity showed significant species-specific responses to the pesticide at a field-realistic application rate (i.e., 7.5 g a.s./ha). Species did not group into distinct classes of high and low mortality. Bumble bee and mason bee survival was the least affected by the insecticide, and M. rotundata survival was the most affected with all individuals dead 48 h after application. Apis mellifera showed medium mortality compared to the other bee species. Most sublethal effects, i.e. behavioral abnormalities, were observed within the first hours after application. In some of the solitary species, for example O. bicornis and A. vaga, a higher percentage of individuals performed some abnormal behavior for longer until the end of the observation period. While individual bee weight explained some of the observed mortality patterns, differences are likely linked to additional ecological, phylogenetic or toxicogenomic parameters as well. Our results support the idea that honey bee data can be substitute for some bee species' sensitivity and may justify the usage of safety factors. To adequately cover more sensitive species, a larger set of bee species should be considered for risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Jütte
- Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kuehn-Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Messeweg 11-12, 38104, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Anna Wernecke
- Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kuehn-Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Messeweg 11-12, 38104, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Felix Klaus
- Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kuehn-Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Messeweg 11-12, 38104, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jens Pistorius
- Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kuehn-Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Messeweg 11-12, 38104, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Anke C Dietzsch
- Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kuehn-Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Messeweg 11-12, 38104, Braunschweig, Germany
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Paula MCD, Batista NR, Cunha DADS, Santos PGD, Antonialli-Junior WF, Cardoso CAL, Simionatto E. Impacts of the insecticide thiamethoxam on the native stingless bee Plebeia catamarcensis (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 339:122742. [PMID: 37839683 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural production and the indiscriminate use of insecticides such as thiamethoxam have put at risk the biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by bees, including native stingless species. Since most of the native species do not present economic importance, they may suffer "silent extinction", due to lack of monitoring of their colonies. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the lethal and sublethal concentrations of the insecticide thiamethoxam, with evaluation of its sublethal effects on mobility, in the stingless bee Plebeia catamarcensis (Holmberg, 1903). Foraging bees were collected and exposed to thiamethoxam to determine lethal (LC50) and sublethal concentrations. The 24 h LC50 was 0.408 ng a.i./μL, a value demonstrating that this species may be as sensitive as other stingless bees already studied. Sublethal concentrations influenced the locomotion abilities of the bees, making them hyperactive when exposed to LC50/10 and lethargic when exposed to LC50/100. The effects of sublethal concentrations on individuals may have collective consequences, especially in colonies with few individuals, as is the case of P. catamarcensis. The findings reinforce the hypothesis that thiamethoxam may contribute to the decline of native stingless bees, which can be significantly impacted when chronically exposed to agricultural production systems that use this insecticide, consequently affecting the ecosystem services provided by these bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Castro de Paula
- Laboratório de Óleos e Extratos (LAPOEX), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais (PGRN), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), CEP, 79950-000, Naviraí, MS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais (PGRN), Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), PC 351, CEP, 79804-970, Dourados, MS, Brazil.
| | - Nathan Rodrigues Batista
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), CP 351, CEP, 79804-970, Dourados, MS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD), PC 533, CEP, 79804-970, Dourados, MS, Brazil.
| | - Dayana Alves da Silva Cunha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais (PGRN), Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), PC 351, CEP, 79804-970, Dourados, MS, Brazil; Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), CP 351, CEP, 79804-970, Dourados, MS, Brazil.
| | - Poliana Galvão Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), CP 351, CEP, 79804-970, Dourados, MS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD), PC 533, CEP, 79804-970, Dourados, MS, Brazil.
| | - William Fernando Antonialli-Junior
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais (PGRN), Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), PC 351, CEP, 79804-970, Dourados, MS, Brazil; Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental (LABECO), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), CP 351, CEP, 79804-970, Dourados, MS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD), PC 533, CEP, 79804-970, Dourados, MS, Brazil.
| | - Claudia Andrea Lima Cardoso
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais (PGRN), Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), PC 351, CEP, 79804-970, Dourados, MS, Brazil.
| | - Euclésio Simionatto
- Laboratório de Óleos e Extratos (LAPOEX), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais (PGRN), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), CEP, 79950-000, Naviraí, MS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais (PGRN), Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais (CERNA), Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), PC 351, CEP, 79804-970, Dourados, MS, Brazil.
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12
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Batista NR, Farder-Gomes CF, Nocelli RCF, Antonialli-Junior WF. Effects of chronic exposure to sublethal doses of neonicotinoids in the social wasp Polybia paulista: Survival, mobility, and histopathology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166823. [PMID: 37683853 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166823] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have investigated the consequences of exposure to neonicotinoids in honeybees. Given the lack of studies concerning the consequences of exposure of social wasps to neonicotinoids, as well as the ecological importance of these insects, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that chronic exposure to sublethal concentrations of thiamethoxam decreases survival and mobility by causing damage to the brain and midgut of the social wasp Polybia paulista. The wasps were exposed to different concentrations of thiamethoxam, in order to obtain the mean lethal concentration (LC50), which was used as a reference for calculation of two sublethal concentrations (LC50/100 and LC50/10) employed in subsequent experiments. To calculate survival, groups of exposed (EW) and unexposed (UW) wasps were monitored until death, allowing calculation of the average lethal time. The EW and UW groups were evaluated after 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of exposure, considering their mobility and histopathological parameters of the midgut and brain. A lesion index based on semiquantitative analyses was used for comparison of histopathological damage. The results demonstrated that exposure to the LC50/10 led to a significantly shorter survival time of the P. paulista workers, compared to unexposed wasps. In addition, both sublethal concentrations decreased mobility and caused damage to the intestine (loss of brush border, presence of spherocrystals, loss of cytoplasmic material, and pyknosis) and the brain (loss of cell contact and pyknosis), regardless of the exposure time. The findings showed that, like bees, social wasps are nontarget insects susceptible to the detrimental consequences of neonicotinoid use, with exposure leading to impaired survival, locomotion, and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Rodrigues Batista
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso Do Sul, Dourados, MS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil.
| | - Cliver Fernandes Farder-Gomes
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos Campus Araras, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Departamento de Ciências da Natureza, Matemática e Educação, Rodovia Anhanguera (SP-330), Km 174, Araras, SP, 13600-970, Brazil
| | - Roberta Cornélio Ferreira Nocelli
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos Campus Araras, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Departamento de Ciências da Natureza, Matemática e Educação, Rodovia Anhanguera (SP-330), Km 174, Araras, SP, 13600-970, Brazil
| | - William Fernando Antonialli-Junior
- Centro de Estudos em Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ecologia Comportamental, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso Do Sul, Dourados, MS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil
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13
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Fisher A, Tadei R, Berenbaum M, Nieh J, Siviter H, Crall J, Glass JR, Muth F, Liao LH, Traynor K, DesJardins N, Nocelli R, Simon-Delso N, Harrison JF. Breaking the cycle: Reforming pesticide regulation to protect pollinators. Bioscience 2023; 73:808-813. [PMID: 38125825 PMCID: PMC10728777 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biad088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Over decades, pesticide regulations have cycled between approval and implementation, followed by the discovery of negative effects on nontarget organisms that result in new regulations, pesticides, and harmful effects. This relentless pattern undermines the capacity to protect the environment from pesticide hazards and frustrates end users that need pest management tools. Wild pollinating insects are in decline, and managed pollinators such as honey bees are experiencing excessive losses, which threatens sustainable food security and ecosystem function. An increasing number of studies demonstrate the negative effects of field-realistic exposure to pesticides on pollinator health and fitness, which contribute to pollinator declines. Current pesticide approval processes, although they are superior to past practices, clearly continue to fail to protect pollinator health. In the present article, we provide a conceptual framework to reform cyclical pesticide approval processes and better protect pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Fisher
- School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States
| | | | - May Berenbaum
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
| | - James Nieh
- University of California, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Harry Siviter
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States
- University of Bristol, Bristol, England, United Kingdom
| | - James Crall
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Widsconsin, United States
| | - Jordan R Glass
- School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States
| | - Felicity Muth
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States
| | - Ling-Hsiu Liao
