1
|
Lin Z, Shen S, Wang K, Ji T. Biotic and abiotic stresses on honeybee health. Integr Zool 2024; 19:442-457. [PMID: 37427560 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees are the most critical pollinators providing key ecosystem services that underpin crop production and sustainable agriculture. Amidst a backdrop of rapid global change, this eusocial insect encounters a succession of stressors during nesting, foraging, and pollination. Ectoparasitic mites, together with vectored viruses, have been recognized as central biotic threats to honeybee health, while the spread of invasive giant hornets and small hive beetles also increasingly threatens colonies worldwide. Cocktails of agrochemicals, including acaricides used for mite treatment, and other pollutants of the environment have been widely documented to affect bee health in various ways. Additionally, expanding urbanization, climate change, and agricultural intensification often result in the destruction or fragmentation of flower-rich bee habitats. The anthropogenic pressures exerted by beekeeping management practices affect the natural selection and evolution of honeybees, and colony translocations facilitate alien species invasion and disease transmission. In this review, the multiple biotic and abiotic threats and their interactions that potentially undermine bee colony health are discussed, while taking into consideration the sensitivity, large foraging area, dense network among related nestmates, and social behaviors of honeybees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheguang Lin
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Siyi Shen
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ting Ji
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Agathokleous E, Rillig MC, Peñuelas J, Yu Z. One hundred important questions facing plant science derived using a large language model. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 29:210-218. [PMID: 37394309 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.06.008] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing rapidly and continually evolving in various fields. Recently, the release of ChatGPT has sparked significant public interest. In this study, we revisit the '100 Important Questions Facing Plant Science' by leveraging ChatGPT as a valuable tool for generating thought-provoking questions relevant to plant science. These questions primarily revolve around the utilization of plants in product development, understanding plant mechanisms, plant-environment interactions, and enhancing plant traits, with an emphasis on sustainable product development. While ChatGPT may not capture certain crucial aspects highlighted by scientists, it offers valuable insights into the questions generated by experts. Our analysis demonstrates that ChatGPT can be cautiously employed as a supportive tool to facilitate, streamline, and expedite specific tasks in plant science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Carbon Source and Sink, China Meteorological Administration (ECSS-CMA), School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters (CIC-FEMD), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, China.
| | - Matthias C Rillig
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Biologie, Altensteinstr. 6, D-14195, Berlin, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), D-14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josep Peñuelas
- CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB, Bellaterra, Catalonia 08193, Spain; CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia 08193, Spain
| | - Zhen Yu
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Carbon Source and Sink, China Meteorological Administration (ECSS-CMA), School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China; Collaborative Innovation Center on Forecast and Evaluation of Meteorological Disasters (CIC-FEMD), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Meinzen TC, Burkle LA, Debinski DM. Roadside habitat: Boon or bane for pollinating insects? Bioscience 2024; 74:54-64. [PMID: 38313561 PMCID: PMC10831221 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biad111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pollinators, which provide vital services to wild ecosystems and agricultural crops, are facing global declines and habitat loss. As undeveloped land becomes increasingly scarce, much focus has been directed recently to roadsides as potential target zones for providing floral resources to pollinators. Roadsides, however, are risky places for pollinators, with threats from vehicle collisions, toxic pollutants, mowing, herbicides, and more. Although these threats have been investigated, most studies have yet to quantify the costs and benefits of roadsides to pollinators and, therefore, do not address whether the costs outweigh the benefits for pollinator populations using roadside habitats. In this article, we address how, when, and under what conditions roadside habitats may benefit or harm pollinators, reviewing existing knowledge and recommending practical questions that managers and policymakers should consider when planning pollinator-focused roadside management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Meinzen
- Ecology Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States
| | - Laura A Burkle
- Ecology Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States
| | - Diane M Debinski
- Ecology Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Willcox BK, Potts SG, Brown MJF, Alix A, Al Naggar Y, Chauzat MP, Costa C, Gekière A, Hartfield C, Hatjina F, Knapp JL, Martínez-López V, Maus C, Metodiev T, Nazzi F, Osterman J, Raimets R, Strobl V, Van Oystaeyen A, Wintermantel D, Yovcheva N, Senapathi D. Emerging threats and opportunities to managed bee species in European agricultural systems: a horizon scan. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18099. [PMID: 37872212 PMCID: PMC10593766 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45279-w] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Managed bee species provide essential pollination services that contribute to food security worldwide. However, managed bees face a diverse array of threats and anticipating these, and potential opportunities to reduce risks, is essential for the sustainable management of pollination services. We conducted a horizon scanning exercise with 20 experts from across Europe to identify emerging threats and opportunities for managed bees in European agricultural systems. An initial 63 issues were identified, and this was shortlisted to 21 issues through the horizon scanning process. These ranged from local landscape-level management to geopolitical issues on a continental and global scale across seven broad themes-Pesticides & pollutants, Technology, Management practices, Predators & parasites, Environmental stressors, Crop modification, and Political & trade influences. While we conducted this horizon scan within a European context, the opportunities and threats identified will likely be relevant to other regions. A renewed research and policy focus, especially on the highest-ranking issues, is required to maximise the value of these opportunities and mitigate threats to maintain sustainable and healthy managed bee pollinators within agricultural systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryony K Willcox
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK.
