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Hassan AAM, Elenany YE. Influence of Probiotics Feed Supplementation on Hypopharyngeal Glands Morphometric Measurements of Honeybee Workers Apis mellifera L. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024; 16:1214-1220. [PMID: 37335521 PMCID: PMC11322241 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10107-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
More scientific study and methods that are compatible with the honeybee-specific probiotic bacteria are needed in modern beekeeping to increase the productivity and well-being of honeybees. The goal of the current study set out to investigate the possible effects of probiotics previously isolated from the honeybee intestinal tract and soybean patties on nurse worker bee hypopharyngeal gland (HPG) development. The experimentation was carried out in four different treatment groups in which probiotics and soybean patties were provided in different proportions, with control colonies. Results showed that there was a significant increase in HPG morphometric parameters of bees in all experimental groups. Control nurse worker fed with sugar syrup for only 2 weeks had the smallest HPG morphometric parameters. The highest HPG diameter 14.89 ± 0.097 µm and surface area 0.065 ± 0.001µm2 were observed in the bees group fed with both probiotic and soya patty. Additionally, the same trend was observed in all morphometric parameters with the bees group fed with probiotic bacteria and soya patty. More royal jelly can be produced by larger HPGs than by smaller ones. Thus, the use of probiotics as a natural alternative tool boosted the development of Apis mellifera nurse workers' HPG that will positively affect the beekeepers' economy by providing a higher yield of royal jelly production. Overall, the study's findings show that probiotics are a useful feed supplement for honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasser Essam Elenany
- Department of Economic Entomology and Pesticides, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
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2
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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.
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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
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Shanahan M, Simone-Finstrom M, Tokarz P, Rinkevich F, Read QD, Spivak M. Thinking inside the box: Restoring the propolis envelope facilitates honey bee social immunity. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0291744. [PMID: 38295039 PMCID: PMC10830010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
When wild honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera) nest in hollow tree cavities, they coat the rough cavity walls with a continuous layer of propolis, a substance comprised primarily of plant resins. Studies have shown that the resulting "propolis envelope" leads to both individual- and colony-level health benefits. Unfortunately, the smooth wooden boxes most commonly used in beekeeping do little to stimulate propolis collection. As a result, most managed bees live in hives that are propolis-poor. In this study, we assessed different surface texture treatments (rough wood boxes, boxes outfitted with propolis traps, and standard, smooth wood boxes) in terms of their ability to stimulate propolis collection, and we examined the effect of propolis on colony health, pathogen loads, immune gene expression, bacterial gene expression, survivorship, and honey production in both stationary and migratory beekeeping contexts. We found that rough wood boxes are the most effective box type for stimulating propolis deposition. Although the use of rough wood boxes did not improve colony survivorship overall, Melissococcus plutonius detections via gene expression were significantly lower in rough wood boxes, and viral loads for multiple viruses tended to decrease as propolis deposition increased. By the end of year one, honey bee populations in migratory rough box colonies were also significantly larger than those in migratory control colonies. The use of rough wood boxes did correspond with decreased honey production in year one migratory colonies but had no effect during year two. Finally, in both stationary and migratory operations, propolis deposition was correlated with a seasonal decrease and/or stabilization in the expression of multiple immune and bacterial genes, suggesting that propolis-rich environments contribute to hive homeostasis. These findings provide support for the practical implementation of rough box hives as a means to enhance propolis collection and colony health in multiple beekeeping contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Shanahan
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Michael Simone-Finstrom
- Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture—Agricultural Research Service, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Philip Tokarz
- Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture—Agricultural Research Service, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Frank Rinkevich
- Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture—Agricultural Research Service, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Quentin D. Read
- United States Department of Agriculture—Agricultural Research Service Southeast Area, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Marla Spivak
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
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Gabel M, Scheiner R, Steffan-Dewenter I, Büchler R. Reproduction of Varroa destructor depends on well-timed host cell recapping and seasonal patterns. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22484. [PMID: 38110489 PMCID: PMC10728205 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49688-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance traits of honeybees (Apis mellifera) against their major parasite Varroa destructor have fascinated scientists and breeders for long. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying resistance are still largely unknown. The same applies to possible interactions between host behaviours, mite reproduction and seasonal differences. Two resistance traits, reproductive failure of mites and recapping of brood cells, are of particular interest. High rates of recapping at the colony level were found to correspond with low reproductive success of mites. However, the direct effect of recapping on mite reproduction is still controversial and both traits seem to be very variable in their expression. Thus, a deeper knowledge of both, the effect of recapping on mite reproduction and the seasonal differences in the expression of these traits is urgently needed. To shed light on this host-parasite interaction, we investigated recapping and mite reproduction in full-grown colonies naturally infested with V. destructor. Measurements were repeated five times per year over the course of 3 years. The reproductive success of mites as well as the recapping frequency clearly followed seasonal patterns. Thereby, reproductive failure of mites at the cell level was constantly increased in case of recapping. Interestingly, this did not apply to the occurrence of infertile mites. In line with this, recapping activity in fertile cells was most frequent in brood ages in which mite offspring would be expected. Our results suggest that mite offspring is the main target of recapping. This, in turn, leads to a significantly reduced reproductive success of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gabel
- Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen, Bee Institute Kirchhain, Erlenstraße 9, 35274, Kirchhain, Germany.
- Department of Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Ricarda Scheiner
- Department of Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ralph Büchler
- Landesbetrieb Landwirtschaft Hessen, Bee Institute Kirchhain, Erlenstraße 9, 35274, Kirchhain, Germany
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Dickey M, Whilden M, Ellis JT, Rangel J. A preliminary survey reveals that common viruses are found at low titers in a wild population of honey bees (Apis mellifera). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2023; 23:26. [PMID: 38098224 PMCID: PMC10721442 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iead117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
A major threat to honey bee (Apis mellifera Linnaeus, Hymenoptera: Apidae) health continues to be parasitism by the mite Varroa destructor, which has been linked to high colony losses worldwide. Besides feeding on developing and adult bees, Varroa is also a prolific vector of honey bee-associated viruses. Because they live in unmanaged conditions, wild honey bee colonies are not treated against Varroa, which has enabled the natural selection of more mite-tolerant bees. To date, few studies have explored the prevalence of viruses in unmanaged colonies. The Welder Wildlife Refuge (WWR) in Texas is a unique site to study the viral landscape of unmanaged honey bees in the United States. The goals of this study were to identify and quantify viruses in wild colonies at the WWR, to examine changes in the prevalence of viruses in these colonies over time, and to compare the presence and titers of viruses between wild colonies at the WWR and those from the nearest managed apiary. We collected bees from colonies at the WWR in 2013, 2016, and 2021, and analyzed selected viruses for their presence and titers via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In 2021, we also sampled bees from the nearest managed apiary for comparison. We found low average virus titers in all wild colonies sampled, and no difference in virus titers between colonies at the WWR and those from the managed apiary. Our study indicates that virus titers in wild colonies at the WWR are similar to those found in nearby colonies, and that these titers fluctuate over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myra Dickey
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Mckaela Whilden
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Juliana Rangel
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Morin ML, Giovenazzo P. Mite non-reproduction, recapping behavior, and hygienic behavior (freeze-kill method) linked to Varroa destructor infestation levels in selected Apis mellifera colonies. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:655-663. [PMID: 37139827 PMCID: PMC10621551 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231172141] [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: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic selection of honey bees (Apis mellifera) possessing specific social hygienic behaviors offers the beekeeping industry the possibility of controlling the Varroa destructor parasite and thus reducing its dependence on acaricides. However, the links between these behavioral traits are not yet well defined, which limits genetic progress in breeding programs. We measured the following behavioral varroa resistance traits: freeze-kill brood (FKB) and pin-kill brood (PKB) assays, varroa-sensitive hygiene (VSH), pupae removal, mite non-reproduction (MNR), and recapping activity. We found 2 negative and significant relationships: 1) between the recapping of cells infested with varroa and the total number of recapped cells, and 2) between the recapping of cells infested with varroa and VSH. We also selected the best predictive model of varroa infestation levels using the "step-wise" approach based on the Akaike information criterion. Our model revealed that MNR and FKB were significantly related to the varroa population levels, with a negative relationship; recapping was significantly related to mite infestation levels, with a positive relationship. Thus, a higher MNR or FKB score was linked to lower levels of mite infestation in colonies on August 14 (prior to fall infestation treatments); a higher recapping activity was linked to a higher level of mite infestation. Recapping behavior could be a useful trait to aid the selection of varroa-resistant bee lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Lou Morin
- Département de biologie, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre Giovenazzo