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States
| | | | - Nicole DesJardins
- School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States
| | | | - Noa Simon-Delso
- BeeLife European Beekeeping Coordination, Louvain la Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jon F Harrison
- School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States
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14
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Zioga E, White B, Stout JC. Honey bees and bumble bees may be exposed to pesticides differently when foraging on agricultural areas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:166214. [PMID: 37567302 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
In an agricultural environment, where crops are treated with pesticides, bees are likely to be exposed to a range of chemical compounds in a variety of ways. The extent to which different bee species are affected by these chemicals, largely depends on the concentrations and type of exposure. We quantified the presence of selected pesticide compounds in the pollen of two different entomophilous crops; oilseed rape (Brassica napus) and broad bean (Vicia faba). Sampling was performed in 12 sites in Ireland and our results were compared with the pollen loads of honey bees and bumble bees actively foraging on those crops in those same sites. Detections were compound specific, and the timing of pesticide application in relation to sampling likely influenced the final residue contamination levels. Most detections originated from compounds that were not recently applied on the fields, and samples from B. napus fields were more contaminated compared to those from V. faba fields. Crop pollen was contaminated only with fungicides, honey bee pollen loads contained mainly fungicides, while more insecticides were detected in bumble bee pollen loads. The highest number of compounds and most detections were observed in bumble bee pollen loads, where notably, all five neonicotinoids assessed (acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam) were detected despite the no recent application of these compounds on the fields where samples were collected. The concentrations of neonicotinoid insecticides were positively correlated with the number of wild plant species present in the bumble bee-collected pollen samples, but this relationship could not be verified for honey bees. The compounds azoxystrobin, boscalid and thiamethoxam formed the most common pesticide combination in pollen. Our results raise concerns about potential long-term bee exposure to multiple residues and question whether honey bees are suitable surrogates for pesticide risk assessments for all bee species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zioga
- Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Blánaid White
- School of Chemical Sciences, DCU Water Institute, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Jane C Stout
- Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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15
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Knapp JL, Nicholson CC, Jonsson O, de Miranda JR, Rundlöf M. Ecological traits interact with landscape context to determine bees' pesticide risk. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:547-556. [PMID: 36849537 PMCID: PMC10089916 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-01990-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Widespread contamination of ecosystems with pesticides threatens non-target organisms. However, the extent to which life-history traits affect pesticide exposure and resulting risk in different landscape contexts remains poorly understood. We address this for bees across an agricultural land-use gradient based on pesticide assays of pollen and nectar collected by Apis mellifera, Bombus terrestris and Osmia bicornis, representing extensive, intermediate and limited foraging traits. We found that extensive foragers (A. mellifera) experienced the highest pesticide risk-additive toxicity-weighted concentrations. However, only intermediate (B. terrestris) and limited foragers (O. bicornis) responded to landscape context-experiencing lower pesticide risk with less agricultural land. Pesticide risk correlated among bee species and between food sources and was greatest in A. mellifera-collected pollen-useful information for future postapproval pesticide monitoring. We provide foraging trait- and landscape-dependent information on the occurrence, concentration and identity of pesticides that bees encounter to estimate pesticide risk, which is necessary for more realistic risk assessment and essential information for tracking policy goals to reduce pesticide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Knapp
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Department of Botany, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | | | - Ove Jonsson
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, SLU Centre for Pesticides in the Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joachim R de Miranda
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maj Rundlöf
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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16
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Lourencetti APS, Azevedo P, Miotelo L, Malaspina O, Nocelli RCF. Surrogate species in pesticide risk assessments: Toxicological data of three stingless bees species. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 318:120842. [PMID: 36509344 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Discussions about environmental risk reassessment of pesticides have grown in the last decades, especially in tropical and subtropical regions since the diversity of bee species in these places is quite different. Stingless bees are highly affected by pesticides, and toxicity information is necessary to include them in the regulatory process of countries that hosts a diversity of these species. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the Median Lethal Concentration (LC50), estimate the Median Lethal Dose (LD50) and compared the sensitivity of three species of stingless bees exposed to the commercial formulation of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam (TMX). The LD50 was estimated based on the LC50 determined in the present study (LC50 = 0.329 ng a.i./μL for Tetragonisca angustula; 0.624 ng a.i./μL for Scaptotrigona postica, and 0.215 ng a.i./μL for Melipona scutellaris). Considering these data, toxicity endpoints were used to fit species sensitive distribution curves (SSD) and determine the sensitivity ratio. The results showed that all the stingless bees tested are more sensitive to TMX than the Apis mellifera, the model organism used in ecotoxicological tests. Regarding the oral LC50, the most susceptible and most tolerant species were M. scutellaris > T. angustula > S. postica > A. mellifera. Following the same evaluated pattern, for the LD50 (considering the weight of the bees - ng a.i./g bee), we have: M. scutellaris > S. postica > T. angustula > A. mellifera, and without the weight considered (ng a.i./bee): T. angustula > M. scutellaris > S. postica > A. mellifera. The different sensitivities among stingless bee species highlight the importance of inserting more than one surrogate species with a variety of sizes in research and protocol development. Additionally, the research suggests the need to investigate patterns regarding the influence of body mass on pesticide sensitivity among stingless bee species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Salomé Lourencetti
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA), Departamento de Ciências da Natureza, Matemática e Educação, Grupo Abelhas e os Serviços Ambientais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Agricultura e Ambiente, Araras, SP, Brazil.
| | - Patricia Azevedo
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Instituto de Biologia (IB), Grupo de Genética e Genômica da Conservação, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Miotelo
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP) campus Rio Claro, Instituto de Biociências (IB), Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Biologia Celular, Molecular e Microbiologia, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Osmar Malaspina
- Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP) campus Rio Claro, Instituto de Biociências (IB), Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Biologia Celular, Molecular e Microbiologia, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberta Cornélio Ferreira Nocelli
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA), Departamento de Ciências da Natureza, Matemática e Educação, Grupo Abelhas e os Serviços Ambientais, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Agricultura e Ambiente, Araras, SP, Brazil
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17
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Miotelo L, Ferro M, Maloni G, Otero IVR, Nocelli RCF, Bacci M, Malaspina O. Transcriptomic analysis of Malpighian tubules from the stingless bee Melipona scutellaris reveals thiamethoxam-induced damages. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:158086. [PMID: 35985603 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158086] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The concern about pesticide exposure to neotropical bees has been increasing in the last few years, and knowledge gaps have been identified. Although stingless bees, (e.g.: Melipona scutellaris), are more diverse than honeybees and they stand out in the pollination of several valuable economical crops, toxicity assessments with stingless bees are still scarce. Nowadays new approaches in ecotoxicological studies, such as omic analysis, were pointed out as a strategy to reveal mechanisms of how bees deal with these stressors. To date, no molecular techniques have been applied for the evaluation of target and/or non-target organs in stingless bees, such as the Malpighian tubules (Mt). Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the Mt of M. scutellaris after one and eight days of exposure to LC50/100 (0.000543 ng a.i./μL) of thiamethoxam (TMX). Through functional annotation analysis of four transcriptome libraries, the time course line approach revealed 237 DEGs (nine clusters) associated with carbon/energy metabolism and cellular processes (lysosomes, autophagy, and glycan degradation). The expression profiles of Mt were altered by TMX in processes, such as detoxification, excretion, tissue regeneration, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and DNA repair. Transcriptome analysis showed that cell metabolism in Mt was mainly affected after 8 days of exposure. Nine genes were selected from different clusters and validated by RT-qPCR. According to our findings, TMX promotes several types of damage in Mt cells at the molecular level. Therefore, interference of different cellular processes directly affects the health of M. scutellaris by compromising the function of Mt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Miotelo
- Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
| | - Milene Ferro
- Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Geovana Maloni
- Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Igor Vinicius Ramos Otero
- Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Mauricio Bacci
- Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Osmar Malaspina
- Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
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18