| | - Simon G Potts
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK
| | - Mark J F Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Anne Alix
- Corteva Agriscience, Regulatory and Stewardship Europe, Middle East and Africa, Abingdon, UK
| | - Yahya Al Naggar
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
- Unit of Bee Research and Honey Production, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, 61413, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marie-Pierre Chauzat
- ANSES, Sophia Antipolis Laboratory, Unit of Honey Bee Pathology, 06902, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Cecilia Costa
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antoine Gekière
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Chris Hartfield
- National Farmers' Union, Agriculture House, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2TZ, UK
| | - Fani Hatjina
- Department of Apiculture, Institute of Animal Science, ELGO 'DIMITRA', 63200, Nea Moudania, Greece
| | - Jessica L Knapp
- Department of Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Vicente Martínez-López
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Francesco Nazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agroalimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Julia Osterman
- Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Risto Raimets
- Department of Plant Protection, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Verena Strobl
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Dimitry Wintermantel
- Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Deepa Senapathi
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gekière A, Vanderplanck M, Michez D. Trace metals with heavy consequences on bees: A comprehensive review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165084. [PMID: 37379929 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The pervasiveness of human imprint on Earth is alarming and most animal species, including bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila), must cope with several stressors. Recently, exposure to trace metals and metalloids (TMM) has drawn attention and has been suggested as a threat for bee populations. In this review, we aimed at bringing together all the studies (n = 59), both in laboratories and in natura, that assessed the effects of TMM on bees. After a brief comment on semantics, we listed the potential routes of exposure to soluble and insoluble (i.e. nanoparticle) TMM, and the threat posed by metallophyte plants. Then, we reviewed the studies that addressed whether bees could detect and avoid TMM in their environment, as well as the ways bee detoxify these xenobiotics. Afterwards, we listed the impacts TMM have on bees at the community, individual, physiological, histological and microbial levels. We discussed around the interspecific variations among bees, as well as around the simultaneous exposure to TMM. Finally, we highlighted that bees are likely exposed to TMM in combination or with other stressors, such as pesticides and parasites. Overall, we showed that most studies focussed on the domesticated western honey bee and mainly addressed lethal effects. Because TMM are widespread in the environment and have been shown to result in detrimental consequences, evaluating their lethal and sublethal effects on bees, including non-Apis species, warrants further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Gekière
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium.
| | - Maryse Vanderplanck
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, 1919 Route de Mende, 34090 Montpellier, France.
