1
|
Xie Y, Su X, Wei R, Cao L, Zheng H. The Braconid Syntretomorpha szaboi Papp Is Posing a Great Threat to the Eastern Honeybee, Apis cerana. Pathogens 2024; 13:422. [PMID: 38787274 PMCID: PMC11124228 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The expansion of pathogen distribution may result in a new threat to the host. The braconid Syntretomorpha szaboi Papp is an obligate parasite that targets Apis cerana, the Eastern honeybee, engaging in endoparasitism by ovipositing eggs inside the host bee. Although S. szaboi has been documented in India and in various regions across China, its epidemiological data are notably lacking. In this study, we summarized the distribution of S. szaboi based on the available literature and described the symptoms of infested honeybee workers. We also investigated the infestation rate in 36 apiaries in Zhejiang Province, China, after a new occurrence of the parasite was reported in these regions in 2020. A rapid increase in infestation rate was found from the year 2021 to 2022, reaching 53.88% at the colony level of the sampled colonies in the Jinhua and Wenzhou apiaries. The infestation rate at an individual level in positive colonies reached an average of 26%. A monthly survey showed high seasonal variation in S. szaboi infestation, with the peak occurring from May to August. These results suggest that S. szaboi poses a great threat to A. cerana. Further research is needed to elucidate its epidemiology and pathology and to develop disease prevention and control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Xie
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Y.X.); (R.W.)
| | - Xiaoling Su
- Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinhua 321017, China;
| | - Ruike Wei
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Y.X.); (R.W.)
| | - Lianfei Cao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China;
| | - Huoqing Zheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Y.X.); (R.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rako L, Agarwal A, Eow L, Roberts JMK, Rodoni BC, Blacket MJ. LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal amplification) assay for rapid identification of Varroa mites. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11931. [PMID: 37488147 PMCID: PMC10366197 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38860-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Varroa mites are serious pests of European honeybees (Apis mellifera). For detection of Varroa mite, a new molecular LAMP-based assay has been developed, which retains the body of the mite intact for morphological identification. Six novel Varroa LAMP primers were designed from existing DNA sequences of the COI locus to target V. destructor and V. jacobsoni, providing the ability to tell them apart from other non-target beehive associated mite and insect species. This LAMP assay is specific in detecting these Varroa species and has been tested on specimens originating from multiple countries. It produces amplification of V. destructor and V. jacobsoni in 16 ± 3.4 min with an anneal derivative of 78 ± 0.5 °C whilst another Varroa species,V. underwoodi, showed late amplification. A gBlock gene fragment, used here as a positive control has a different anneal derivative of 80 °C. Three non-destructive DNA extraction methods (HotShot, QuickExtract and Xtract) were tested and found to be suitable for use in the field. The LAMP assay was sensitive to very low levels of Varroa DNA, down to 0.24 picogram (~ 1 × 10 copies/µL of Varroa gBlock). This is a new molecular tool for rapid and accurate detection and identification of Varroa mites for pest management, in areas where these mites do not occur.
Collapse
Grants
- 4-8KPXYWM Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australian Government
- 4-8KPXYWM Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australian Government
- 4-8KPXYWM Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australian Government
- 4-8KPXYWM Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australian Government
- 4-8KPXYWM Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australian Government
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lea Rako
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio - Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia.