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Linguadoca A, Jürison M, Hellström S, Straw EA, Šima P, Karise R, Costa C, Serra G, Colombo R, Paxton RJ, Mänd M, Brown MJF. Intra-specific variation in sensitivity of Bombus terrestris and Osmia bicornis to three pesticides. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17311. [PMID: 36243795 PMCID: PMC9569340 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22239-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that pesticides may be among the causes of worldwide bee declines, which has resulted in repeated calls for their increased scrutiny in regulatory assessments. One recurring concern is that the current frameworks may be biased towards assessing risks to the honey bee. This paradigm requires extrapolating toxicity information across bee species. Most research effort has therefore focused on quantifying differences in sensitivity across species. However, our understanding of how responses to pesticides may vary within a species is still very poor. Here we take the first steps towards filling this knowledge gap by comparing acute, lethal hazards in sexes and castes of the eusocial bee Bombus terrestris and in sexes of the solitary bee Osmia bicornis after oral and contact exposure to the pesticides sulfoxaflor, Amistar (azoxystrobin) and glyphosate. We show that sensitivity towards pesticides varies significantly both within and across species. Bee weight was a meaningful predictor of pesticide susceptibility. However, weight could not fully explain the observed differences, which suggests the existence of unexplored mechanisms regulating pesticide sensitivity across bee sexes and castes. Our data show that intra-specific responses are an overlooked yet important aspect of the risk assessment of pesticides in bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Linguadoca
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour, Department of Biological Sciences, School for Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK
- Pesticide Peer Review Unit, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), via Carlo Magno 1A, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Margret Jürison
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Sara Hellström
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Edward A Straw
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour, Department of Biological Sciences, School for Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Peter Šima
- Department of R&D, Koppert s.r.o., Nové Zámky, Slovakia
| | - Reet Karise
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Cecilia Costa
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Serra
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Colombo
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Robert J Paxton
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marika Mänd
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mark J F Brown
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour, Department of Biological Sciences, School for Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK
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19
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Thompson LJ, Smith S, Stout JC, White B, Zioga E, Stanley DA. Bumblebees can be Exposed to the Herbicide Glyphosate when Foraging. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:2603-2612. [PMID: 35866464 PMCID: PMC9804218 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Herbicides are the most widely used pesticides globally. Although used to control weeds, they may also pose a risk to bee health. A key knowledge gap is how bees could be exposed to herbicides in the environment, including whether they may forage on treated plants before they die. We used a choice test to determine if bumblebees would forage on plants treated with glyphosate at two time periods after treatment. We also determined whether glyphosate and its degradation product aminomethylphosphonic acid were present as residues in the pollen collected by the bees while foraging. Finally, we explored if floral resources (nectar and pollen) remained present in plants after herbicide treatment. In general bees indiscriminately foraged on both plants treated with glyphosate and controls, showing no avoidance of treated plants. Although the time spent on individual flowers was slightly lower on glyphosate treated plants, this did not affect the bees' choice overall. We found that floral resources remained present in plants for at least 5 days after lethal treatment with glyphosate and that glyphosate residues were present in pollen for at least 70 h posttreatment. Our results suggest that bees could be exposed to herbicide in the environment, both topically and orally, by foraging on plants in the period between herbicide treatment and death. Identifying this route of exposure is a first step in understanding the risks of herbicides to bees. The effects of herbicides on bees themselves are uncertain and warrant further investigation to allow full risk assessment of these compounds to pollinating insects. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2603-2612. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linzi J. Thompson
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College DublinDublinIreland
- Earth InstituteUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Stephen Smith
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College DublinDublinIreland
- Earth InstituteUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Jane C. Stout
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Blánaid White
- School of Chemical Sciences and DCU Water InstituteDublin City UniversityDublinIreland
| | - Elena Zioga
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College DublinDublinIreland
- School of Chemical Sciences and DCU Water InstituteDublin City UniversityDublinIreland
| | - Dara A. Stanley
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College DublinDublinIreland
- Earth InstituteUniversity College DublinDublinIreland
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20
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Sales VR, Azevedo P, Zucchi MI, Nocelli RCF. A systematic review of research conducted by pioneer groups in ecotoxicological studies with bees in Brazil: advances and perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:62711-62732. [PMID: 35793026 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21609-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Brazil presents the most threatened endemic or rare species among neotropical regions, with the Hymenoptera order, to which bees belong, classified as a high-risk category. In Brazil, the main cause of bee death is the indiscriminate use of pesticides. In this context, groups such as Bee Ecotoxicology and Conservation Laboratory (LECA in Portuguese) and Bees and Environmental Services (ASAs in Portuguese) have become a reference in studies evaluating the impacts of pesticides on bees since 1976. Thus, the objective of this review was to conduct a quantitative and qualitative review of the studies conducted by these groups to evaluate and compile the advances made over the years, identify potential knowledge gaps for future studies, and support the sensitivities of stingless bees when compared to the species Apis mellifera. The quantitative analyses showed that most studies were carried out in the genus Apis, under laboratory conditions. However, more recently (since 2003), studies have also focused on stingless bees and the neonicotinoid class of insecticides. The most relevant gaps identified were the lack of studies under field conditions and on bee biology. The qualitative analyses indicated that Brazilian stingless bees are more susceptible to pesticides than A. mellifera and require a much lower average dose, concentration, or lethal time to display morphological and behavioral damage or decreased lifespan. Thus, future studies should work towards establishing more representative protocols for stingless bees. Furthermore, public policies must be created for the protection and conservation of bees native to Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Ribeiro Sales
- Departamento de Ciências da Natureza, Matemática e Educação, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Rodovia Anhanguera, Km 174, Araras, SP, 13600-970, Brazil
| | - Patricia Azevedo
- Instituto de Biologia, Grupo de Genética E Genômica da Conservação, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Rodovia SP 127, km 30, Piracicaba, SP, 13412-050, Brazil.
| | - Maria Imaculada Zucchi
- Agência Paulista de Tecnologia Dos Agronegócios (APTA) - Polo Centro Sul - Piracicaba, São Paulo, CEP, 13400-970, Brazil
| | - Roberta Cornélio Ferreira Nocelli
- Departamento de Ciências da Natureza, Matemática e Educação, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Rodovia Anhanguera, Km 174, Araras, SP, 13600-970, Brazil
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21
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Conceição de Assis J, Tadei R, Menezes-Oliveira VB, Silva-Zacarin ECM. Are native bees in Brazil at risk from the exposure to the neonicotinoid imidacloprid? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113127. [PMID: 35337830 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113127] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
All across the world, different countries use Ecological risk assessments (ERA) of pesticides to pollinators as a regulatory tool to understand the safety of pesticide use in agriculture. However, pesticide application is still recognized as one of the main stress factors causing a decline in the global population of bees. In all ERA procedures, the effects of pesticides on the honey bee species Apis mellifera are used as a reference for the effects on all different bee species. To evaluate if tropical native bees are protected by the current risk assessment procedures and to propose improvements to the methods, we assessed the ecological risk of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid posed to native and exotic bee species. The risk was assessed through a low (TIER I) and an intermediate (TIER II) level of analysis. For TIER I the USEPA BeeREX model was used and for TIER II the Species Sensitivity Distribution (SSD) approach was adopted. For the imidacloprid exposure conditions, four different crops were taken into consideration; bean, passion fruit, sunflower and tomato. The imidacloprid risk on native species was assessed both by extrapolating the effects obtained to Apis species, and by using ecotoxicological data from tests performed with native species. In TIER I, the risks calculated through empirical data showed that more than 50% of the non-Apis species presented risk levels of 28-180% higher than those obtained with the extrapolation factor used in the Brazilian pesticide regulation. In TIER II, the SSDs showed that most of the native bees are more sensitive to imidacloprid than the Africanized A. mellifera. This is the first study in which an ERA of a pesticide was conducted on tropical bee species. Here we also present some gaps and perspectives for future studies aiming to improve the risk assessment of pesticides in terrestrial environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josimere Conceição de Assis
- Federal University of São Carlos, UFSCar, Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring, Sorocaba, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Tadei
- São Paulo State University, UNESP, Postgraduate Program in Biological Sciences, Rio Claro, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Vanessa B Menezes-Oliveira
- Federal University of São Carlos, UFSCar, Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring, Sorocaba, São Paulo State, Brazil; Federal University of Tocantins, UFT, Environmental Engineering Course, Quadra 109 Norte Av. NS-15, ALCNO-14, Plano Diretor Norte. CEP: 77001-090, Palmas/TO, Palmas, Tocantins State, Brazil.