- Département de biologie, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Smith S, Moro A, McCormack GP. Exploring a Potential Avenue for Beekeeping in Ireland: Safeguarding Locally Adapted Honeybees for Breeding Varroa-Resistant Lines. INSECTS 2023; 14:827. [PMID: 37887838 PMCID: PMC10607453 DOI: 10.3390/insects14100827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Beekeeping in Ireland has been strongly impacted by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, whose introduction caused alarming honeybee colony losses. If unmitigated, these losses could lead to the disappearance of the native honeybee subspecies, Apis mellifera mellifera, with severe consequences for local biodiversity. Although beekeepers play a pivotal role in mitigating this crisis, beekeeping in Ireland is less intensive compared to other European regions, lacking significant infrastructure or support. These circumstances offer a unique opportunity for the development of national programmes that promote sustainable beekeeping practices for varroa control. Notably, local accounts highlight an increasing number of beekeepers successfully managing colonies in the absence of treatments, indicating a potential avenue for developing varroa-resistant stocks through selection of local colonies. Through a survey, we explored beekeeper's opinions and attitudes towards future national projects focused on the development of sustainable beekeeping practices and selection for varroa resistance. The findings confirm the hobbyist nature of Irish beekeepers and their preference for the native honey bee. Some beekeepers were reported to be effectively controlling varroa without treatment, yielding comparable survivals to those using treatments. The majority expressed preference towards a varroa-resistant line if it were of native origin; a few were open to importing non-Irish lines. Overall, a strong willingness to participate in a national breeding programme was expressed. These findings highlight a prime opportunity for Ireland to establish a community-driven strategy based on sustainable beekeeping practices for safeguarding native honeybees and local biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arrigo Moro
- Galway Honey Bee Research Centre, Earth and Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, University Rd., H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
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Visick OD, Ratnieks FLW. Density of wild honey bee, Apis mellifera, colonies worldwide. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10609. [PMID: 37841222 PMCID: PMC10568204 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10609] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The western honey bee, Apis mellifera, lives worldwide in approximately 102 million managed hives but also wild throughout much of its native and introduced range. Despite the global importance of A. mellifera as a crop pollinator, wild colonies have received comparatively little attention in the scientific literature and basic information regarding their density and abundance is scattered. Here, we review 40 studies that have quantified wild colony density directly (n = 33) or indirectly using genetic markers (n = 7) and analyse data from 41 locations worldwide to identify factors that influence wild colony density. We also compare the density of wild and managed colonies at a regional scale using data on managed colonies from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Wild colony densities varied from 0.1 to 24.2/km2 and were significantly lower in Europe (average of 0.26/km2) than in Northern America (1.4/km2), Oceania (4.4/km2), Latin America (6.7/km2) and Africa (6.8/km2). Regional differences were not significant after controlling for both temperature and survey area, suggesting that cooler climates and larger survey areas may be responsible for the low densities reported in Europe. Managed colony densities were 2.2/km2 in Asia, 1.2/km2 in Europe, 0.2/km2, in Northern America, 0.2/km2 in Oceania, 0.5/km2 in Latin America and 1/km2 in Africa. Wild colony densities exceeded those of managed colonies in all regions except Europe and Asia. Overall, there were estimated to be between two and three times as many wild colonies as managed worldwide. More wild colony surveys, particularly in Asia and South America, are needed to assess the relative density of wild and managed colonies at smaller spatial scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver D. Visick
- Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects (LASI), School of Life SciencesUniversity of SussexBrightonUK
| | - Francis L. W. Ratnieks
- Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects (LASI), School of Life SciencesUniversity of SussexBrightonUK
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Du M, Bernstein R, Hoppe A. The Potential of Instrumental Insemination for Sustainable Honeybee Breeding. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1799. [PMID: 37761939 PMCID: PMC10531475 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mating control is crucial in honeybee breeding and commonly guaranteed by bringing virgin queens to isolated mating stations (IMS) for their nuptial flights. However, most breeding programs struggle to provide sufficiently many IMS. Research institutions routinely perform instrumental insemination of honeybees, but its potential to substitute IMS in breeding programs has not been sufficiently studied. We performed stochastic simulations to compare instrumental insemination strategies and mating on IMS in terms of genetic progress and inbreeding development. We focused on the role of paternal generation intervals, which can be shortened to two years with instrumental insemination in comparison to three years when using IMS. After 70 years, instrumental insemination yielded up to 42% higher genetic gain than IMS strategies-particularly with few available mating sites. Inbreeding rates with instrumental insemination and IMS were comparable. When the paternal generation interval in instrumental insemination was stretched to three years, the number of drone producers required for sustainable breeding was reduced substantially. In contrast, when shortening the interval to two years, it yielded the highest generational inbreeding rates (up to 2.28%). Overall, instrumental insemination with drones from a single colony appears as a viable strategy for honeybee breeding and a promising alternative to IMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Du
- Institute for Bee Research Hohen Neuendorf, Friedrich-Engels-Str. 32, 16540 Hohen Neuendorf, Germany; (R.B.); (A.H.)
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Gebremedhn H, Claeys Bouuaert D, Asperges M, Amssalu B, De Smet L, de Graaf DC. Expression of Molecular Markers of Resilience against Varroa destructor and Bee Viruses in Ethiopian Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera simensis) Focussing on Olfactory Sensing and the RNA Interference Machinery. INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14050436. [PMID: 37233064 DOI: 10.3390/insects14050436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Varroa destructor mites and the viruses it vectors are two major factors leading to high losses of honey bees (Apis mellifera) colonies worldwide. However, honey bees in some African countries show resilience to varroa infestation and/or virus infections, although little is known about the mechanisms underlying this resilience. In this study, we investigated the expression profiles of some key molecular markers involved in olfactory sensing and RNA interference, as these processes may contribute to the bees' resilience to varroa infestation and virus infection, respectively. We found significantly higher gene expression of the odorant binding protein, OBP14, in the antennae of Ethiopian bees compared to Belgian bees. This result suggests the potential of OBP14 as a molecular marker of resilience to mite infestation. Scanning electron microscopy showed no significant differences in the antennal sensilla occurrence and distribution, suggesting that resilience arises from molecular processes rather than morphological adaptations. In addition, seven RNAi genes were upregulated in the Ethiopian honey bees and three of them-Dicer-Drosha, Argonaute 2, and TRBP2-were positively correlated with the viral load. We can conclude that the antiviral immune response was triggered when bees were experiencing severe viral infection and that this might contribute to the bees' resilience to viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haftom Gebremedhn
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, Mekelle P.O. Box 492, Ethiopia
| | - David Claeys Bouuaert
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michel Asperges
- Centrum Voor Milieukunde, University of Hasselt, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | | | - Lina De Smet
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk C de Graaf
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Guichard M, Dainat B, Dietemann V. Prospects, challenges and perspectives in harnessing natural selection to solve the ‘varroa problem’ of honey bees. Evol Appl 2023; 16:593-608. [PMID: 36969141 PMCID: PMC10035043 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bees, Apis mellifera, of European origin are major pollinators of crops and wild flora. Their endemic and exported populations are threatened by a variety of abiotic and biotic factors. Among the latter, the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is the most important single cause behind colony mortality. The selection of mite resistance in honey bee populations has been deemed a more sustainable solution to its control than varroacidal treatments. Because natural selection has led to the survival of some European and African honey bee populations to V. destructor infestations, harnessing its principles has recently been highlighted as a more efficient way to provide honey bee lineages that survive infestations when compared with conventional selection on resistance traits against the parasite. However, the challenges and drawbacks of harnessing natural selection to solve the varroa problem have only been minimally addressed. We argue that failing to consider these issues could lead to counterproductive results, such as increased mite virulence, loss of genetic diversity reducing host resilience, population collapses or poor acceptance by beekeepers. Therefore, it appears timely to evaluate the prospects for the success of such programmes and the qualities of the populations obtained. After reviewing the approaches proposed in the literature and their outcomes, we consider their advantages and drawbacks and propose perspectives to overcome their limitations. In these considerations, we not only reflect on the theoretical aspects of host-parasite relationships but also on the currently largely neglected practical constraints, that is, the requirements for productive beekeeping, conservation or rewilding objectives. To optimize natural selection-based programmes towards these objectives, we suggest designs based on a combination of nature-driven phenotypic differentiation and human-directed selection of traits. Such a dual strategy aims at allowing field-realistic evolutionary approaches towards the survival of V. destructor infestations and the improvement of honey bee health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vincent Dietemann
- Swiss Bee Research Centre Agroscope Bern Switzerland
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, UNIL‐Sorge University of Lausanne Lausanne Switzerland
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12
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Daisley BA, Pitek AP, Mallory E, Chernyshova AM, Allen-Vercoe E, Reid G, Thompson GJ. Disentangling the microbial ecological factors impacting honey bee susceptibility to Paenibacillus larvae infection. Trends Microbiol 2022; 31:521-534. [PMID: 36526535 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Paenibacillus larvae is a spore-forming bacterial entomopathogen and causal agent of the important honey bee larval disease, American foulbrood (AFB). Active infections by vegetative P. larvae are often deadly, highly transmissible, and incurable for colonies but, when dormant, the spore form of this pathogen can persist asymptomatically for years. Despite intensive investigation over the past century, this process has remained enigmatic. Here, we provide an up-to-date synthesis on the often overlooked microbiota factors involved in the spore-to-vegetative growth transition (corresponding with the onset of AFB disease symptoms) and offer a novel outlook on AFB pathogenesis by focusing on the 'collaborative' and 'competitive' interactions between P. larvae and other honey bee-adapted microorganisms. Furthermore, we discuss the health trade-offs associated with chronic antibiotic exposure and propose new avenues for the sustainable control of AFB via probiotic and microbiota management strategies.