| | - Arati Agarwal
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio - Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Lixin Eow
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio - Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - John M K Roberts
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Brendan C Rodoni
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio - Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Mark J Blacket
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio - Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zheng H, Wang S, Wu Y, Zou S, Dietemann V, Neumann P, Chen Y, Li-Byarlay H, Pirk C, Evans J, Hu F, Feng Y. Genomic signatures underlying the oogenesis of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor on its new host Apis mellifera. J Adv Res 2022; 44:1-11. [PMID: 36725182 PMCID: PMC9936524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Host shift of parasites may have devastating effects on the novel hosts. One remarkable example is that of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor, which has shifted its host from Eastern honey bees (Apis cerana) to Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) and posed a global threat to apiculture. OBJECTIVES To identify the genetic factors underlying the reproduction of host-shifted V. destructor on the new host. METHODS Genome sequencing was conducted to construct the phylogeny of the host-shifted and non-shifted mites and to screen for genomic signatures that differentiated them. Artificial infestation experiment was conducted to compare the reproductive difference between the mites, and transcriptome sequencing was conducted to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during the reproduction process. RESULTS The host-shifted and non-shifted V. destructor mites constituted two genetically distinct lineages, with 15,362 high-FST SNPs identified between them. Oogenesis was upregulated in host-shifted mites on the new host A. mellifera relative to non-shifted mites. The transcriptomes of the host-shifted and non-shifted mites differed significantly as early as 1h post-infestation. The DEGs were associated with nine genes carrying nonsynonymous high-FST SNPs, including mGluR2-like, Lamb2-like and Vitellogenin 6-like, which were also differentially expressed, and eIF4G, CG5800, Dap160 and Sas10, which were located in the center of the networks regulating the DEGs based on protein-protein interaction analysis. CONCLUSIONS The annotated functions of these genes were all associated with oogenesis. These genes appear to be the key genetic determinants of the oogenesis of host-shifted mites on the new host. Further study of these candidate genes will help elucidate the key mechanism underlying the success of host shifts of V. destructor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huoqing Zheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqi Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengmei Zou
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Institute for Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Vincent Dietemann
- Swiss Bee Research Center, Agroscope, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peter Neumann
- Swiss Bee Research Center, Agroscope, Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yanping Chen
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Hongmei Li-Byarlay
- Agricultural Research and Development Program, Central State University, Wilberforce, OH 45384, USA; Department of Agricultural and Life Science, Central State University, Wilberforce, OH 45384, USA
| | - Christian Pirk
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jay Evans
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Fuliang Hu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ye Feng
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Institute for Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Techer MA, Roberts JMK, Cartwright RA, Mikheyev AS. The first steps toward a global pandemic: Reconstructing the demographic history of parasite host switches in its native range. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:1358-1374. [PMID: 34882860 PMCID: PMC11105409 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Host switching allows parasites to expand their niches. However, successful switching may require suites of adaptations and also may decrease performance on the old host. As a result, reductions in gene flow accompany many host switches, driving speciation. Because host switches tend to be rapid, it is difficult to study them in real-time, and their demographic parameters remain poorly understood. As a result, fundamental factors that control subsequent parasite evolution, such as the size of the switching population or the extent of immigration from the original host, remain largely unknown. To shed light on the host switching process, we explored how host switches occur in independent host shifts by two ectoparasitic honey bee mites (Varroa destructor and V. jacobsoni). Both switched to the western honey bee (Apis mellifera) after being brought into contact with their ancestral host (Apis cerana), ~70 and ~12 years ago, respectively. Varroa destructor subsequently caused worldwide collapses of honey bee populations. Using whole-genome sequencing on 63 mites collected in their native ranges from both the ancestral and novel hosts, we were able to reconstruct the known temporal dynamics of the switch. We further found multiple previously undiscovered mitochondrial lineages on the novel host, along with the genetic equivalent of tens of individuals that were involved in the initial host switch. Despite being greatly reduced, some gene flow remains between mites adapted to different hosts. Our findings suggest that while reproductive isolation may facilitate the fixation of traits beneficial for exploiting the new host, ongoing genetic exchange may allow genetic amelioration of inbreeding effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maeva A Techer
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa, Japan
| | - John M K Roberts
- Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Reed A Cartwright
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Alexander S Mikheyev
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa, Japan
- Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen G, Wang S, Jia S, Feng Y, Hu F, Chen Y, Zheng H. A New Strain of Virus Discovered in China Specific to the Parasitic Mite Varroa destructor Poses a Potential Threat to Honey Bees. Viruses 2021; 13:679. [PMID: 33920919 PMCID: PMC8071286 DOI: 10.3390/v13040679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor, feeds directly on honey bees and serves as a vector for transmitting viruses among them. The Varroa mite causes relatively little damage to its natural host, the Eastern honey bee (Apis cerana) but it is the most devastating pest for the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera). Using Illumina HiSeq sequencing technology, we conducted a metatranscriptome analysis of the microbial community associated with Varroa mites. This study led to the identification of a new Chinese strain of Varroa destructor virus-2 (VDV-2), which is a member of the Iflaviridae family and was previously reported to be specific to Varroa mites. A subsequent epidemiological investigation of Chinese strain of VDV-2 (VDV-2-China) showed that the virus was highly prevalent among Varroa populations and was not identified in any of the adult workers from both A. mellifera and A.cerana colonies distributed in six provinces in China, clearly indicating that VDV-2-China is predominantly a Varroa-adapted virus. While A. mellifera worker pupae exposed to less than two Varroa mites tested negative for VDV-2-China, VDV-2-China was detected in 12.5% of the A. mellifera worker pupae that were parasitized by more than 10 Varroa mites, bringing into play the possibility of a new scenario where VDV-2 could be transmitted to the honey bees during heavy Varroa infestations. Bioassay for the VDV-2-China infectivity showed that A. cerana was not a permissive host for VDV-2-China, yet A. mellifera could be a biological host that supports VDV-2-China's replication. The different replication dynamics of the virus between the two host species reflect their variation in terms of susceptibility to the virus infection, posing a potential threat to the health of the Western honey bee. The information gained from this study contributes to the knowledge concerning genetic variabilities and evolutionary dynamics of Varroa-borne viruses, thereby enhancing our understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms governing honey bee Varroosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gongwen Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (G.C.); (S.W.); (S.J.); (F.H.)