| | - Elaine C M Silva-Zacarin
- Federal University of São Carlos, UFSCar, Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology and Environmental Monitoring, Sorocaba, São Paulo State, Brazil; Federal University of São Carlos, UFSCar, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Integrity (LEIA), Sorocaba, São Paulo State, Brazil
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22
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Rondeau S, Raine NE. Fungicides and bees: a review of exposure and risk. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 165:107311. [PMID: 35714526 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fungicides account for more than 35% of the global pesticide market and their use is predicted to increase in the future. While fungicides are commonly applied during bloom when bees are likely foraging on crops, whether real-world exposure to these chemicals - alone or in combination with other stressors - constitutes a threat to the health of bees is still the subject of great uncertainty. The first step in estimating the risks of exposure to fungicides for bees is to understand how and to what extent bees are exposed to these active ingredients. Here we review the current knowledge that exists about exposure to fungicides that bees experience in the field, and link quantitative data on exposure to acute and chronic risk of lethal endpoints for honey bees (Apis mellifera). From the 702 publications we screened, 76 studies contained quantitative data on residue detections in honey bee matrices, and a further 47 provided qualitative information about exposure for a range of bee taxa through various routes. We compiled data for 90 fungicides and metabolites that have been detected in honey, beebread, pollen, beeswax, and the bodies of honey bees. The risks posed to honey bees by fungicide residues was estimated through the EPA Risk Quotient (RQ) approach. Based on residue concentrations detected in honey and pollen/beebread, none of the reported fungicides exceeded the levels of concern (LOC) set by regulatory agencies for acute risk, while 3 and 12 fungicides exceeded the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) chronic LOC for honey bees and wild bees, respectively. When considering exposure to all bees, fungicides of most concern include many broad-spectrum systemic fungicides, as well as the widely used broad-spectrum contact fungicide chlorothalonil. In addition to providing a detailed overview of the frequency and extent of fungicide residue detections in the bee environment, we identified important research gaps and suggest future directions to move towards a more comprehensive understanding and mitigation of the risks of exposure to fungicides for bees, including synergistic risks of co-exposure to fungicides and other pesticides or pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Rondeau
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Nigel E Raine
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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23
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Pamminger T, Schneider C, Maas R, Bergtold M. Establishing realistic exposure estimates of solitary bee larvae via pollen for use in risk assessment. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2022; 18:308-313. [PMID: 34241949 PMCID: PMC9292624 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bees foraging in agricultural habitats can be exposed to plant protection products. To limit the risk of adverse events, a robust risk assessment is needed, which requires reliable estimates for the expected exposure. The exposure pathways to developing solitary bees in particular are not well described and, in the currently proposed form, rely on limited information. To build a scaling model predicting the amount of protein developing solitary bees need based on adult body weight, we used published data on the volume of pollen solitary bees provide for their offspring. This model was tested against and ultimately updated with additional literature data on bee weight and protein content of emerged bees. We rescaled this model, based on the known pollen protein content of bee-visited flowers, to predict the expected amount of pollen a generalist solitary bee would likely provide based on its adult body weight, and tested these predictions in the field. We found overall agreement between the models' predictions and the measured values in the field, but additional data are needed to confirm these initial results. Our study suggests that scaling models in the bee risk assessment could complement existing risk assessment approaches and facilitate the further development of accurate risk characterization for solitary bees; ultimately the models will help to protect them during their foraging activity in agricultural settings. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:308-313. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Pamminger
- BASF SELimburgerhofGermany
- Present address:
CropScience DivisionBayer AGMonheimGermany
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24
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Kopit AM, Klinger E, Cox-Foster DL, Ramirez RA, Pitts-Singer TL. Effects of Provision Type and Pesticide Exposure on the Larval Development of Osmia lignaria (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae). ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 51:240-251. [PMID: 34718488 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvab119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Wild and managed bee populations are in decline, and one of many environmental causes is the impact of pesticides on developing bees. For solitary bees, delayed larval development could lead to asynchronous adult emergence, unhealthy and inefficient adult pollinators, and decreased brood production and survival. We examined a methodology for testing Osmia lignaria Say (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) larval responses to pesticide exposure using a laboratory bioassay. We created two provision types: a homogenized blend of O. lignaria provisions from an apple orchard and homogenized almond pollen pellets collected by honey bees plus sugar water. Pesticides were administered to the provisions to compare toxic effects. We recorded larval developmental durations for second-fifth instar and for fifth instar to cocoon initiation for larvae fed provisions treated with water (control) or doses of three pesticides and a representative spray-tank mixture (acetamiprid, boscalid/pyraclostrobin, dimethoate, and acetamiprid plus boscalid/pyraclostrobin). All larvae survived to cocoon initiation when only water was added to provisions. Impacts of pesticide treatments significantly differed between the apple and almond homogenates. The greatest treatment effects occurred when the homogenized almond provision was mixed with acetamiprid alone and when combined with boscalid/pyraclostrobin. Optimizing bioassays through the use of appropriate larval food for exposing solitary bee larvae to agrochemicals is crucial for assessing risks for pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi M Kopit
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Ellen Klinger
- USDA ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit, Logan, UT, USA
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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25
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Bernardes RC, Botina LL, da Silva FP, Fernandes KM, Lima MAP, Martins GF. Toxicological assessment of agrochemicals on bees using machine learning tools. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127344. [PMID: 34607030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Machine learning (ML) is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that enables the analysis of complex multivariate data. ML has significant potential in risk assessments of non-target insects for modeling the multiple factors affecting insect health, including the adverse effects of agrochemicals. Here, the potential of ML for risk assessments of glyphosate (herbicide; formulation) and imidacloprid (insecticide, neonicotinoid; formulation) on the stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata was explored. The collective behavior of forager bees was analyzed after in vitro exposure to agrochemicals. ML algorithms were applied to identify the agrochemicals that the bees have been exposed to based on multivariate behavioral features. Changes in the in situ detection of different proteins in the midgut were also studied. Imidacloprid exposure leads to the greatest changes in behavior. The ML algorithms achieved a higher accuracy (up to 91%) in identifying agrochemical contamination. The two agrochemicals altered the detection of cells positive for different proteins, which can be detrimental to midgut physiology. This study provides a holistic assessment of the sublethal effects of glyphosate and imidacloprid on a key pollinator. The procedures used here can be applied in future studies to monitor and predict multiple environmental factors affecting insect health in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorena Lisbetd Botina
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Kenner Morais Fernandes
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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26
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Miotelo L, Mendes Dos Reis AL, Rosa-Fontana A, Karina da Silva Pachú J, Malaquias JB, Malaspina O, Roat TC. A food-ingested sublethal concentration of thiamethoxam has harmful effects on the stingless bee Melipona scutellaris. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 288:132461. [PMID: 34624342 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the importance of bee's biodiversity in the Neotropical region has been evidencing the relevance of including native bees in risk assessments. Therefore, the sublethal effects of the insecticide thiamethoxam on the survival and morphological parameters of the stingless bee Melipona scutellaris were investigated in the present study. Cells from both non-target organs (Malpighian tubules and midgut) and target organs (brain) were analyzed for morphological alterations using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The findings showed that when M. scutellaris foragers were exposed to a sublethal concentration of thiamethoxam (LC50/100 = 0.000543 ng a. i./μL), longevity was not reduced but brain function was affected, even with the non-target organs attempting to detoxify. The cellular damage in all the organs was mostly reflected in irregular nuclei shape and condensed chromatin, indicating cell death. The most frequent impairments in the Malpighian tubules were loss of microvilli, disorganization of the basal labyrinth, and cytoplasmic loss. These characteristics are related to an attempt by the cells to increase the excretion process, probably because of the high number of toxic molecules that reach the Malpighian tubules and need to be secreted. In general, damages that compromise the absorption of nutrients, excretion, memory, and learning processes, which are essential for the survival of M. scutellaris, were found. The present results also fill in gaps on how these bees respond to thiamethoxam exposure and will be useful in future risk assessments for the conservation of bee biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Miotelo
- Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ana Luiza Mendes Dos Reis
- Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
| | - Annelise Rosa-Fontana
- Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
| | - Jéssica Karina da Silva Pachú
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil.
| | - José Bruno Malaquias
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Biosciences e IBB, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, 18618-693, Brazil.
| | - Osmar Malaspina
- Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
| | - Thaisa Cristina Roat
- Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
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27
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McCabe LM, Boyle NK, Scalici MB, Pitts-Singer TL. Adult body size measurement redundancies in Osmia lignaria and Megachile rotundata (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae). PeerJ 2021; 9:e12344. [PMID: 34760367 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12344] [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: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Metrics to assess relative adult bee body size have included both mass and morphometrics, but these metrics may not equally or reliably estimate body size for all bee species and in all situations, due to bee age, diet, and/or environment. Understanding the relationships between different metrics and possible redundancies in the information they afford is important but not always known. Body size measurements provide valuable data for interpreting research outcomes for managed solitary bees, including Osmia lignaria Say and Megachile rotundata F. (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae). Applied studies of these important and readily available U.S. crop pollinators focus on refining commercial management practices, and basic empirical studies in various scientific disciplines (from genomics to ecology) employ them as model systems to study solitary bees. To examine common metrics of body size, we measured head capsule width (HCW), intertegular distance (ITD), and fresh and dry weights of newly emerged adults of both species. Using linear and exponential models, we determined relationships between these body size metrics. For M. rotundata, linear models best described relationships between ITD and all other metrics, and between HCW and fresh and dry weights. For O. lignaria, linear models best fit relationships between all metrics except for fresh weight with both ITD and HCW, which were fitted better with exponential models. For both species, model fits were strongest when males and females were pooled. Depending on the study question, knowing that only one metric may reliably measure body size can simplify evaluations of O. lignaria and M. rotundata responses to artificial or environmental variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsie M McCabe
- USDA-ARS Pollinating Insect Research Unit, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Natalie K Boyle
- USDA-ARS Pollinating Insect Research Unit, Logan, UT, United States.,Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Morgan B Scalici
- Biology Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
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28
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Decio P, Miotelo L, Pereira FDC, Roat TC, Marin-Morales MA, Malaspina O. Enzymatic responses in the head and midgut of Africanized Apis mellifera contaminated with a sublethal concentration of thiamethoxam. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 223:112581. [PMID: 34352576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of insecticides, promoted by the intensification of agriculture, has raised concerns about their influence on the decline of bee colonies, which play a fundamental role in pollination. Thus, it is fundamental to elucidate the effects of insecticides on bees. This study investigated the damage caused by a sublethal concentration of thiamethoxam - TMX (0.0227 ng/μL of feed) in the head and midgut of Africanized Apis mellifera, by analyzing the enzymatic biomarkers, oxidative stress, and occurrence of lipid peroxidation. The data showed that the insecticide increased acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), whereas carboxylesterase (CaE3) activity decreased in the heads. Our results indicate that the antioxidant enzymes were less active in the head because only glutathione peroxidase (GPX) showed alterations. In the midgut, there were no alkaline phosphatase (ALP) or superoxide dismutase (SOD) responses and a decrease in the activity of CaE was observed. Otherwise, there was an increase in GPX, and the TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) assay also showed differences in the midgut. The TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) assay also showed differences in the midgut. The results showed enzymes such as CaE3, GST, AChE, ALP, SOD, and GPX, as well as the TBARS assay, are useful biomarkers on bees. They may be used in combination as a promising tool for characterizing bee exposure to insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pâmela Decio