| | - Denis Michez
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, 20 Place du Parc, 7000 Mons, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Skaldina O, Łukowski A, Leskinen JTT, Koistinen AP, Eeva T. Mobile samplers of particulate matter - Flying omnivorous insects in detection of industrial contamination. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161511. [PMID: 36632898 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Flying insects are potential mobile samplers of airborne particulate matter (PM). However, current knowledge on their susceptibility to PM is limited to pollinators. Insects' capacity for particle surface accumulation depends on the lifestyle, structure of the body integuments, and behavioral patterns. Here, we investigate how two species of flying omnivorous insects from the genus Vespula, possessing direct interactions with air, soil, plants, and herbivores, indicate industrial pollution by accumulating coarse (PM10) and fine (PM2.5) particles on their bodies. The internal accumulation of particles in wasps' gut tissues is assessed considering heavy metals exposure to reveal and discuss the potential magnitude of ecotoxicological risks. Female individuals of Vespula vulgaris and V. germanica were sampled with a hand-netting near to Harjavalta Cu-Ni smelter and in the control areas in southwestern Finland. They were analyzed with light microscopy (LM), electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) methods. Near to the smelter, wasps trapped significantly more particles, which were of bigger size and their surface optical density was higher. Vespula vulgaris accumulated larger particles than V. germanica, but that wasn't associated with morphological characteristics such as body size or hairiness. In both areas, accumulated surface PM carried clays and silicates. Only in polluted environments PM consistently contained metallic and nonmetallic particles (from high to moderate weight %) of Fe, Ni, Cu, and S - major pollutants emitted from the smelter. Wasps from industrially polluted areas carried significantly more granules in the columnar epithelial midgut cells. TEM-EDX analyses identified those structures were associated with metal ions such as Cr, Cu, Ni, and Fe. As epithelial gut cells accumulated metal particles, midgut confirmed as a barrier for metal exposure in wasps. External PM contamination in wasps is suggested as a qualitative, yet a natural and simple descriptor of local industrial emissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Skaldina
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland; Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Adrian Łukowski
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71E, 60-625 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Jari T T Leskinen
- SIB Labs Unit, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Arto P Koistinen
- SIB Labs Unit, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1E, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Tapio Eeva
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Reich MS, Kindra M, Dargent F, Hu L, Flockhart DTT, Norris DR, Kharouba H, Talavera G, Bataille CP. Metals and metal isotopes incorporation in insect wings: Implications for geolocation and pollution exposure. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1085903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities are exposing insects to elevated levels of toxic metals and are altering the bioavailability of essential metals. Metals and metal isotopes have also become promising tools for the geolocation of migratory insects. Understanding the pathways of metal incorporation in insect tissues is thus important for assessing the role of metals in insect physiology and ecology and for the development of metals and metal isotopes as geolocation tools. We conducted a diet-switching experiment on monarch butterflies [Danaus plexippus (L.)] with controlled larval and adult diets to evaluate the sources of 23 metals and metalloids, strontium isotopes, and lead isotopes to insect wing tissues over a period of 8 weeks. Concentrations of Ca, Co, Mo, and Sb differed between the sexes or with body mass. Ni and Zn bioaccumulated in the insect wing tissues over time, likely from the adult diet, while increases in Al, Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, and Pb were, at least partially, from external sources (i.e., dust aerosols). Bioaccumulation of Pb in the monarch wings was confirmed by Pb isotopes to mainly be sourced from external anthropogenic sources, revealing the potential of Pb isotopes to become an indicator and tracer of metal pollution exposure along migratory paths. Concentrations of Ba, Cs, Mg, Na, Rb, Sr, Ti, Tl, and U appeared to be unaffected by intrinsic factors or additions of metals from adult dietary or external sources, and their potential for geolocation should be further explored. Strontium isotope ratios remained indicative of the larval diet, at least in males, supporting its potential as a geolocation tool. However, the difference in strontium isotope ratios between sexes, as well as the possibility of external contamination by wetting, requires further investigation. Our results demonstrate the complexity of metal incorporation processes in insects and the value of studying metals to develop new tools to quantify pollution exposure, metal toxicity, micronutrient uptake, and insect mobility.