| | - Shuai Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (G.C.); (S.W.); (S.J.); (F.H.)
| | - Shuo Jia
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (G.C.); (S.W.); (S.J.); (F.H.)
| | - Ye Feng
- Insitutute for Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China;
| | - Fuliang Hu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (G.C.); (S.W.); (S.J.); (F.H.)
| | - Yanping Chen
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Huoqing Zheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (G.C.); (S.W.); (S.J.); (F.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang S, Lin Z, Chen G, Page P, Hu F, Niu Q, Su X, Chantawannakul P, Neumann P, Zheng H, Dietemann V. Reproduction of ectoparasitic mites in a coevolved system: Varroa spp.-Eastern honey bees, Apis cerana. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:14359-14371. [PMID: 33391721 PMCID: PMC7771172 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasite host shifts can impose a high selective pressure on novel hosts. Even though the coevolved systems can reveal fundamental aspects of host-parasite interactions, research often focuses on the new host-parasite relationships. This holds true for two ectoparasitic mite species, Varroa destructor and Varroa jacobsonii, which have shifted hosts from Eastern honey bees, Apis cerana, to Western honey bees, Apis mellifera, generating colony losses of these pollinators globally. Here, we study infestation rates and reproduction of V. destructor and V. jacobsonii haplotypes in 185 A. cerana colonies of six populations in China and Thailand to investigate how coevolution shaped these features. Reproductive success was mostly similar and low, indicating constraints imposed by hosts and/or mite physiology. Infestation rates varied between mite haplotypes, suggesting distinct local co-evolutionary scenarios. The differences in infestation rates and reproductive output between haplotypes did not correlate with the virulence of the respective host-shifted lineages suggesting distinct selection scenarios in novel and original host. The occasional worker brood infestation was significantly lower than that of drone brood, except for the V. destructor haplotype (Korea) from which the invasive lineage derived. Whether mites infesting and reproducing in atypical intraspecific hosts (i.e., workers and queens) actually predisposes for and may govern the impact of host shifts on novel hosts should be determined by identifying the underlying mechanisms. In general, the apparent gaps in our knowledge of this coevolved system need to be further addressed to foster the adequate protection of wild and managed honey bees from these mites globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Zheguang Lin
- College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyYangzhou UniversityYangzhouChina
| | - Gongwen Chen
- College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Paul Page
- Swiss Bee Research CenterAgroscopeBernSwitzerland
| | - Fuliang Hu
- College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Qingsheng Niu
- Apiculture Science Institute of Jilin ProvinceJilinChina
| | - Xiaoling Su
- Jinhua Academy of Agricultural SciencesJinhuaChina
| | - Panuwan Chantawannakul
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science Research Center (ESRC)Faculty of ScienceChiang Mai UniversityChiang MaiThailand
| | - Peter Neumann
- Swiss Bee Research CenterAgroscopeBernSwitzerland
- Vetsuisse FacultyInstitute of Bee HealthUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Huoqing Zheng
- College of Animal SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Vincent Dietemann
- Swiss Bee Research CenterAgroscopeBernSwitzerland
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Varroa destructor: A Complex Parasite, Crippling Honey Bees Worldwide. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:592-606. [PMID: 32456963 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The parasitic mite, Varroa destructor, has shaken the beekeeping and pollination industries since its spread from its native host, the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana), to the naïve European honey bee (Apis mellifera) used commercially for pollination and honey production around the globe. Varroa is the greatest threat to honey bee health. Worrying observations include increasing acaricide resistance in the varroa population and sinking economic treatment thresholds, suggesting that the mites or their vectored viruses are becoming more virulent. Highly infested weak colonies facilitate mite dispersal and disease transmission to stronger and healthier colonies. Here, we review recent developments in the biology, pathology, and management of varroa, and integrate older knowledge that is less well known.