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Av. 24A, 1515. CEP: 13506-900, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Miotelo
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Av. 24A, 1515. CEP: 13506-900, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Franco Dani Campos Pereira
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Av. 24A, 1515. CEP: 13506-900, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil; NUPEFEN - Núcleo de pesquisas em Educação Física, Estética e Nutrição, Claretiano University Center, Avenida Santo Antônio Maria Claret, 1724. CEP: 13503-257, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thaisa Cristina Roat
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Av. 24A, 1515. CEP: 13506-900, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Aparecida Marin-Morales
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Av. 24A, 1515. CEP: 13506-900, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Osmar Malaspina
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Av. 24A, 1515. CEP: 13506-900, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
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29
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Thompson HM. The use of the Hazard Quotient approach to assess the potential risk to honeybees (Apis mellifera) posed by pesticide residues detected in bee-relevant matrices is not appropriate. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:3934-3941. [PMID: 33899320 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pesticide residue data for pollen and nectar are valuable for characterizing realistic exposure of pollinators, e.g. from agricultural crops, flowering margins. Interpretation of residues relies on comparing exposure with toxicity and the Hazard Quotient (HQ) is widely utilized. However, the HQ (threshold of concern 50) was only validated for foliar sprays, based on application rate as a proxy for exposure, not measured residues in bee-relevant matrices. RESULTS A review of the literature showed a range of HQ approaches and thresholds of concern used to assess non-foliar applications and residues detected in bee-relevant matrices, mostly pollen. The use of the HQ thresholds to assess risks associated with residue data or non-foliar spray application methods is not validated, does not reflect realistic exposure and the conclusions reached differ substantially from current risk assessment approaches. Re-evaluation of residue data from the first published use of the concentration-based HQ (2013) and a recent paper (2021) reduced the proportion of pesticides where a conclusion of potential risk was reached from 30 to 7% and 28% to 3-6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS An understanding of the applicability of the selected risk assessment approach to the available residue data is needed to enable robust conclusions to be drawn on the potential risk to bees. Use of the HQ approach to assess the risk posed by application methods other than foliar sprays or residues in nectar and pollen is likely to result in unreliable conclusions. An alternative approach should be used to assess the significance of measured residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Thompson
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Station, Bracknell, UK
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30
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Schmolke A, Galic N, Feken M, Thompson H, Sgolastra F, Pitts-Singer T, Elston C, Pamminger T, Hinarejos S. Assessment of the Vulnerability to Pesticide Exposures Across Bee Species. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:2640-2651. [PMID: 34197661 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In many countries, the western honey bee is used as surrogate in pesticide risk assessments for bees. However, uncertainty remains in the estimation of pesticide risk to non-Apis bees because their potential routes of exposure to pesticides, life histories, and ecologies differ from those of honey bees. We applied the vulnerability concept in pesticide risk assessment to 10 bee species including the honey bee, 2 bumble bee species, and 7 solitary bee species with different nesting strategies. Trait-based vulnerability considers the evaluation of a species at the level of both the organism (exposure and effect) and the population (recovery), which goes beyond the sensitivity of individuals to a toxicant assessed in standard laboratory toxicity studies by including effects on populations in the field. Based on expert judgment, each trait was classified by its relationship to the vulnerability to pesticide exposure, effects (intrinsic sensitivity), and population recovery. The results suggested that the non-Apis bees included in our approach are potentially more vulnerable to pesticides than the honey bee due to traits governing exposure and population recovery potential. Our analysis highlights many uncertainties related to the interaction between bee ecology and the potential exposures and population-level effects of pesticides, emphasizing the need for more research to identify suitable surrogate species for higher tier bee risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2640-2651. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nika Galic
- Syngenta Crop Protection, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Max Feken
- Syngenta Crop Protection, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Helen Thompson
- Jealott's Hill International Research Station, Syngenta, Bracknell, UK
| | - Fabio Sgolastra
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Theresa Pitts-Singer
- Agricultural Research Service Pollinating Insects Research Unit, US Department of Agriculture, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Charlotte Elston
- Jealott's Hill International Research Station, Syngenta, Bracknell, UK
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Cecala JM, Wilson Rankin EE. Pollinators and plant nurseries: how irrigation and pesticide treatment of native ornamental plants impact solitary bees. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211287. [PMID: 34315264 PMCID: PMC8316817 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A key conservation goal in agroecosystems is to understand how management practices may affect beneficial species, such as pollinators. Currently, broad gaps exist in our knowledge as to how horticultural management practices, such as irrigation level, might influence bee reproduction, particularly for solitary bees. Despite the extensive use of ornamental plants by bees, especially little is known about how irrigation level may interact with insecticides, like water-soluble neonicotinoids, to influence floral rewards and bee reproduction. We designed a two-factor field cage experiment in which we reared Megachile rotundata (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) on containerized ornamental plants grown under two different irrigation levels and imidacloprid treatments (30% label rate dosage of a nursery formulation or an untreated control). Lower irrigation was associated with modest decreases in nectar volume and floral abundance in untreated plants, whereas irrigation did not affect plants treated with imidacloprid. Furthermore, higher irrigation decreased the amount of imidacloprid entering nectar. Imidacloprid application strongly reduced bee foraging activity and reproduction, and higher irrigation did not offset any negative effects on bees. Our study emphasizes the impact of a nursery neonicotinoid formulation on solitary bee foraging and reproduction, while highlighting interactions between irrigation level and neonicotinoid application in containerized plants themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob M. Cecala
- Department of Entomology, University of California, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Erin E. Wilson Rankin
- Department of Entomology, University of California, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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McDougall R, DiPaola A, Blaauw B, Nielsen AL. Managing orchard groundcover to reduce pollinator foraging post-bloom. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:3554-3560. [PMID: 33840155 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agricultural insecticides are believed to play a role in global pollinator decline. In mass-flowering orchard crops, recommendations to reduce exposure of pollinators to insecticides include spraying at periods when bees aren't foraging, such as dusk and dawn and outside of crop flowering times. However, the presence of flowering weeds within orchards mean pollinators may still be found foraging throughout the growing season, increasing the likelihood that exposure will still occur. We hypothesized that removing these weeds within orchard groundcover may reduce pollinator foraging post-bloom and thus reduce exposure of this group to pesticides. We tested this hypothesis by using herbicide to remove flowering broadleaf weeds in the sod middles ('groundcover') between rows of a nectarine orchard in New Jersey, USA, and assessing the effect on pollinator visitation via three different methods. RESULTS Significantly lower abundance, richness, diversity, and evenness of pollinators were found in plots where herbicide treatment had removed the majority of flowering weeds, compared to untreated plots. This was the case for bees, and for pollinators overall, and was reflected in both visual observations and active sampling through sweep netting. Passive sampling with blue vane traps failed to detect a difference between treatments. CONCLUSION Groundcover management in orchards is often employed as part of integrated pest management programs to remove alternative host plants of insect pests. The findings of this study show that it is also effective in reducing post-bloom pollinator foraging in orchards, thus potentially preventing exposure of these beneficial organisms to harmful insecticides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert McDougall
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, Bridgeton, NJ, USA
| | - Anna DiPaola
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Brett Blaauw
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Anne L Nielsen
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, Bridgeton, NJ, USA
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Kuivila KM, Judd H, Hladik ML, Strange JP. Field-Level Exposure of Bumble Bees to Fungicides Applied to a Commercial Cherry Orchard. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 114:1065-1071. [PMID: 33885755 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toab051] [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: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bumble bees, Bombus spp. (Apidae), are important native pollinators; however, populations of some species are declining in North America and agricultural chemicals are a potential cause. Fungicides are generally not highly toxic to bees, but little is known about sublethal or synergistic effects. This study evaluates bumble bee exposure to fungicides by quantifying concentrations of boscalid and pyraclostrobin in nectar and pollen collected by colonies of Bombus huntii Greene, 1860 (Hunt bumble bee) deployed in a commercial cherry Prunus avium L. orchard in the spring of 2016. Seven colonies were placed adjacent to an orchard block that was sprayed with a fungicide mixture of boscalid and pyraclostrobin and a control group of seven colonies was placed next to an unsprayed block of orchard 400 m away from the treated block. Nectar and pollen were collected daily, beginning 1 d before spray application and continuing for a total of 12 d, and analyzed for both fungicides. Fungicide concentrations varied spatially by colony and temporally by day. The highest concentrations in nectar occurred 1 and 3 d after spraying: up to 440 ng/g boscalid and 240 ng/g pyraclostrobin. Six days after application, pollen from cherry flowers contained the highest concentrations of the fungicides: up to 60,500 ng/g boscalid and 32,000 ng/g pyraclostrobin. These data can help to determine field-level fungicide concentrations in nectar and pollen and direct future work on understanding the effects of these compounds, including their interactions with important bumble bee pathogenic and beneficial symbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Kuivila
- US Geological Survey, OR Water Science Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - H Judd
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Pollinating Insect Research Unit, Logan, UT, USA
- Biology Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - M L Hladik
- US Geological Survey, CA Water Science Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - J P Strange
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Pollinating Insect Research Unit, Logan, UT, USA
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Mahefarisoa K, Simon Delso N, Zaninotto V, Colin M, Bonmatin J. The threat of veterinary medicinal products and biocides on pollinators: A One Health perspective. One Health 2021; 12:100237. [PMID: 33851001 PMCID: PMC8022246 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100237] [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: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The One Health approach acknowledges that human health is firmly linked to animal and environmental health. It involves using animals such as bees and other pollinators as sentinels for environmental contamination or biological indicators. Beekeepers noticed intoxications of apiaries located in the vicinity of sheep and cattle farms, which led to the suspicion of bees' intoxication by the products used for livestock: veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) and Biocides, confirmed by laboratory analysis. We review the legal context of VMPs and Biocidal products considering Europe as a case study, and identify shortcomings at the environmental level. We describe the possible ways these products could intoxicate bees in the vicinity of livestock farms. We also illustrate the way they may impact non-target species. The cases of ivermectin and abamectin as VMPs, deltamethrin and permethrin as Biocides are considered as case studies. We show bees can be exposed to new and unrecognized routes of exposure to these chemicals, and demonstrate that their application in livestock farming can affect the survival of pollinators, such as bees. We conclude that: (1) figures on the marketing/use of these chemicals should be harmonized, centralized and publicly available, (2) research should be devoted to clarifying how pollinators are exposed to VMPs and Biocides, (3) toxicity studies on bees should be carried out, and (4) pollinators should be considered as non-targeted species concerning the environmental risk assessment before their marketing authorization. We propose the term "Multi-use substances" for active ingredients with versatile use.