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Mendoza Y, Santos E, Clavijo-Baquett S, Invernizzi C. A Reciprocal Transplant Experiment Confirmed Mite-Resistance in a Honey Bee Population from Uruguay. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9110596. [PMID: 36356073 PMCID: PMC9694040 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9110596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In Uruguay, as in many countries around the world, the Varroa destructor mite is the main biotic threat to honey bees (Apis mellifera). Most beekeepers regularly apply acaricides to their colonies to have good honey harvests and avoid large losses, with the exception of beekeepers in the east of the country where bees coexist with V. destructor without suffering significant damage. To unravel the different A. mellifera–V. destructor relationships found in the country, a reciprocal transplant experiment was performed between the mite-resistant bee colonies and the mite-susceptible bee colonies from the east and the west of the country, respectively. The differences between the two groups of bees in the control of V. destructor were maintained in the two environments. No mite-susceptible colonies survived the winter. The behavioral resistance of bees (hygienic behavior) and reproductive aspects of V. destructor (phoretic mites/reproductive mites and mites in drone cells/mites in worker cells ratio) could explain the results obtained. Abstract In the past few years there has been an increasing interest for the study of honey bee populations that are naturally resistant to the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor, aiming to identify the mechanisms that allow the bees to limit the reproduction of the mite. In eastern Uruguay there are still bees resistant to mites that survive without acaricides. In order to determine if the differential resistance to V. destructor was maintained in other environments, a reciprocal transplant experiment was performed between the mite-resistant bee colonies and the mite-susceptible bee colonies from the east and the west of the country, respectively, infesting bees with local mites. In both regions, the mite-resistant colonies expressed a higher hygienic behavior and presented a higher phoretic mites/reproductive mites and mites in drone cells/mites in worker cells ratio than the mite-susceptible colonies. All the mite-susceptible colonies died during fall–winter, while a considerable number of mite-resistant colonies survived until spring, especially in the east of the country. This study shows that the bees in the east of the country maintain in good measure the resistance to V. destructor in other regions and leaves open the possibility that the mites of the two populations have biases in the reproductive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamandú Mendoza
- Sección Apicultura, Programa de Producción Familiar, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria La Estanzuela, Ruta 50 km 11, Colonia 70002, Uruguay
| | - Estela Santos
- Sección Etología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Sabrina Clavijo-Baquett
- Sección Etología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
- Programa de Desarrollo de las Ciencias Básicas (PEDECIBA), Isidoro de María 1614, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
| | - Ciro Invernizzi
- Sección Etología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
- Programa de Desarrollo de las Ciencias Básicas (PEDECIBA), Isidoro de María 1614, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
- Correspondence:
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14
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Patenković A, Tanasković M, Erić P, Erić K, Mihajlović M, Stanisavljević L, Davidović S. Urban ecosystem drives genetic diversity in feral honey bee. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17692. [PMID: 36271012 PMCID: PMC9587283 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21413-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Urbanization can change biodiversity in both directions, positive and negative, and despite the rising global trend of urban beekeeping, little is known about the impact of urbanization on the genetic diversity of honey bees. We investigate how urbanization affects the genetic variability of feral and managed honey bee colonies that are spread throughout the entire city, even in highly urban areas, through genetic analysis of 82 worker bees. We found convincing evidence of high genetic differentiation between these two groups. Additionally, by comparing city samples with 241 samples from 46 apiaries in rural parts of the country, variations in mitochondrial tRNAleu-cox2 intergenic region and microsatellite loci indicated that feral colonies have distinct patterns of genetic diversity. These results, with evidence that feral honey bees find niches within highly modified and human-dominated urban landscapes, lead us to conclude that urbanization is a driver of the genetic diversity of feral honey bees in the city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Patenković
- Department of Genetics of Populations and Ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Marija Tanasković
- Department of Genetics of Populations and Ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Pavle Erić
- Department of Genetics of Populations and Ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Erić
- Department of Genetics of Populations and Ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Mihajlović
- Center for Forensic and Applied Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljubiša Stanisavljević
- Center for Bee Research, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slobodan Davidović
- Department of Genetics of Populations and Ecogenotoxicology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
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15
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Niño EL, Yokota S, Stacy WH, Arathi H. Dietary phytochemicals alter hypopharyngeal gland size in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) workers. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10452. [PMID: 36097486 PMCID: PMC9463586 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees are the most efficient pollinators of several important fruits, nuts and vegetables and are indispensable for the profitable production of these crops. Health and performance of honey bee colonies have been declining for decades due to a combination of factors including poor nutrition, agrochemicals, pests and diseases. Bees depend on a diversity of plants for nutrition as pollen is the predominant protein and lipid source, and nectar, the source of carbohydrates for larval development. Additionally, pollen and nectar also contain small amounts of plant secondary metabolites or phytochemicals that are primarily plant defense compounds. Bees have coevolved to benefit from these compounds as seen by the improved longevity, pathogen tolerance and gut microbiome abundance in worker bees whose diets were supplemented with select phytochemicals. Here we investigate the impact of four phytochemicals, known to benefit bees, – caffeine, kaempferol, gallic acid and p-coumaric acid, on hypopharyngeal gland (HPG) size of nurse bees. Newly emerged bees were provided with 25 ppm of each of the four phytochemicals in 20% (w/v) sucrose solution and the size of HPGs were measured after a 10 d period. Bees that received p-coumaric acid or kaempferol showed a significant increase in HPG size. A significant decrease in HPG size was seen in bees receiving caffeine or gallic acid. The implication of our findings on worker bee ontogeny, transitioning from nurses to foragers and relevance to foraging related competencies are discussed. It is critical that bees have access to phytochemicals to ensure colony health and performance. Such access could be through natural habitats that provide a diversity of pollen and nectar sources or through dietary supplements for bee colonies.
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16
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Kohl PL, Rutschmann B, Steffan-Dewenter I. Population demography of feral honeybee colonies in central European forests. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220565. [PMID: 35950195 PMCID: PMC9346370 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
European honeybee populations are considered to consist only of managed colonies, but recent censuses have revealed that wild/feral colonies still occur in various countries. To gauge the ecological and evolutionary relevance of wild-living honeybees, information is needed on their population demography. We monitored feral honeybee colonies in German forests for up to 4 years through regular inspections of woodpecker cavity trees and microsatellite genotyping. Each summer, about 10% of the trees were occupied, corresponding to average densities of 0.23 feral colonies km-2 (an estimated 5% of the regional honeybee populations). Populations decreased moderately until autumn but dropped massively during winter, so that their densities were only about 0.02 colonies km-2 in early spring. During the reproductive (swarming) season, in May and June, populations recovered, with new swarms preferring nest sites that had been occupied in the previous year. The annual survival rate and the estimated lifespan of feral colonies (n = 112) were 10.6% and 0.6 years, respectively. We conclude that managed forests in Germany do not harbour self-sustaining feral honeybee populations, but they are recolonized every year by swarms escaping from apiaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L. Kohl
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Rutschmann
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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17
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Diet Supplementation Helps Honey Bee Colonies in Combat Infections by Enhancing their Hygienic Behaviour. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2022-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The hygienic behavior in honey bees is a complex polygenic trait that serves as a natural defense mechanism against bacterial and fungal brood diseases and Varroa destructor mites infesting brood cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a dietary amino acids and vitamins supplement “BEEWELL AminoPlus” on hygienic behavior of Apis mellifera colonies combating microsporidial and viral infections. The experiment was performed during a one-year period on 40 colonies alloted to five groups: one supplemented and infected with Nosema ceranae and four viruses (Deformed wing virus - DWV, Acute bee paralysis virus - ABPV, Chronic bee paralysis virus - CBPV and Sacbrood virus – SBV), three not supplemented, but infected with N. ceranae and/ or viruses, and one negative control group. Beside the l isted pathogens, honey bee trypanosomatids were also monitored in all groups.
The supplement “BEEWELL AminoPlus” induced a significant and consistent increase of the hygienic behavior in spite of the negative effects of N. ceranae and viral infections. N. ceranae and viruses significantly and consistently decreased hygienic behavior, but also threatened the survival of bee colonies. The tested supplement showed anti-Nosema effect, since the N. ceranae infection level significantly and consistently declined only in the supplemented group. Among infected groups, only the supplemented one remained Lotmaria passim-free throughout the study. In conclusion, diet supplementation enhances hygienic behavior of honey bee colonies and helps them fight the most common infections of honey bees.