Collapse
|
8
|
Rojas-Botero S, Teixeira LH, Kollmann J. Low precipitation due to climate change consistently reduces multifunctionality of urban grasslands in mesocosms. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0275044. [PMID: 36735650 PMCID: PMC9897532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Urban grasslands are crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem services in cities, while little is known about their multifunctionality under climate change. Thus, we investigated the effects of simulated climate change, i.e., increased [CO2] and temperature, and reduced precipitation, on individual functions and overall multifunctionality in mesocosm grasslands sown with forbs and grasses in four different proportions aiming at mimicking road verge grassland patches. Climate change scenarios RCP2.6 (control) and RCP8.5 (worst-case) were simulated in walk-in climate chambers of an ecotron facility, and watering was manipulated for normal vs. reduced precipitation. We measured eight indicator variables of ecosystem functions based on below- and aboveground characteristics. The young grassland communities responded to higher [CO2] and warmer conditions with increased vegetation cover, height, flower production, and soil respiration. Lower precipitation affected carbon cycling in the ecosystem by reducing biomass production and soil respiration. In turn, the water regulation capacity of the grasslands depended on precipitation interacting with climate change scenario, given the enhanced water efficiency resulting from increased [CO2] under RCP8.5. Multifunctionality was negatively affected by reduced precipitation, especially under RCP2.6. Trade-offs arose among single functions that performed best in either grass- or forb-dominated grasslands. Grasslands with an even ratio of plant functional types coped better with climate change and thus are good options for increasing the benefits of urban green infrastructure. Overall, the study provides experimental evidence of the effects of climate change on the functionality of urban ecosystems. Designing the composition of urban grasslands based on ecological theory may increase their resilience to global change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Rojas-Botero
- Chair of Restoration Ecology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Leonardo H. Teixeira
- Chair of Restoration Ecology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Johannes Kollmann
- Chair of Restoration Ecology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Ås, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
SIMONS ARIELLEVI, CALDWELL STEVIE, FU MICHELLE, GALLEGOS JOSE, GATHERU MICHAEL, RICCARDELLI LAURA, TRUONG NHI, VIERA VALERIA. Constructing ecological indices for urban environments using species distribution models. Urban Ecosyst 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-022-01265-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIn an increasingly urbanized world, there is a need to study urban areas as their own class of ecosystems as well as assess the impacts of anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity. However, collecting a sufficient number of species observations to estimate patterns of biodiversity in a city can be costly. Here we investigated the use of community science-based data on species occurrences, combined with species distribution models (SDMs), built using MaxEnt and remotely-sensed measures of the environment, to predict the distribution of a number of species across the urban environment of Los Angeles. By selecting species with the most accurate SDMs, and then summarizing these by class, we were able to produce two species richness models (SRMs) to predict biodiversity patterns for species in the class Aves and Magnoliopsida and how they respond to a variety of natural and anthropogenic environmental gradients.We found that species considered native to Los Angeles tend to have significantly more accurate SDMs than their non-native counterparts. For all species considered in this study we found environmental variables describing anthropogenic activities, such as housing density and alterations to land cover, tend to be more influential than natural factors, such as terrain and proximity to freshwater, in shaping SDMs. Using a random forest model we found our SRMs could account for approximately 54% and 62% of the predicted variation in species richness for species in the classes Aves and Magnoliopsida respectively. Using community science-based species occurrences, SRMs can be used to model patterns of urban biodiversity and assess the roles of environmental factors in shaping them.
Collapse
|
10
|
Knaden M, Anderson P, Andersson MN, Hill SR, Sachse S, Sandgren M, Stensmyr MC, Löfstedt C, Ignell R, Hansson BS. Human Impacts on Insect Chemical Communication in the Anthropocene. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.791345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The planet is presently undergoing dramatic changes caused by human activities. We are living in the era of the Anthropocene, where our activities directly affect all living organisms on Earth. Insects constitute a major part of the world’s biodiversity and currently, we see dwindling insect biomass but also outbreaks of certain populations. Most insects rely on chemical communication to locate food, mates, and suitable oviposition sites, but also to avoid enemies and detrimental microbes. Emissions of, e.g., CO2, NOx, and ozone can all affect the chemical communication channel, as can a rising temperature. Here, we present a review of the present state of the art in the context of anthropogenic impact on insect chemical communication. We concentrate on present knowledge regarding fruit flies, mosquitoes, moths, and bark beetles, as well as presenting our views on future developments and needs in this emerging field of research. We include insights from chemical, physiological, ethological, and ecological directions and we briefly present a new international research project, the Max Planck Centre for Next Generation Insect Chemical Ecology (nGICE), launched to further increase our understanding of the impact of human activities on insect olfaction and chemical communication.