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Key Words
- BTV, Bluetongue virus
- Bees
- ECHA, European Chemical Agency
- EIA, environmental impact assessment
- EMA, Environmental Medicine Agency
- ERA, environmental risk assessment
- Ecotoxicology
- Environmental health
- Livestock
- MA, market authorisation
- Multi-use substances
- PEC, predicted environmental concentration
- PNEC, predicted no effect concentration
- Pesticide
- RQ, risk quotient
- Risk assessment
- SPs, synthetic pyrethroids
- VICH, International Cooperation on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Veterinary Medicinal Products.
- VMPs, veterinary medicinal products
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Affiliation(s)
- K.L. Mahefarisoa
- Catholic University of Louvain, Faculty of bioscience engineering, Place Croix du Sud 2, 1348 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - N. Simon Delso
- Beekeeping Center of Research and Information (CARI asbl), BeeLife European Beekeeping Coordination, Place Croix du Sud 1, 1348 Louvain la Neuve, Belgium
| | - V. Zaninotto
- Sorbonne University, CNRS, IRD, INRAE, University of Paris, UPEC, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences-Paris (IEES-Paris), 75005 Paris, France
| | - M.E. Colin
- Montpellier Fédération Nationale des Organisations Sanitaires Apicoles Départementales (FNOSAD), 41 Rue Pernety, 75014 Paris, France
| | - J.M. Bonmatin
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Centre de biophysique moléculaire, 45071 Orléans Cedex 02, France
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Lehmann DM, Camp AA. A systematic scoping review of the methodological approaches and effects of pesticide exposure on solitary bees. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251197. [PMID: 33989308 PMCID: PMC8121328 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pollination services provided by solitary bees, the largest group of bees worldwide, are critical to the vitality of ecosystems and agricultural systems alike. Disconcertingly, bee populations are in decline, and while no single causative factor has been identified, pesticides are believed to play a role in downward population trends. The effects of pesticides on solitary bee species have not been previously systematically cataloged and reviewed. OBJECTIVES This systematic scoping review examines available evidence for effects of pesticide exposure on solitary bees to identify data gaps and priority research needs. METHODS A systematic literature search strategy was developed to identify and document reports on solitary bee pesticide exposure-effects investigations. Literature was subsequently screened for relevance using a Population, Exposures, Comparators, and Outcomes (PECO) statement and organized into a systematic evidence map. Investigations were organized by effect category (lethal effects on immatures, lethal effects on adults, sublethal effects on immatures, and sublethal effects on adults), species, pesticide class, and publication year. RESULTS A comprehensive literature search of Web of Science and ProQuest Agricultural & Environmental Science supplemented by targeted internet searching and reference mining yielded 176 reports and publications for title and abstract screening and 65 that met PECO criteria (22 included lethal and 43 included sublethal effects endpoints). Relevant design details (pesticide, test compound configuration, study type, species, sex, exposure duration) were extracted into literature inventory tables to reveal the extent endpoints have been investigated and areas in need of additional research. CONCLUSIONS Evidence mapping revealed diversity in the pesticides and endpoints studied across the database. However, dilution across bee species, lack of complementary laboratory work and paucity of replicated investigations complicate efforts to interpret and apply available data to support pesticide risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Lehmann
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Health and Environmental Effects Assessment Division, Integrated Health Assessment Branch, US - Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Allison A. Camp
- ORISE Researcher, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Research Triangle Park, Oak Ridge, North Carolina, United States of America
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Camp AA, Lehmann DM. Impacts of Neonicotinoids on the Bumble Bees Bombus terrestris and Bombus impatiens Examined through the Lens of an Adverse Outcome Pathway Framework. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:309-322. [PMID: 33226673 PMCID: PMC8577289 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Bumble bees (Bombus sp.) are important pollinators for agricultural systems and natural landscapes and have faced population declines globally in recent decades. Neonicotinoid pesticides have been implicated as one of the reasons for the population reductions in bumble bees and other pollinators due to their widespread use, specificity to the invertebrate nervous system, and toxicity to bees. Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) are used to describe the mechanism of action of a toxicant through sequential levels of biological organization to understand the key events that occur for a given adverse outcome. We used the AOP framework to organize and present the current literature available on the impacts of neonicotinoids on bumble bees. The present review focuses on Bombus terrestris and B. impatiens, the 2 most commonly studied bumble bees due to their commercial availability. Our review does not seek to describe an AOP for the molecular initiating event shared by neonicotinoids, but rather aims to summarize the current literature and determine data gaps for the Bombus research community to address. Overall, we highlight a great need for additional studies, especially those examining cellular and organ responses in bumble bees exposed to neonicotinoids. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:309-322. © 2020 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. A. Camp
- ORISE Researcher, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - D. M. Lehmann
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Public Health & Environmental Systems Division, Exposure Indicators Branch, US - Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
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Borges S, Alkassab AT, Collison E, Hinarejos S, Jones B, McVey E, Roessink I, Steeger T, Sultan M, Wassenberg J. Overview of the testing and assessment of effects of microbial pesticides on bees: strengths, challenges and perspectives. APIDOLOGIE 2021; 52:1256-1277. [PMID: 36712810 PMCID: PMC9881582 DOI: 10.1007/s13592-021-00900-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there is a growing interest in developing biopesticides and increasing their share in the plant protection market as sustainable tools in integrated pest management (IPM). Therefore, it is important that regulatory requirements are consistent and thorough in consideration of biopesticides' unique properties. While microbial pesticides generally have a lower risk profile, they present special challenges in non-target organism testing and risk assessment since, in contrast to chemical pesticides, their modes of action include infectivity and pathogenicity rather than toxicity alone. For this reason, non-target organism testing guidelines designed for conventional chemical pesticides are not necessarily directly applicable to microbial pesticides. Many stakeholders have recognised the need for improvements in the guidance available for testing microbial pesticides with honey bees, particularly given the increasing interest in development and registration of microbial pesticides and concerns over risks to pollinators. This paper provides an overview of the challenges with testing and assessment of the effects of microbial pesticides on honey bees (Apis mellifera), which have served as a surrogate for both Apis and non-Apis bees, and provides a foundation toward developing improved testing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Borges
- Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Abdulrahim T Alkassab
- Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Emily McVey
- Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb), Ede, The Netherlands
| | - Ivo Roessink
- Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Steeger
- Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Jacoba Wassenberg
- Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb), Ede, The Netherlands
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Miotelo L, Mendes Dos Reis AL, Malaquias JB, Malaspina O, Roat TC. Apis mellifera and Melipona scutellaris exhibit differential sensitivity to thiamethoxam. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115770. [PMID: 33045589 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Apis mellifera is a pollinator insect model in pesticide risk assessment tests for bees. However, given the economic and ecological importance of stingless bees such as Melipona scutellaris in the Neotropical region, as well as the lack of studies on the effect of insecticides on these bees, toxicity tests for stingless bees should be carried out to understand whether insecticides affect both species of bees in the same manner. Thus, the present study quantified the differential sensitivity of the bees M. scutellaris and A. mellifera to the oral ingestion of the insecticide thiamethoxam by determining the mean lethal concentration (LC50), mean lethal time (LT50), and their effect on the insecticide target organ, the brain. The results showed that the stingless bee is more sensitive to the insecticide than A. mellifera, with a lower LC50 of 0.0543 ng active ingredient (a.i.)/μL for the stingless bee compared to 0.227 ng a.i./μL for A. mellifera. When exposed to a sublethal concentration, morphological and ultrastructural analyses were performed and evidenced a significant increase in spaces between nerve cells of both species. Thus, A. mellifera is not the most appropriate or unique model to determine the toxicity of insecticides to stingless bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Miotelo
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Campus Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Ana Luiza Mendes Dos Reis
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Campus Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - José Bruno Malaquias
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Biosciences - IBB, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, 18618-693, Brazil.