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18
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Panziera D, Requier F, Chantawannakul P, Pirk CWW, Blacquière T. The Diversity Decline in Wild and Managed Honey Bee Populations Urges for an Integrated Conservation Approach. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.767950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Many parts of the globe experience severe losses and fragmentation of habitats, affecting the self-sustainability of pollinator populations. A number of bee species coexist as wild and managed populations. Using honey bees as an example, we argue that several management practices in beekeeping threaten genetic diversity in both wild and managed populations, and drive population decline. Large-scale movement of hive stocks, introductions into new areas, breeding programs and trading of queens contribute to reducing genetic diversity, as recent research demonstrated for wild and managed honey bees within a few decades. Examples of the effects of domestication in other organisms show losses of both genetic diversity and fitness functions. Cases of natural selection and feralization resulted in maintenance of a higher genetic diversity, including in a Varroa destructor surviving population of honey bees. To protect the genetic diversity of honey bee populations, exchange between regions should be avoided. The proposed solution to selectively breed all local subspecies for a use in beekeeping would reduce the genetic diversity of each, and not address the value of the genetic diversity present in hybridized populations. The protection of Apis mellifera’s, Apis cerana’s and Apis koschevnikovi’s genetic diversities could be based on natural selection. In beekeeping, it implies to not selectively breed but to leave the choice of the next generation of queens to the colonies, as in nature. Wild populations surrounded by beekeeping activity could be preserved by allowing Darwinian beekeeping in a buffer zone between the wild and regular beekeeping area.
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19
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Grindrod I, Martin SJ. Parallel evolution of Varroa resistance in honey bees: a common mechanism across continents? Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211375. [PMID: 34344183 PMCID: PMC8334839 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The near-globally distributed ecto-parasitic mite of the Apis mellifera honeybee, Varroa destructor, has formed a lethal association with Deformed wing virus, a once rare and benign RNA virus. In concert, the two have killed millions of wild and managed colonies, particularly across the Northern Hemisphere, forcing the need for regular acaricide application to ensure colony survival. However, despite the short association (in evolutionary terms), a small but increasing number of A. mellifera populations across the globe have been surviving many years without any mite control methods. This long-term survival, or Varroa resistance, is consistently associated with the same suite of traits (recapping, brood removal and reduced mite reproduction) irrespective of location. Here we conduct an analysis of data extracted from 60 papers to illustrate how these traits connect together to explain decades of mite resistance data. We have potentially a unified understanding of natural Varroa resistance that will help the global industry achieve widespread miticide-free beekeeping and indicate how different honeybee populations across four continents have resolved a recent threat using the same suite of behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel Grindrod
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
| | - Stephen J. Martin
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
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20
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Moro A, Blacquière T, Dahle B, Dietemann V, Le Conte Y, Locke B, Neumann P, Beaurepaire A. Adaptive population structure shifts in invasive parasitic mites, Varroa destructor. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:5937-5949. [PMID: 34141194 PMCID: PMC8207383 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Comparative studies of genetic diversity and population structure can shed light on the ecological and evolutionary factors governing host-parasite interactions. Even though invasive parasites are considered of major biological importance, little is known about their adaptative potential when infesting the new hosts. Here, the genetic diversification of Varroa destructor, a novel parasite of Apis mellifera originating from Asia, was investigated using population genetics to determine how the genetic structure of the parasite changed in distinct European populations of its new host. To do so, mites infesting two categories of hosts in four European regions were compared: (a) adapted hosts surviving through means of natural selection, thereby expected to impose strong selective pressure on the mites, and (b) treated host populations, surviving mite infestations because acaricides are applied, therefore characterized by a relaxed selection imposed by the host on the mites. Significant genetic divergence was found across regions, partially reflecting the invasion pattern of V. destructor throughout Europe and indicating local adaptation of the mite to the host populations. Additionally, varying degrees of genotypic changes were found between mites from adapted and treated colonies. Altogether, these results indicate that V. destructor managed to overcome the genetic bottlenecks following its introduction in Europe and that host-mediated selection fostered changes in the genetic structure of this mite at diverse geographic scales. These findings highlight the potential of parasites to adapt to their local host populations and confirm that adaptations developed within coevolutionary dynamics are a major determinant of population genetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arrigo Moro
- Vetsuisse FacultyInstitute of Bee HealthUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Swiss Bee Research CenterAgroscopeBernSwitzerland
| | | | - Bjørn Dahle
- Norwegian Beekeepers AssociationKløftaNorway
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource ManagementNorwegian University of Life SciencesÅsNorway
| | - Vincent Dietemann
- Swiss Bee Research CenterAgroscopeBernSwitzerland
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | | | - Barbara Locke
- Department of EcologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
| | - Peter Neumann
- Vetsuisse FacultyInstitute of Bee HealthUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Swiss Bee Research CenterAgroscopeBernSwitzerland
| | - Alexis Beaurepaire
- Vetsuisse FacultyInstitute of Bee HealthUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Swiss Bee Research CenterAgroscopeBernSwitzerland
- UR 406 Abeilles et EnvironnementINRAEAvignonFrance
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21
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Claeys Boúúaert D, Van Poucke M, De Smet L, Verbeke W, de Graaf DC, Peelman L. qPCR assays with dual-labeled probes for genotyping honey bee variants associated with varroa resistance. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:179. [PMID: 33931072 PMCID: PMC8086294 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02886-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The varroa mite is one of the main causes of honey bee mortality. An important mechanism by which honey bees increase their resistance against this mite is the expression of suppressed mite reproduction. This trait describes the physiological inability of mites to produce viable offspring and was found associated with eight genomic variants in previous research. Results This paper presents the development and validation of high-throughput qPCR assays with dual-labeled probes for discriminating these eight single-nucleotide variants. Amplicon sequences used for assay validation revealed additional variants in the primer/probe binding sites in four out of the eight assays. As for two of these the additional variants interfered with the genotyping outcome supplementary primers and/or probes were developed. Inclusion of these primers and probes in the assay mixes allowed for the correct genotyping of all eight variants of interest within our bee population. Conclusion These outcomes underline the importance of checking for interfering variants in designing qPCR assays. Ultimately, the availability of this assay allows genotyping for the suppressed mite reproduction trait and paves the way for marker assisted selection in breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Claeys Boúúaert
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Mario Van Poucke
- Animal Genetics Laboratory, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Lina De Smet
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Verbeke
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk C de Graaf
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Animal Genetics Laboratory, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
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22
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Moro A, Blacquière T, Panziera D, Dietemann V, Neumann P. Host-Parasite Co-Evolution in Real-Time: Changes in Honey Bee Resistance Mechanisms and Mite Reproductive Strategies. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12020120. [PMID: 33572966 PMCID: PMC7911685 DOI: 10.3390/insects12020120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Parasitic mites, Varroa destructor, are a major threat for Western honey bees, Apismellifera, colonies globally. Nevertheless, some honey bee populations can survive infestations with this mite, probably due to behaviors that suppress parasite reproduction. However, possible changes in mites associated with these surviving bees and the potential variations of bee behavior over time are poorly understood. Here, we show that mites can change their reproduction when associated with surviving hosts and that the bee behaviors suppressing mite reproduction can vary over time. In a fully-crossed field experiment on Dutch surviving colonies (Amsterdam Water Dunes (AWD) selection), worker brood cell recapping and varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH) performed by bees and mite reproductive parameters were investigated. Neither recapping nor VSH were significantly expressed even though a previous study showed VSH in these AWD bees. A larger proportion of mites that co-evolved with AWD surviving bees reproduced compared to mites in routinely treated colonies, but had lower fecundity. Overall, our study suggests that honeybee colonies can survive infestations with these mites by not yet understood means and shows for the first time adaptive changes in the reproduction of their coevolved mites. Abstract Co-evolution is a major driving force shaping the outcome of host-parasite interactions over time. After host shifts, the lack of co-evolution can have a drastic impact on novel host populations. Nevertheless, it is known that Western honey bee (Apismellifera) populations can cope with host-shifted ectoparasitic mites (Varroa destructor) by means of natural selection. However, adaptive phenotypic traits of the parasites and temporal variations in host resistance behavior are poorly understood. Here, we show that mites made adaptive shifts in reproductive strategy when associated with resistant hosts and that host resistance traits can change over time. In a fully-crossed field experiment, worker brood cells of local adapted and non-adapted (control) A.mellifera host colonies were infested with mites originating from both types of host colonies. Then, mite reproduction as well as recapping of cells and removal of infested brood (i.e., Varroa Sensitive Hygiene, VSH) by host workers were investigated and compared to data from the same groups of host colonies three years earlier. The data suggest adaptive shifts in mite reproductive strategies, because mites from adapted hosts have higher probabilities of reproduction, but lower fecundity, when infesting their associated hosts than mites in treated colonies. The results confirm that adapted hosts can reduce mite reproductive success. However, neither recapping of cells nor VSH were significantly expressed, even though the latter was significantly expressed in this adapted population three years earlier. This suggests temporal variation in the expression of adaptive host traits. It also appears as if mechanisms not investigated here were responsible for the reduced mite reproduction in the adapted hosts. In conclusion, a holistic view including mite adaptations and studies of the same parasite/host populations over time appears overdue to finally understand the mechanisms enabling survival of V.destructor-infested honey bee host colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arrigo Moro
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3097 Bern, Switzerland;
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Center, CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Tjeerd Blacquière
- Wageningen Plant Research, Wageningen University & Research, 6708PB-1 Wageningen, The Netherlands; (T.B.); (D.P.)