Collapse
|
11
|
Ryalls JMW, Langford B, Mullinger NJ, Bromfield LM, Nemitz E, Pfrang C, Girling RD. Anthropogenic air pollutants reduce insect-mediated pollination services. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 297:118847. [PMID: 35063287 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Common air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), emitted in diesel exhaust, and ozone (O3), have been implicated in the decline of pollinating insects. Reductionist laboratory assays, focused upon interactions between a narrow range of flowering plant and pollinator species, in combination with atmospheric chemistry models, indicate that such pollutants can chemically alter floral odors, disrupting the cues that foraging insects use to find and pollinate flowers. However, odor environments in nature are highly complex and pollination services are commonly provided by suites of insect species, each exhibiting different sensitivities to different floral odors. Therefore, the potential impacts of pollution-induced foraging disruption on both insect ecology, and the pollination services that insects provide, are currently unknown. We conducted in-situ field studies to investigate whether such pollutants could reduce pollinator foraging and as a result the pollination ecosystem service that those insects provide. Using free-air fumigation, we show that elevating diesel exhaust and O3, individually and in combination, to levels lower than is considered safe under current air quality standards, significantly reduced counts of locally-occurring wild and managed insect pollinators by 62-70% and their flower visits by 83-90%. These reductions were driven by changes in specific pollinator groups, including bees, flies, moths and butterflies, and coincided with significant reductions (14-31%) in three different metrics of pollination and yield of a self-fertile test plant. Quantifying such effects provides new insights into the impacts of human-induced air pollution on the natural ecosystem services upon which we depend.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James M W Ryalls
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Earley Gate, Reading, RG6 6EU, UK.
| | - Ben Langford
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Neil J Mullinger
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Lisa M Bromfield
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Earley Gate, Reading, RG6 6EU, UK
| | - Eiko Nemitz
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Christian Pfrang
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK; Department of Meteorology, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Earley Gate, Reading, RG6 6BB, UK
| | - Robbie D Girling
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Earley Gate, Reading, RG6 6EU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Efficient foraging is vital to bee fitness but is challenging in the Anthropocene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dave Goulson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tan XY, Liu L, Wu DY. Relationship between leaf dust retention capacity and leaf microstructure of six common tree species for campus greening. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2022; 24:1213-1221. [PMID: 35040734 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2021.2024135] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Green plants can effectively retain atmospheric particle pollution and purify the air. As an important part of the campus ecosystem, they have a significant effect on absorbing atmospheric pollutants and improving the quality of the campus air environment. Six common greening plants were selected as the object in Xiangnan University. The dust retention capacity of plant leaves, leaf micro-structure, and leaf contact angle were measured. The results show that the highest amounts of dust removed by Osmanthus fragrans Lour was 3.451 g/m2, and the least amounts of dust removed by Magnolia denudata Desr. was 1.005 g/m2, and the maximum is 4.148 times of the minimum. The micro-structure of the plant leaf surface affects the amount of dust retention. The plant dust retention capacity with gully of the leaf surface and fluff, stomata, and sawtooth structure is relatively strong; The plant dust retention capacity with smooth, wax layer, leathery, and gully is relatively weak. The leaf contact area of a plant is related to its dust retention ability, that is, when the measured leaf contact angle is <90°, the leaf dust retention ability of the plant is strong. When the blade contact angle is >90°, the dust retention capacity is weak.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yan Tan
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Lu Liu
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Xiangnan Rare-Precious Metals Compounds Research and Application, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Dai-Ya Wu
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Phillips BB, Bullock JM, Gaston KJ, Hudson‐Edwards KA, Bamford M, Cruse D, Dicks LV, Falagan C, Wallace C, Osborne JL. Impacts of multiple pollutants on pollinator activity in road verges. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kevin J. Gaston
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | | | - Meg Bamford
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | - Dave Cruse
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | - Lynn V. Dicks
- School of Biological Sciences University of East Anglia Norwich UK
- Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Carmen Falagan
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK
| | - Claire Wallace
- School of Biological Sciences University of East Anglia Norwich UK
| | - Juliet L. Osborne
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK
| |
Collapse
|