| | - Osmar Malaspina
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Campus Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Thaisa Cristina Roat
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Campus Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Franke L, Elston C, Jütte T, Klein O, Knäbe S, Lückmann J, Roessink I, Persigehl M, Cornement M, Exeler N, Giffard H, Hodapp B, Kimmel S, Kullmann B, Schneider C, Schnurr A. Results of 2-Year Ring Testing of a Semifield Study Design to Investigate Potential Impacts of Plant Protection Products on the Solitary Bees Osmia Bicornis and Osmia Cornuta and a Proposal for a Suitable Test Design. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:236-250. [PMID: 32926755 PMCID: PMC7839555 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
There are various differences in size, behavior, and life history traits of non-Apis bee species compared with honey bees (Apis mellifera; Linnaeus, 1758). Currently, the risk assessment for bees in the international and national process of authorizing plant protection products has been based on honey bee data as a surrogate organism for non-Apis bees. To evaluate the feasibility of a semifield tunnel test for Osmia bicornis (Linnaeus, 1758) and Osmia cornuta (Latreille, 1805), a protocol was developed by the non-Apis working group of the International Commission for Plant-Pollinator Relationships, consisting of experts from authorities, academia, and industry. A total of 25 studies were performed over a 2-yr period testing a replicated control against a replicated positive control using either a dimethoate or diflubenzuron treatment. Studies were regarded to be valid, if ≥30% of released females were found to occupy the nesting units in the night/morning before the application (establishment). Thirteen studies were regarded to be valid and were analyzed further. Parameters analyzed were nest occupation, flight activity, cell production (total and per female), cocoon production (total and per female), emergence success, sex ratio, and mean weight of females and males. Dimethoate was a reliable positive control at the tested rate of 75 g a.i./ha, once >30% females had established, displaying acute effects such as reduction in flight activity, increase in adult mortality (shown by nest occupation), and reproduction ability of the females (total cell and cocoon production). On the other hand, no effects on larval and pupal development were observed. The growth regulator diflubenzuron had statistically significant effects on brood development, causing mortality of eggs and larvae at a rate of approximately 200 g a.i./ha, whereas fenoxycarb did not cause any significant effects at the tested rates of 300 and 600 g a.i./ha. In conclusion, the ring-test protocol proved to be adequate once the study comprised a well-established population of female Osmia bees, and the results improved in the second year as the laboratories increased their experience with the test organism. It is noted that the success of a study strongly depends on the experience of the experimenter, the crop quality, the quality of the cocoons, and the weather conditions. Based on these finding, recommendations for a semifield study design with Osmia spp. are proposed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:236-250. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Franke
- Eurofins Agroscience Services Ecotox, Niefern‐ÖschelbronnGermany
| | - Charlotte Elston
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre BracknellBerkshireUnited Kingdom
| | - Tobias Jütte
- Institute for Bee Protection, Julius Kühn‐Institut Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, MessewegBraunschweigGermany
| | - Olaf Klein
- Eurofins Agroscience Services Ecotox, Niefern‐ÖschelbronnGermany
| | - Silvio Knäbe
- Eurofins Agroscience Services Ecotox, Niefern‐ÖschelbronnGermany
| | | | - Ivo Roessink
- Wageningen Environmental ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Kimmel
- Innovative Environmental ServicesWitterswilSwitzerland
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40
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da Costa Domingues CE, Bello Inoue LV, da Silva-Zacarin ECM, Malaspina O. Fungicide pyraclostrobin affects midgut morphophysiology and reduces survival of Brazilian native stingless bee Melipona scutellaris. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 206:111395. [PMID: 33031995 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Native stingless bees are key pollinators of native flora and important for many crops. However, the loss of natural fragments and exposure to pesticides can hinder the development of colonies and represent a high risk for them. Nevertheless, most studies are conducted with honeybees and there are not many studies on native species, especially in relation to the effects of fungicides on them. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to evaluate the effects of sublethal concentrations of pyraclostrobin, on Melipona scutellaris forager workers. These Brazilian native stingless bees were submitted to continuous oral exposure to three concentrations of pyraclostrobin in sirup: 0.125 ng a.i./µL (P1), 0.025 ng a.i./µL (P2), and 0.005 ng a.i./µL (P3). Histopathological and histochemical parameters of midgut, as well as survival rate were evaluated. All concentrations of fungicide showed an increase in the midgut lesion index and morphological signs of cell death, such as cytoplasmic vacuolizations, presence of atypical nuclei or pyknotic nuclei. Histochemical analyzes revealed a decreased marking of polysaccharides and neutral glycoconjugates both in the villi and in peritrophic membrane in all exposed-groups in relation to control-groups. P1 and P2 groups presented a reduction in total protein marking in digestive cells in relation to control groups. As a consequence of alteration in the midgut, all groups exposed to fungicide showed a reduced survival rate. These findings demonstrate that sublethal concentrations of pyraclostrobin can lead to significant adverse effects in stingless bees. These effects on social native bees indicate the need for reassessment of the safety of fungicides to bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio Eduardo da Costa Domingues
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) - "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Instituto de Biociências (IB), Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais (CEIS), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
| | - Lais Vieira Bello Inoue
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) - "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Instituto de Biociências (IB), Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais (CEIS), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Elaine Cristina Mathias da Silva-Zacarin
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Departamento de Biologia (DBio), NuPECA (Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ecotoxicologia e Conservação de Abelhas), Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia e Análise de Integridade Ambiental (LEIA), Sorocaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Osmar Malaspina
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) - "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Instituto de Biociências (IB), Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais (CEIS), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
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Devillers J, Devillers H. Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Pyriproxyfen on Apis and Non- Apis Bees. TOXICS 2020; 8:toxics8040104. [PMID: 33212791 PMCID: PMC7712127 DOI: 10.3390/toxics8040104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Pyriproxyfen is a juvenile hormone mimic used extensively worldwide to fight pests in agriculture and horticulture. It also has numerous applications as larvicide in vector control. The molecule disrupts metamorphosis and adult emergence in the target insects. The same types of adverse effects are expected on non-target insects. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the existing information on the toxicity of pyriproxyfen on the honey bee (Apis mellifera) and non-Apis bees (bumble bees, solitary bees, and stingless bees). The goal was also to identify the gaps necessary to fill. Thus, whereas the acute and sublethal toxicity of pyriproxyfen against A. mellifera is well-documented, the information is almost lacking for the non-Apis bees. The direct and indirect routes of exposure of the non-Apis bees to pyriproxyfen also need to be identified and quantified. More generally, the impacts of pyriproxyfen on the reproductive success of the different bee species have to be evaluated as well as the potential adverse effects of its metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hugo Devillers
- SPO, INRAE, Montpellier SupAgro, University of Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France;
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Roat TC, Santos-Pinto JRAD, Miotelo L, de Souza CL, Palma MS, Malaspina O. Using a toxicoproteomic approach to investigate the effects of thiamethoxam into the brain of Apis mellifera. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 258:127362. [PMID: 32947664 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Neonicotinoids have been described as toxic to bees. In this context, the A. mellifera foragers were exposed to a sublethal concentration of thiamethoxam (LC50/100: 0,0227 ng de thiamethoxam/μL-1 diet), a neurotoxic insecticide, for 8 days; and it was decided to investigate the insecticide effect on the brain by a shotgun proteomic approach followed by label-free quantitative-based proteomics. A total of 401 proteins were identified in the control group (CG); and a total of 350 proteins in the thiamethoxam exposed group (TMX). Quantitative proteomics data showed up 251 proteins with significant quantitative values in the TMX group. These findings demonstrated the occurrence of shared and unique proteins with altered expression in the TMX group, such as ATP synthase subunit beta, heat shock protein cognate 4, spectrin beta chain-like, mushroom body large-type Kenyon cell-specific protein 1-like, tubulin alpha-1 chain-like, arginine kinase, epidermal growth factor receptor, odorant receptor, glutamine synthetase, glutamate receptor, and cytochrome P450 4c3. Meanwhile, the proteins that were expressed uniquely in the TMX group are involved mainly in the phosphorylation, cellular protein modification, and cell surface receptor signalling processes. Interaction network results showed that identified proteins are present in five different metabolic pathways - oxidative stress, cytoskeleton control, visual process, olfactory memory, and glutamate metabolism. Our scientific outcomes demonstrated that a sublethal concentration of thiamethoxam can impair biological processes and important metabolic pathways, causing damage to the nervous system of bees, and in the long term, can compromise the nutrition and physiology of individuals from the colony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaisa C Roat
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of Sao Paulo State (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Aparecido Dos Santos-Pinto
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of Sao Paulo State (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Miotelo
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of Sao Paulo State (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caroline Lacerra de Souza
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of Sao Paulo State (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mario Sergio Palma
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of Sao Paulo State (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Osmar Malaspina