| | - Delphine Panziera
- Wageningen Plant Research, Wageningen University & Research, 6708PB-1 Wageningen, The Netherlands; (T.B.); (D.P.)
| | - Vincent Dietemann
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Center, CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland;
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3097 Bern, Switzerland;
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Center, CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland;
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23
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Hinshaw C, Evans KC, Rosa C, López-Uribe MM. The Role of Pathogen Dynamics and Immune Gene Expression in the Survival of Feral Honey Bees. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.594263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of the ecoimmunology of feral organisms can provide valuable insight into how host–pathogen dynamics change as organisms transition from human-managed conditions back into the wild. Honey bees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus) offer an ideal system to investigate these questions as colonies of these social insects often escape management and establish in the wild. While managed honey bee colonies have low probability of survival in the absence of disease treatments, feral colonies commonly survive in the wild, where pathogen pressures are expected to be higher due to the absence of disease treatments. Here, we investigate the role of pathogen infections [Deformed wing virus (DWV), Black queen cell virus (BQCV), and Nosema ceranae] and immune gene expression (defensin-1, hymenoptaecin, pgrp-lc, pgrp-s2, argonaute-2, vago) in the survival of feral and managed honey bee colonies. We surveyed a total of 25 pairs of feral and managed colonies over a 2-year period (2017–2018), recorded overwintering survival, and measured pathogen levels and immune gene expression using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Our results showed that feral colonies had higher levels of DWV but it was variable over time compared to managed colonies. Higher pathogen levels were associated with increased immune gene expression, with feral colonies showing higher expression in five out of the six examined immune genes for at least one sampling period. Further analysis revealed that differential expression of the genes hymenoptaecin and vago increased the odds of overwintering survival in managed and feral colonies. Our results revealed that feral colonies express immune genes at higher levels in response to high pathogen burdens, providing evidence for the role of feralization in altering pathogen landscapes and host immune responses.
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24
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Bhatia S, Baral SS, Vega Melendez C, Amiri E, Rueppell O. Comparing Survival of Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus Infection among Stocks of U.S. Honey Bees. INSECTS 2021; 12:60. [PMID: 33445412 PMCID: PMC7827508 DOI: 10.3390/insects12010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Among numerous viruses that infect honey bees (Apis mellifera), Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) can be linked to severe honey bee health problems. Breeding for virus resistance may improve honey bee health. To evaluate the potential for this approach, we compared the survival of IAPV infection among stocks from the U.S. We complemented the survival analysis with a survey of existing viruses in these stocks and assessing constitutive and induced expression of immune genes. Worker offspring from selected queens in a common apiary were inoculated with IAPV by topical applications after emergence to assess subsequent survival. Differences among stocks were small compared to variation within stocks, indicating the potential for improving honey bee survival of virus infections in all stocks. A positive relation between worker survival and virus load among stocks further suggested that honey bees may be able to adapt to better cope with viruses, while our molecular studies indicate that toll-6 may be related to survival differences among virus-infected worker bees. Together, these findings highlight the importance of viruses in queen breeding operations and provide a promising starting point for the quest to improve honey bee health by selectively breeding stock to be better able to survive virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi Bhatia
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27403, USA; (S.B.); (S.S.B.); (C.V.M.); (E.A.)
- Department of Applied Science & Technology, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical University, 1601 E Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Saman S. Baral
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27403, USA; (S.B.); (S.S.B.); (C.V.M.); (E.A.)
| | - Carlos Vega Melendez
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27403, USA; (S.B.); (S.S.B.); (C.V.M.); (E.A.)
- US Dairy Forage Research Center, USDA-ARS, 1925 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Esmaeil Amiri
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27403, USA; (S.B.); (S.S.B.); (C.V.M.); (E.A.)
| | - Olav Rueppell
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27403, USA; (S.B.); (S.S.B.); (C.V.M.); (E.A.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
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25
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Guichard M, Dietemann V, Neuditschko M, Dainat B. Advances and perspectives in selecting resistance traits against the parasitic mite Varroa destructor in honey bees. Genet Sel Evol 2020; 52:71. [PMID: 33246402 PMCID: PMC7694340 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-020-00591-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In spite of the implementation of control strategies in honey bee (Apis mellifera) keeping, the invasive parasitic mite Varroa destructor remains one of the main causes of colony losses in numerous countries. Therefore, this parasite represents a serious threat to beekeeping and agro-ecosystems that benefit from the pollination services provided by honey bees. To maintain their stocks, beekeepers have to treat their colonies with acaricides every year. Selecting lineages that are resistant to infestations is deemed to be a more sustainable approach. Review Over the last three decades, numerous selection programs have been initiated to improve the host–parasite relationship and to support honey bee survival in the presence of the parasite without the need for acaricide treatments. Although resistance traits have been included in the selection strategy of honey bees, it has not been possible to globally solve the V. destructor problem. In this study, we review the literature on the reasons that have potentially limited the success of such selection programs. We compile the available information to assess the relevance of selected traits and the potential environmental effects that distort trait expression and colony survival. Limitations to the implementation of these traits in the field are also discussed. Conclusions Improving our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying resistance to V. destructor to increase trait relevance, optimizing selection programs to reduce environmental effects, and communicating selection outcomes are all crucial to efforts aiming at establishing a balanced relationship between the invasive parasite and its new host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Guichard
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Vincent Dietemann
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, UNIL-Sorge, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Markus Neuditschko
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Dainat
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003, Bern, Switzerland
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Donkersley P, Elsner-Adams E, Maderson S. A One-Health Model for Reversing Honeybee ( Apis mellifera L.) Decline. Vet Sci 2020; 7:E119. [PMID: 32867044 PMCID: PMC7560035 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7030119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Global insect decline impacts ecosystem resilience; pollinators such as honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) have suffered extensive losses over the last decade, threatening food security. Research has focused discretely on in-hive threats (e.g., Nosema and Varroa destructor) and broader external causes of decline (e.g., agrochemicals, habitat loss). This has notably failed to translate into successful reversal of bee declines. Working at the interdisciplinary nexus of entomological, social and ecological research, we posit that veterinary research needs to adopt a "One-Health" approach to address the scope of crises facing pollinators. We demonstrate that reversing declines will require integration of hive-specific solutions, a reappraisal of engagement with the many stakeholders whose actions affect bee health, and recontextualising both of these within landscape scale efforts. Other publications within this special issue explore novel technologies, emergent diseases and management approaches; our aim is to place these within the "One-Health" context as a pathway to securing honeybee health. Governmental policy reform offers a particularly timely pathway to achieving this goal. Acknowledging that healthy honeybees need an interdisciplinary approach to their management will enhance the contributions of veterinary research in delivering systemic improvements in bee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Donkersley
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA14YQ, UK
| | | | - Siobhan Maderson
- Department of Geography & Earth Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY233FL, UK;
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Unraveling Honey Bee- Varroa destructor Interaction: Multiple Factors Involved in Differential Resistance between Two Uruguayan Populations. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7030116. [PMID: 32825255 PMCID: PMC7558146 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7030116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The ectoparasite Varroa destructor is the greatest biotic threat of honey bees Apis mellifera in vast regions of the world. Recently, the study of natural mite-resistant populations has gained much interest to understand the action of natural selection on the mechanisms that limit the mite population. In this study, the components of the A. mellifera–V. destructor relationship were thoroughly examined and compared in resistant and susceptible honey bee populations from two regions of Uruguay. Mite-resistant honey bees have greater behavioral resistance (hygienic and grooming behaviors) than susceptible honey bees. At the end of the summer, resistant honey bees had fewer mites and a lower deformed wing virus (DWV) viral load than susceptible honey bees. DWV variant A was the only detected variant in honey bees and mites. Molecular analysis by Short Tandem Repeat showed that resistant honey bees were Africanized (A. m. scutellata hybrids), whereas susceptible honey bees were closer to European subspecies. Furthermore, significant genetic differentiation was also found between the mite populations. The obtained results show that the natural resistance of honey bees to V. destructor in Uruguay depends on several factors and that the genetic variants of both organisms can play a relevant role.