Collapse
|
8
|
Spatial and temporal analysis of varroosis from 2005 to 2018. Res Vet Sci 2020; 131:215-221. [PMID: 32408232 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the global distribution and temporal trend of Varroa spp. during 13 years (2005-2018) using the information retrieved from the OIE World Animal Health Information Database (WAHIS). During the period of study 53.4% of the countries reported the presence of the mite at least once. Countries were classified in five categories: 22% as Enzootic, 18% as Epizootic, 9% as Free, 12% and 26% respectively as disease Present or Absent at least once since 2005. Twelve percent of the countries were not able to provide any information on the presence of the disease. The average percentage of countries reporting the disease present was stable along the study, but it was observed a statistically significant increasing trend in the number of outbreaks reported per year. The number of outbreaks were different among the climate regions. Based on the seasonality analysis, the second semester of each year was the period characterized by the highest number of outbreaks reported.
Collapse
|
9
|
Techer MA, Rane RV, Grau ML, Roberts JMK, Sullivan ST, Liachko I, Childers AK, Evans JD, Mikheyev AS. Divergent evolutionary trajectories following speciation in two ectoparasitic honey bee mites. Commun Biol 2019; 2:357. [PMID: 31583288 PMCID: PMC6773775 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0606-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Multispecies host-parasite evolution is common, but how parasites evolve after speciating remains poorly understood. Shared evolutionary history and physiology may propel species along similar evolutionary trajectories whereas pursuing different strategies can reduce competition. We test these scenarios in the economically important association between honey bees and ectoparasitic mites by sequencing the genomes of the sister mite species Varroa destructor and Varroa jacobsoni. These genomes were closely related, with 99.7% sequence identity. Among the 9,628 orthologous genes, 4.8% showed signs of positive selection in at least one species. Divergent selective trajectories were discovered in conserved chemosensory gene families (IGR, SNMP), and Halloween genes (CYP) involved in moulting and reproduction. However, there was little overlap in these gene sets and associated GO terms, indicating different selective regimes operating on each of the parasites. Based on our findings, we suggest that species-specific strategies may be needed to combat evolving parasite communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maeva A. Techer
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha Onna-son, 904-0495 Okinawa, Japan
| | - Rahul V. Rane
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clunies Ross St, (GPO Box 1700), Acton, ACT 2601 Australia
- Bio21 Institute, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Miguel L. Grau
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha Onna-son, 904-0495 Okinawa, Japan
| | - John M. K. Roberts
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clunies Ross St, (GPO Box 1700), Acton, ACT 2601 Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Alexander S. Mikheyev
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha Onna-son, 904-0495 Okinawa, Japan
- Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Host shifts of parasites are often causing devastating effects in the new hosts. The Varroa genus is known for a lineage of Varroa destructor that shifted to the Western honey bee, Apis mellifera, with disastrous effects on wild populations and the beekeeping industry. Despite this, the biology of Varroa spp. remains poorly understood in its native distribution range, where it naturally parasitizes the Eastern honey bee, Apis cerana. Here, we combined mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses with the assessment of mite reproduction to determine the population structure and host specificity of V. destructor and Varroa jacobsonii in Thailand, where both hosts and several Varroa species and haplotypes are sympatric. Our data confirm previously described mite haplogroups, and show three novel haplotypes. Multiple infestations of single host colonies by both mite species and introgression of alleles between V. destructor and V. jacobsonii suggest that hybridization occurs between the two species. Our results indicate that host specificity and population genetic structure in the genus Varroa is more labile than previously thought. The ability of the host shifted V. destructor haplotype to spillback to A. cerana and to hybridize with V. jacobsonii could threaten honey bee populations of Asia and beyond.
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang S, Chen G, Lin Z, Wu Y, Hu F, Zheng H. Occurrence of multiple honeybee viruses in the ectoparasitic mites Varroa spp. in Apis cerana colonies. J Invertebr Pathol 2019; 166:107225. [PMID: 31369733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2019.107225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the prevalence of honeybee viruses in Varroa destructor and Varroa underwoodi infesting Apis cerana colonies in China. Deformed wing virus (DWV) was the most prevalent virus in these two mite species, followed by Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), Black queen cell virus (BQCV), Kashmir bee virus (KBV), Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) and Sacbrood virus (SBV) in V. destructor, while in V. underwoodi, it was followed by CBPV, AmFV, BQCV, IAPV and KBV. In addition, multiple viruses were commonly detectable in both mite species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Gongwen Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zheguang Lin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yuqi Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fuliang Hu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Huoqing Zheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|