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of Sao Paulo State (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
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Rosa-Fontana A, Dorigo AS, Galaschi-Teixeira JS, Nocelli RCF, Malaspina O. What is the most suitable native bee species from the Neotropical region to be proposed as model-organism for toxicity tests during the larval phase? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114849. [PMID: 32504976 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Currently, Brazil has a full framework for pesticide risk assessment established for Apis mellifera, based on the North American approach. However, the use of Apis mellifera as model-organism as a surrogate for Brazilian native species of stingless bees has been questioned. Assessments on other stages of development than adult individual are essential. Our study aimed to standardize in vitro larval rearing method for the stingless bee species Scaptotrigona postica and Tetragonisca angustula, comparing the results to those obtained for M. scutellaris (previously described), for proposing the most suitable one for using in toxicological larval tests. We used the most efficient method for determining the toxicity of dimethoate on S. postica larvae. We presented the first comparative approach of responses to in vitro larval rearing methods among native bee species from Neotropical region, for use in risk assessment. Our results showed that S. postica was the most suitable native species to be proposed as model-organism. In addition, our results are also very useful for a ring test to validate the method, in accordance to OECD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelise Rosa-Fontana
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Social Insect Study Center 24A Avenue 1515, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
| | - Adna Suelen Dorigo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Social Insect Study Center 24A Avenue 1515, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Roberta C F Nocelli
- Center of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, Anhanguera Road Km 174, Araras, SP, Brazil
| | - Osmar Malaspina
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Social Insect Study Center 24A Avenue 1515, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
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Zioga E, Kelly R, White B, Stout JC. Plant protection product residues in plant pollen and nectar: A review of current knowledge. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 189:109873. [PMID: 32795671 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to Plant Protection Products, PPPs, (fungicides, herbicides and insecticides) is a significant stressor for bees and other pollinators, and has recently been the focus of intensive debate and research. Specifically, exposure through contaminated pollen and nectar is considered pivotal, as it presents the highest risk of PPP exposure across all bee species. However, the actual risk that multiple PPP residues might pose to non-target species is difficult to assess due to the lack of clear evidence of their actual concentrations. To consolidate the existing knowledge of field-realistic residues detected in pollen and nectar directly collected from plants, we performed a systematic literature review of studies over the past 50 years (1968-2018). We found that pollen was the matrix most frequently evaluated and, of the compounds investigated, the majority were detected in pollen samples. Although the overall most studied category of PPPs were the neonicotinoid insecticides, the compounds with the highest median concentrations of residues in pollen were: the broad spectrum carbamate carbofuran (1400 ng/g), the fungicide and nematicide iprodione (524 ng/g), and the organophosphate insecticide dimethoate (500 ng/g). In nectar, the highest median concentration of PPP residues detected were dimethoate (1595 ng/g), chlorothalonil (76 ng/g), and the insecticide phorate (53.5 ng/g). Strong positive correlation was observed between neonicotinoid residues in pollen and nectar of cultivated plant species. The maximum concentrations of several compounds detected in nectar and pollen were estimated to exceed the LD50s for honey bees, bumble bees and four solitary bee species, by several orders of magnitude. However, there is a paucity of information for the biggest part of the world and there is an urgent need to expand the range of compounds evaluated in PPP studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zioga
- Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Ruth Kelly
- Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, 18a Newforge Lane, Belfast, BT9 5PX, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Blánaid White
- School of Chemical Sciences, DCU Water Institute, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Jane C Stout
- Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Cullen MG, Thompson LJ, Carolan JC, Stout JC, Stanley DA. Fungicides, herbicides and bees: A systematic review of existing research and methods. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225743. [PMID: 31821341 PMCID: PMC6903747 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Bees and the pollination services they deliver are beneficial to both food crop production, and for reproduction of many wild plant species. Bee decline has stimulated widespread interest in assessing hazards and risks to bees from the environment in which they live. While there is increasing knowledge on how the use of broad-spectrum insecticides in agricultural systems may impact bees, little is known about effects of other pesticides (or plant protection products; PPPs) such as herbicides and fungicides, which are used more widely than insecticides at a global scale. We adopted a systematic approach to review existing research on the potential impacts of fungicides and herbicides on bees, with the aim of identifying research approaches and determining knowledge gaps. While acknowledging that herbicide use can affect forage availability for bees, this review focussed on the potential impacts these compounds could have directly on bees themselves. We found that most studies have been carried out in Europe and the USA, and investigated effects on honeybees. Furthermore, certain effects, such as those on mortality, are well represented in the literature in comparison to others, such as sub-lethal effects. More studies have been carried out in the lab than in the field, and the impacts of oral exposure to herbicides and fungicides have been investigated more frequently than contact exposure. We suggest a number of areas for further research to improve the knowledge base on potential effects. This will allow better assessment of risks to bees from herbicides and fungicides, which is important to inform future management decisions around the sustainable use of PPPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merissa G. Cullen
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Linzi J. Thompson
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
- Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - James. C. Carolan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Jane C. Stout
- School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dara A. Stanley
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
- Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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Thompson HM, Pamminger T. Are honeybees suitable surrogates for use in pesticide risk assessment for non-Apis bees? PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:2549-2557. [PMID: 31124265 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Historically, bee regulatory risk assessment for pesticides has centred on the European honeybee (Apis mellifera), primarily due to its availability and adaptability to laboratory conditions. Recently, there have been efforts to develop a battery of laboratory toxicity tests for a range of non-Apis bee species to directly assess the risk to them. However, it is not clear whether the substantial investment associated with the development and implementation of such routine screening will actually improve the level of protection of non-Apis bees. We argue, using published acute toxicity data from a range of bee species and standard regulatory exposure scenarios, that current first-tier honeybee acute risk assessment schemes utilised by regulatory authorities are protective of other bee species and further tests should be conducted only in cases of concern. We propose similar analysis of alternative exposure scenarios (chronic and developmental) once reliable data for non-Apis bees are available to expand our approach to these scenarios. In addition, we propose that in silico (simulation) approaches can then be used to address population-level effects in more field-realistic scenarios. Such an approach could lead to a protective, but also workable, risk assessment for non-Apis species while contributing to pollination security in agricultural landscapes around the globe. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Thompson
- Syngenta. Jealott's Hill International Research Station, Bracknell, UK
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Belsky J, Joshi NK. Impact of Biotic and Abiotic Stressors on Managed and Feral Bees. INSECTS 2019; 10:E233. [PMID: 31374933 PMCID: PMC6723792 DOI: 10.3390/insects10080233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Large-scale declines in bee abundance and species richness over the last decade have sounded an alarm, given the crucial pollination services that bees provide. Population dips have specifically been noted for both managed and feral bee species. The simultaneous increased cultivation of bee-dependent agricultural crops has given rise to additional concern. As a result, there has been a surge in scientific research investigating the potential stressors impacting bees. A group of environmental and anthropogenic stressors negatively impacting bees has been isolated. Habitat destruction has diminished the availability of bee floral resources and nest habitats, while massive monoculture plantings have limited bee access to a variety of pollens and nectars. The rapid spread and increased resistance buildup of various bee parasites, pathogens, and pests to current control methods are implicated in deteriorating bee health. Similarly, many pesticides that are widely applied on agricultural crops and within beehives are toxic to bees. The global distribution of honey bee colonies (including queens with attendant bees) and bumble bee colonies from crop to crop for pollination events has been linked with increased pathogen stress and increased competition with native bee species for limited resources. Climatic alterations have disrupted synchronous bee emergence with flower blooming and reduced the availability of diverse floral resources, leading to bee physiological adaptations. Interactions amongst multiple stressors have created colossal maladies hitting bees at one time, and in some cases delivering additive impacts. Initiatives including the development of wild flower plantings and assessment of pesticide toxicity to bees have been undertaken in efforts to ameliorate current bee declines. In this review, recent findings regarding the impact of these stressors on bees and strategies for mitigating them are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Belsky
- Department of Entomology, University of Arkansas, 319 Agricultural Building, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Neelendra K Joshi
- Department of Entomology, University of Arkansas, 319 Agricultural Building, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.
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