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Eynard SE, Sann C, Basso B, Guirao AL, Le Conte Y, Servin B, Tison L, Vignal A, Mondet F. Descriptive Analysis of the Varroa Non-Reproduction Trait in Honey Bee Colonies and Association with Other Traits Related to Varroa Resistance. INSECTS 2020; 11:E492. [PMID: 32752279 PMCID: PMC7469219 DOI: 10.3390/insects11080492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the current context of worldwide honey bee colony losses, among which the varroa mite plays a major role, the hope to improve honey bee health lies in part in the breeding of varroa resistant colonies. To do so, methods used to evaluate varroa resistance need better understanding. Repeatability and correlations between traits such as mite non-reproduction (MNR), varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH), and hygienic behavior are poorly known, due to practical limitations and to their underlying complexity. We investigate (i) the variability, (ii) the repeatability of the MNR score, and (iii) its correlation with other resistance traits. To reduce the inherent variability of MNR scores, we propose to apply an empirical Bayes correction. In the short-term (ten days), MNR had a modest repeatability of 0.4, whereas in the long-term (a month), it had a low repeatability of 0.2, similar to other resistance traits. Within our dataset, there was no correlation between MNR and VSH. Although MNR is amongst the most popular varroa resistance estimates in field studies, its underlying complex mechanism is not fully understood. Its lack of correlation with better described resistance traits and low repeatability suggest that MNR needs to be interpreted cautiously, especially when used for selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia E. Eynard
- GenPhySe, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31320 Castanet-Tolosan, France; (B.S.); (A.V.)
- UMT PrADE, Protection des Abeilles dans l’environnement, 84914 Avignon, France; (B.B.); (Y.L.C.); (L.T.); (F.M.)
| | | | - Benjamin Basso
- UMT PrADE, Protection des Abeilles dans l’environnement, 84914 Avignon, France; (B.B.); (Y.L.C.); (L.T.); (F.M.)
- ITSAP, 84914 Avignon, France;
- Abeilles et Environnement, INRAE Avignon, 84914 Avignon, France
| | | | - Yves Le Conte
- UMT PrADE, Protection des Abeilles dans l’environnement, 84914 Avignon, France; (B.B.); (Y.L.C.); (L.T.); (F.M.)
- Abeilles et Environnement, INRAE Avignon, 84914 Avignon, France
| | - Bertrand Servin
- GenPhySe, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31320 Castanet-Tolosan, France; (B.S.); (A.V.)
- UMT PrADE, Protection des Abeilles dans l’environnement, 84914 Avignon, France; (B.B.); (Y.L.C.); (L.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Lea Tison
- UMT PrADE, Protection des Abeilles dans l’environnement, 84914 Avignon, France; (B.B.); (Y.L.C.); (L.T.); (F.M.)
- Abeilles et Environnement, INRAE Avignon, 84914 Avignon, France
- Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble, INRAE Bordeaux, 33882 Villenave-d’Ornon, France
| | - Alain Vignal
- GenPhySe, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31320 Castanet-Tolosan, France; (B.S.); (A.V.)
- UMT PrADE, Protection des Abeilles dans l’environnement, 84914 Avignon, France; (B.B.); (Y.L.C.); (L.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Fanny Mondet
- UMT PrADE, Protection des Abeilles dans l’environnement, 84914 Avignon, France; (B.B.); (Y.L.C.); (L.T.); (F.M.)
- Abeilles et Environnement, INRAE Avignon, 84914 Avignon, France
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Honey bee survival mechanisms against the parasite Varroa destructor: a systematic review of phenotypic and genomic research efforts. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:433-447. [PMID: 32380096 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is the most significant pathological threat to the western honey bee, Apis mellifera, leading to the death of most colonies if left untreated. An alternative approach to chemical treatments is to selectively enhance heritable honey bee traits of resistance or tolerance to the mite through breeding programs, or select for naturally surviving untreated colonies. We conducted a literature review of all studies documenting traits of A. mellifera populations either selectively bred or naturally selected for resistance and tolerance to mite parasitism. This allowed us to conduct an analysis of the diversity, distribution and importance of the traits in different honey bee populations that can survive V. destructor globally. In a second analysis, we investigated the genetic bases of these different phenotypes by comparing 'omics studies (genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics) of A. mellifera resistance and tolerance to the parasite. Altogether, this review provides a detailed overview of the current state of the research projects and breeding efforts against the most devastating parasite of A. mellifera. By highlighting the most promising traits of Varroa-surviving bees and our current knowledge on their genetic bases, this work will help direct future research efforts and selection programs to control this pest. Additionally, by comparing the diverse populations of honey bees that exhibit those traits, this review highlights the consequences of anthropogenic and natural selection in the interactions between hosts and parasites.
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Taric E, Glavinic U, Vejnovic B, Stanojkovic A, Aleksic N, Dimitrijevic V, Stanimirovic Z. Oxidative Stress, Endoparasite Prevalence and Social Immunity in Bee Colonies Kept Traditionally vs. Those Kept for Commercial Purposes. INSECTS 2020; 11:E266. [PMID: 32349295 PMCID: PMC7290330 DOI: 10.3390/insects11050266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Commercially and traditionally managed bees were compared for oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and malondialdehyde (MDA)), the prevalence of parasites (Lotmaria passim, Crithidia mellificae and Nosema ceranae/apis) and social immunity (glucose oxidase gene expression). The research was conducted on Pester plateau (Serbia-the Balkan Peninsula), on seemingly healthy colonies. Significant differences in CAT, GST and SOD activities (p < 0.01), and MDA concentrations (p < 0.002) were detected between commercial and traditional colonies. In the former, the prevalence of both L. passim and N. ceranae was significantly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) higher. For the first time, L. passim was detected in honey bee brood. In commercial colonies, the prevalence of L. passim was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in brood than in adult bees, whilst in traditionally kept colonies the prevalence in adult bees and brood did not differ significantly. In commercially kept colonies, the GOX gene expression level was significantly (p < 0.01) higher, which probably results from their increased need to strengthen their social immunity. Commercially kept colonies were under higher oxidative stress, had higher parasite burdens and higher GOX gene transcript levels. It may be assumed that anthropogenic influence contributed to these differences, but further investigations are necessary to confirm that.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmin Taric
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (E.T.); (Z.S.)
| | - Uros Glavinic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (E.T.); (Z.S.)
| | - Branislav Vejnovic
- Department of Economics and Statistics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Aleksandar Stanojkovic
- Department of Animal Source Foods Science and Technology, Institute for Animal Husbandry, Autoput 16, 11080 Belgrade–Zemun, Serbia;
| | - Nevenka Aleksic
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Vladimir Dimitrijevic
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Zoran Stanimirovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (E.T.); (Z.S.)
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Plate M, Bernstein R, Hoppe A, Bienefeld K. The importance of controlled mating in honeybee breeding. Genet Sel Evol 2019; 51:74. [PMID: 31830903 PMCID: PMC6907340 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-019-0518-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controlled mating procedures are widely accepted as a key aspect of successful breeding in almost all animal species. In honeybees, however, controlled mating is hard to achieve. Therefore, there have been several attempts to breed honeybees using free-mated queens. In such breeding schemes, selection occurs only on the maternal path since the drone sires are random samples of the population. The success rates of breeding approaches without controlled mating have so far not been investigated on a theoretical or simulation-based level. METHODS Stochastic simulation studies were carried out to examine the chances of success in honeybee breeding with and without controlled mating. We investigated the influence of different sizes of breeding populations (500, 1000, 2000 colonies per year) and unselected passive populations (0, 500, 1000, 2000, infinitely many colonies per year) on selection for a maternally (queen) and directly (worker group) influenced trait with moderate ([Formula: see text]) or strong ([Formula: see text]) negative correlation between the two effects. The simulations described 20 years of selection. RESULTS Our simulations showed a reduction of breeding success between 47 and 99% if mating was not controlled. In the most drastic cases, practically no genetic gain could be generated without controlled mating. We observed that in the trade-off between selection for direct or maternal effects, the absence of mating control leads to a shift in favor of maternal effects. Moreover, we describe the implications of different breeding strategies on the unselected passive population that benefits only indirectly via the transfer of queens or drones from the breeding population. We show that genetic gain in the passive population develops parallel to that of the breeding population. However, we found a genetic lag that became significantly smaller as more breeding queens served as dams of queens in the passive population. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that even when unwanted admixture of subspecies can be excluded in natural matings, controlled mating is imperative for successful breeding efforts. This is especially highlighted by the strong positive impact that controlled mating in the breeding population has on the unselected passive population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Plate
- Institute for Bee Research, Friedrich-Engels-Str. 32, 16540, Hohen Neuendorf, Germany.
| | - Richard Bernstein
- Institute for Bee Research, Friedrich-Engels-Str. 32, 16540, Hohen Neuendorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Hoppe
- Institute for Bee Research, Friedrich-Engels-Str. 32, 16540, Hohen Neuendorf, Germany
| | - Kaspar Bienefeld
- Institute for Bee Research, Friedrich-Engels-Str. 32, 16540, Hohen Neuendorf, Germany
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Szawarski N, Saez A, Domínguez E, Dickson R, De Matteis Á, Eciolaza C, Justel M, Aliano A, Solar P, Bergara I, Pons C, Bolognesi A, Carna G, Garcia W, Garcia O, Eguaras M, Lamattina L, Maggi M, Negri P. Effect of Abscisic Acid (ABA) Combined with Two Different Beekeeping Nutritional Strategies to Confront Overwintering: Studies on Honey Bees' Population Dynamics and Nosemosis. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10100329. [PMID: 31581467 PMCID: PMC6835648 DOI: 10.3390/insects10100329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In temperate climates, beekeeping operations suffer colony losses and colony depopulation of Apis mellifera during overwintering, which are associated with biotic and abiotic stressors that impact bees’ health. In this work, we evaluate the impacts of abscisic acid (ABA) dietary supplementation on honey bee colonies kept in Langstroth hives. The effects of ABA were evaluated in combination with two different beekeeping nutritional strategies to confront overwintering: “honey management” and “syrup management”. Specifically, we evaluated strength parameters of honey bee colonies (adult bee and brood population) and the population dynamics of Nosema (prevalence and intensity) associated with both nutritional systems and ABA supplementation during the whole study (late autumn-winter-early spring). The entire experiment was designed and performed with a local group of beekeepers, “Azahares del sudeste”, who showed interest in answering problems associated with the management of honey bee colonies during the winter. The results indicated that the ABA supplementation had positive effects on the population dynamics of the A. mellifera colonies during overwintering and on the nosemosis at colony level (prevalence) in both nutritional strategies evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Szawarski
- Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales (CIAS) (IIPROSAM-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina.
| | - Agustín Saez
- INIBIOMA, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, (CONICET), Quintral 1250, Bariloche 8400, Argentina
| | - Enzo Domínguez
- Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales (CIAS) (IIPROSAM-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
| | - Rachel Dickson
- Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, PO Box 519, Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA
| | - Ángela De Matteis
- Beekeeper from Azahares del Sudeste association, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
| | - Carlos Eciolaza
- Beekeeper from Azahares del Sudeste association, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
| | - Marcelino Justel
- Beekeeper from Azahares del Sudeste association, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
| | - Alfredo Aliano
- Beekeeper from Azahares del Sudeste association, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
| | - Pedro Solar
- Beekeeper from Azahares del Sudeste association, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Bergara
- Beekeeper from Azahares del Sudeste association, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
| | - Claudia Pons
- Beekeeper from Azahares del Sudeste association, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
| | - Aldo Bolognesi
- Beekeeper from Azahares del Sudeste association, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
| | - Gabriel Carna
- Beekeeper from Azahares del Sudeste association, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
| | - Walter Garcia
- Beekeeper from Azahares del Sudeste association, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
| | - Omar Garcia
- Beekeeper from Azahares del Sudeste association, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
| | - Martin Eguaras
- Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales (CIAS) (IIPROSAM-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
| | - Lorenzo Lamattina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas (IIB-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
| | - Matías Maggi
- Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales (CIAS) (IIPROSAM-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
| | - Pedro Negri
- Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales (CIAS) (IIPROSAM-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Funes 3350, Mar del Plata CP 7600, Argentina
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Colin T, Meikle WG, Paten AM, Barron AB. Long-term dynamics of honey bee colonies following exposure to chemical stress. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 677:660-670. [PMID: 31071668 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Pesticide residues have been linked to reduced bee health and increased honey bee colony failure. Most research to date has investigated the role of pesticides on individual honey bees, and it is still unclear how trace levels of pesticides change colony viability and productivity over seasonal time scales. To address this question we exposed standard bee colonies to chemical stressors known to have negative effects on individual bees, and measured the productivity of bee colonies across a whole year in two environments: near Tucson Arizona and Sydney Australia. We exposed hives to a trace amount of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid and to the acaricide thymol, and measured capped brood, bee and honey production, as well as the temperature and foraging force of the colonies. The effect of imidacloprid on colony dynamics differed between the two environments. In Tucson we recorded a positive effect of imidacloprid treatment on bee and brood numbers. Thymol was associated with short-term negative effects on bee numbers at both locations, and may have affected colony survival at one location. The overall benefits of thymol for the colonies were unclear. We conclude that long-term and colony-level measures of the effects of agrochemicals are needed to properly understand risks to bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théotime Colin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - William G Meikle
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, USDA-ARS, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - Amy M Paten
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Andrew B Barron
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Straub L, Williams GR, Vidondo B, Khongphinitbunjong K, Retschnig G, Schneeberger A, Chantawannakul P, Dietemann V, Neumann P. Neonicotinoids and ectoparasitic mites synergistically impact honeybees. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8159. [PMID: 31164662 PMCID: PMC6547850 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44207-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Western honeybee, Apis mellifera, is the most important managed pollinator globally and has recently experienced unsustainably high colony losses. Synergistic interactions among stressors are believed to be primarily responsible. However, despite clear evidence of strong effect on honeybee longevity of widely-employed neonicotinoid insecticides and of the ubiquitous ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor, no data exist to show synergistic effects between these two stressors. Even though neonicotinoids had no significant impact by themselves, we here show for the first time a synergistic time-lag interaction between mites and neonicotinoids that resulted in significantly reduced survival of long-lived winter honeybees. Even though these mites are potent vectors of viruses, the virus-insecticide interaction had no significant impact. The data suggest a previously overlooked mechanism possibly explaining recent unsustainably high losses of managed A. mellifera honeybee colonies in many regions of the world. Future mitigation efforts should concentrate on developing sustainable agro-ecosystem management schemes that incorporate reduced use of neonicotinoids and sustainable solutions for V. destructor mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Straub
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Swiss Bee Research Centre, Agroscope, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Geoffrey R Williams
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Swiss Bee Research Centre, Agroscope, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
| | - Beatriz Vidondo
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kitiphong Khongphinitbunjong
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Gina Retschnig
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annette Schneeberger
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Panuwan Chantawannakul
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Environmental Science Research Center, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Vincent Dietemann
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Bee Research Centre, Agroscope, Bern, Switzerland
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Darwinian black box selection for resistance to settled invasive Varroa destructor parasites in honey bees. Biol Invasions 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-019-02001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Al Toufailia H, Evison SEF, Hughes WOH, Ratnieks FLW. Both hygienic and non-hygienic honeybee, Apis mellifera, colonies remove dead and diseased larvae from open brood cells. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 373:rstb.2017.0201. [PMID: 29866914 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hygienic behaviour is a group defence in which dead or diseased individuals are excluded. In the honeybee, Apis mellifera, hygienic behaviour refers to uncapping and removing dead and diseased larvae and pupae from sealed brood cells. We quantified removal of freeze-killed and chalkbrood-infected larvae from open cells in 20 colonies. We also measured removal of freeze-killed brood from sealed cells. Study colonies ranged from non-hygienic to fully hygienic (52-100% removal within 2 days). All larvae killed in open cells were removed. This shows that all colonies, including those with low hygienic behaviour against dead brood in sealed cells, are highly hygienic against dead brood in open cells and suggests that low hygienic behaviour against dead brood in sealed cells is a trait in its own right. This may also contribute to understanding why hygienic behaviour is uncommon in A. mellifera, which is puzzling as it reduces several diseases without detrimental effects. In particular, the result provides indirect support for the hypothesis that there are two adaptive peaks conferring disease resistance: (i) high hygienic behaviour: diseased brood are removed quickly, in some cases before becoming infective; (ii) low hygienic behaviour: diseased brood remain isolated within sealed cells.This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Evolution of pathogen and parasite avoidance behaviours'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophie E F Evison
- Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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Oddie MAY, Dahle B, Neumann P. Reduced Postcapping Period in Honey Bees Surviving Varroa destructor by Means of Natural Selection. INSECTS 2018; 9:E149. [PMID: 30356021 PMCID: PMC6316798 DOI: 10.3390/insects9040149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is a key factor for colony losses in European honey bee subspecies (Apis mellifera), but it is also known that some host populations have adapted to the mite by means of natural selection. The role of a shorter host brood postcapping period in reducing mite reproductive success has been investigated in other surviving subspecies, however its role in the adaptation of European honey bee populations has not been addressed. Here, we use a common garden approach to compare the length of the worker brood postcapping period in a Norwegian surviving honey bee population with the postcapping period of a local susceptible population. The data show a significantly shorter postcapping period in the surviving population for ~10% of the brood. Since even small differences in postcapping period can significantly reduce mite reproductive success, this mechanism may well contribute to natural colony survival. It appears most likely that several mechanisms acting together produce the full mite-surviving colony phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Y Oddie
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Bjørn Dahle
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1430 Ås, Norway.
- Norwegian Beekeepers Association, Dyrskuev, 2040 Kløfta, Norway.
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3003 Bern, Switzerland.
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Center, 3003 Bern, Switzerland.
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40
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Henriques D, Parejo M, Vignal A, Wragg D, Wallberg A, Webster MT, Pinto MA. Developing reduced SNP assays from whole-genome sequence data to estimate introgression in an organism with complex genetic patterns, the Iberian honeybee ( Apis mellifera iberiensis). Evol Appl 2018; 11:1270-1282. [PMID: 30151039 PMCID: PMC6099811 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The most important managed pollinator, the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.), has been subject to a growing number of threats. In western Europe, one such threat is large-scale introductions of commercial strains (C-lineage ancestry), which is leading to introgressive hybridization and even the local extinction of native honeybee populations (M-lineage ancestry). Here, we developed reduced assays of highly informative SNPs from 176 whole genomes to estimate C-lineage introgression in the most diverse and evolutionarily complex subspecies in Europe, the Iberian honeybee (Apis mellifera iberiensis). We started by evaluating the effects of sample size and sampling a geographically restricted area on the number of highly informative SNPs. We demonstrated that a bias in the number of fixed SNPs (FST = 1) is introduced when the sample size is small (N ≤ 10) and when sampling only captures a small fraction of a population's genetic diversity. These results underscore the importance of having a representative sample when developing reliable reduced SNP assays for organisms with complex genetic patterns. We used a training data set to design four independent SNP assays selected from pairwise FST between the Iberian and C-lineage honeybees. The designed assays, which were validated in holdout and simulated hybrid data sets, proved to be highly accurate and can be readily used for monitoring populations not only in the native range of A. m. iberiensis in Iberia but also in the introduced range in the Balearic islands, Macaronesia and South America, in a time- and cost-effective manner. While our approach used the Iberian honeybee as model system, it has a high value in a wide range of scenarios for the monitoring and conservation of potentially hybridized domestic and wildlife populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Henriques
- Mountain Research Centre (CIMO)Polytechnic Institute of BragançaBragançaPortugal
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA)University of MinhoBragaPortugal
| | - Melanie Parejo
- AgroscopeSwiss Bee Research CentreBernSwitzerland
- Institute of Bee HealthVetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Alain Vignal
- GenPhySEUniversité de ToulouseINRAINPTINP‐ENVTCastanet TolosanFrance
| | - David Wragg
- The Roslin InstituteUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Andreas Wallberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and MicrobiologyScience for Life LaboratoryUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Matthew T. Webster
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and MicrobiologyScience for Life LaboratoryUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - M. Alice Pinto
- Mountain Research Centre (CIMO)Polytechnic Institute of BragançaBragançaPortugal
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Rapid parallel evolution overcomes global honey bee parasite. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7704. [PMID: 29769608 PMCID: PMC5955925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26001-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In eusocial insect colonies nestmates cooperate to combat parasites, a trait called social immunity. However, social immunity failed for Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) when the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor switched hosts from Eastern honey bees (Apis cerana). This mite has since become the most severe threat to A. mellifera world-wide. Despite this, some isolated A. mellifera populations are known to survive infestations by means of natural selection, largely by supressing mite reproduction, but the underlying mechanisms of this are poorly understood. Here, we show that a cost-effective social immunity mechanism has evolved rapidly and independently in four naturally V. destructor-surviving A. mellifera populations. Worker bees of all four ‘surviving’ populations uncapped/recapped worker brood cells more frequently and targeted mite-infested cells more effectively than workers in local susceptible colonies. Direct experiments confirmed the ability of uncapping/recapping to reduce mite reproductive success without sacrificing nestmates. Our results provide striking evidence that honey bees can overcome exotic parasites with simple qualitative and quantitative adaptive shifts in behaviour. Due to rapid, parallel evolution in four host populations this appears to be a key mechanism explaining survival of mite infested colonies.
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Honey bees consider larval nutritional status rather than genetic relatedness when selecting larvae for emergency queen rearing. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7679. [PMID: 29769574 PMCID: PMC5955998 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25976-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In honey bees and many other social insects, production of queens is a vital task, as colony fitness is dependent on queens. The factors considered by honey bee workers in selecting larvae to rear new queens during emergency queen rearing are poorly understood. Identifying these parameters is critical, both in an evolutionary and apicultural context. As female caste development in honey bees is dependent on larval diet (i.e. nutrition), we hypothesized that larval nutritional state is meticulously assessed and used by workers in selection of larvae for queen rearing. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a series of experiments manipulating the nutritional status of one day old larvae by depriving them of brood food for a four-hour period, and then allowing workers to choose larvae for rearing queens from nutritionally deprived and non-deprived larvae. We simultaneously investigated the role of genetic relatedness in selection of larvae for queen rearing. In all the experiments, significantly greater numbers of non-deprived larvae than deprived larvae were selected for queen rearing irrespective of genetic relatedness. Our results demonstrate that honey bees perceive the nutritional state of larvae and use that information when selecting larvae for rearing queens in the natural emergency queen replacement process.
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Kohl PL, Rutschmann B. The neglected bee trees: European beech forests as a home for feral honey bee colonies. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4602. [PMID: 29637025 PMCID: PMC5890725 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It is a common belief that feral honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera L.) were eradicated in Europe through the loss of habitats, domestication by man and spread of pathogens and parasites. Interestingly, no scientific data are available, neither about the past nor the present status of naturally nesting honeybee colonies. We expected near-natural beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests to provide enough suitable nest sites to be a home for feral honey bee colonies in Europe. Here, we made a first assessment of their occurrence and density in two German woodland areas based on two methods, the tracing of nest sites based on forager flight routes (beelining technique), and the direct inspection of potential cavity trees. Further, we established experimental swarms at forest edges and decoded dances for nest sites performed by scout bees in order to study how far swarms from beekeeper-managed hives would potentially move into a forest. We found that feral honey bee colonies regularly inhabit tree cavities in near-natural beech forests at densities of at least 0.11-0.14 colonies/km2. Colonies were not confined to the forest edges; they were also living deep inside the forests. We estimated a median distance of 2,600 m from the bee trees to the next apiaries, while scout bees in experimental swarms communicated nest sites in close distances (median: 470 m). We extrapolate that there are several thousand feral honey bee colonies in German woodlands. These have to be taken in account when assessing the role of forest areas in providing pollination services to the surrounding land, and their occurrence has implications for the species' perception among researchers, beekeepers and conservationists. This study provides a starting point for investigating the life-histories and the ecological interactions of honey bees in temperate European forest environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Laurenz Kohl
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Rutschmann
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- HOBOS, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Tritschler M, Vollmann JJ, Yañez O, Chejanovsky N, Crailsheim K, Neumann P. Protein nutrition governs within-host race of honey bee pathogens. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14988. [PMID: 29118416 PMCID: PMC5678143 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15358-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple infections are common in honey bees, Apis mellifera, but the possible role of nutrition in this regard is poorly understood. Microsporidian infections, which are promoted by protein-fed, can negatively correlate with virus infections, but the role of protein nutrition for the microsporidian-virus interface is unknown. Here, we challenged naturally deformed wing virus - B (DWV-B) infected adult honey bee workers fed with or without pollen ( = protein) in hoarding cages, with the microsporidian Nosema ceranae. Bee mortality was recorded for 14 days and N. ceranae spore loads and DWV-B titers were quantified. Amongst the groups inoculated with N. ceranae, more spores were counted in protein-fed bees. However, N. ceranae infected bees without protein-diet had reduced longevity compared to all other groups. N. ceranae infection had no effect on protein-fed bee's longevity, whereas bees supplied only with sugar-water showed reduced survival. Our data also support that protein-feeding can have a significant negative impact on virus infections in insects. The negative correlation between N. ceranae spore loads and DWV-B titers was stronger expressed in protein-fed hosts. Proteins not only enhance survival of infected hosts, but also significantly shape the microsporidian-virus interface, probably due to increased spore production and enhanced host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Tritschler
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Freiburg (CVUA), Bienengesundheit, 79108, Freiburg i. Br., Germany
| | | | - Orlando Yañez
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nor Chejanovsky
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Plant Protection, The Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeTsiyon, Israel
| | | | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Swiss Bee Research Centre, Agroscope, Bern, Switzerland.
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Blacquière T, van der Steen JJM. Three years of banning neonicotinoid insecticides based on sub-lethal effects: can we expect to see effects on bees? PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2017; 73:1299-1304. [PMID: 28374565 PMCID: PMC5488186 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The 2013 EU ban of three neonicotinoids used in seed coating of pollinator attractive crops was put in place because of concern about declining wild pollinator populations and numbers of honeybee colonies. It was also concluded that there is an urgent need for good field data to fill knowledge gaps. In the meantime such data have been generated. Based on recent literature we question the existence of recent pollinator declines and their possible link with the use of neonicotinoids. Because of temporal non-coincidence we conclude that declines of wild pollinators and of honeybees are not likely caused by neonicotinoids. Even if bee decline does occur and if there is a causal relationship with the use of neonicotinoids, we argue that it is not possible on such short term to evaluate the effects of the 2013 ban. In order to supply future debate with realistic (field) data and to discourage extrapolating the effects of studies using overdoses that are not of environmental relevance, we propose - in addition to field studies performed by the chemical industry - to use the 'semi-field worst case' treated artificial diet studies approach to free flying colonies in the field. This kind of study may provide realistic estimates for risk and be useful to study realistic interactions with non-pesticide stressors. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjeerd Blacquière
- Wageningen Plant ResearchWageningen University & ResearchWageningenthe Netherlands
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