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Dawdani S, O'Neill M, Castillo C, Sámano JEM, Higo H, Ibrahim A, Pernal SF, Plettner E. Effects of dialkoxybenzenes against Varroa destructor and identification of 1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene as a promising acaricide candidate. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11195. [PMID: 37433810 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38187-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The honey bee is responsible for pollination of a large proportion of crop plants, but the health of honey bee populations has been challenged by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. Mite infestation is the main cause of colony losses during the winter months, which causes significant economic challenges in apiculture. Treatments have been developed to control the spread of varroa. However, many of these treatments are no longer effective due to acaricide resistance. In a search of varroa-active compounds, we tested the effect of dialkoxybenzenes on the mite. A structure-activity relationship revealed that 1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene is most active of a series of dialkoxybenzenes tested. We found that three compounds (1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene, 1,4-diallyloxybenzene and 1,4-dipropoxybenzene) cause paralysis and death of adult varroa mites, whereas the previously discovered compound, 1,3-diethoxybenzene, which alters host choice of adult mites in certain conditions, did not cause paralysis. Since paralysis can be caused by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a ubiquitous enzyme in the nervous system of animals, we tested dialkoxybenzenes on human, honey bee and varroa AChE. These tests revealed that 1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene had no effects on AChE, which leads us to conclude that 1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene does not exert its paralytic effect on mites through AChE. In addition to paralysis, the most active compounds affected the ability of the mites to find and remain at the abdomen of host bees provided during assays. A test of 1-allyloxy-4-propoxybenzene in the field, during the autumn of 2019 in two locations, showed that this compound has promise in the treatment of varroa infestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soniya Dawdani
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 Univ. Dr., Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Marissa O'Neill
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 Univ. Dr., Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Carlos Castillo
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, P.O. Box 29, Beaverlodge, AB, T0H 0C0, Canada
| | - Jorge E Macias Sámano
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 Univ. Dr., Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Heather Higo
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 Univ. Dr., Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Abdullah Ibrahim
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, P.O. Box 29, Beaverlodge, AB, T0H 0C0, Canada
| | - Stephen F Pernal
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, P.O. Box 29, Beaverlodge, AB, T0H 0C0, Canada
| | - Erika Plettner
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 Univ. Dr., Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.
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Auffray T, Arriaga-Jiménez A, Taudière A, Roy LJM, Lapeyre B, Roy L. Attractant Activity of Host-Related Chemical Blends on the Poultry Red Mite at Different Spatial Scales. J Chem Ecol 2023; 49:18-35. [PMID: 36534242 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-022-01399-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Many blood-feeding arthropods use volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to detect their vertebrate hosts. The role of chemical interactions in mediating the behavior of hematophagous insects and ticks has been investigated before but remains poorly understood in hematophagous mesostigmatic mites. The poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae is an obligatory blood-sucking mesostigmatic mite that feeds on birds and causes damage in poultry farms. We characterized the attractive response of D. gallinae to candidate VOCs previously reported from the odor emitted by living hens. We performed in-vitro choice-test bioassays as well as semi-field and field trials using baited and unbaited traps, in the presence and absence of hens. Among different tested combinations of VOCs, a blend of 5 VOCs (mix1.0) was significantly attractive to our reference population of D. gallinae in vitro, whereas the same individual compounds tested alone were not attractive. Ammonia was attractive on its own and increased the mix1.0 attractiveness. The attractiveness of mix1.0 was confirmed at 'natural' spatial scales in the absence of hens both at the lab and on the farm that provided the reference population. The presence of hens inhibited the mix1.0 attractiveness. The attractive power of mix1.0 was not found in other farms. This research is an important step to advance our understanding of host-parasite interactions in hematophagous mesostigmatic mites and paves the way for developing alternative control tools against D. gallinae by interfering with chemical interactions. Moreover, it underlines the importance of assessing kairomonal activity on different pest populations when developing attract-and-kill systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Auffray
- CEFE, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Alfonsina Arriaga-Jiménez
- CEFE, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France.,Insect Ecology Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
| | - Adrien Taudière
- CEFE, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Benoît Lapeyre
- CEFE, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Lise Roy
- CEFE, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France.
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3
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Liu J, Zhang R, Tang R, Zhang Y, Guo R, Xu G, Chen D, Huang ZY, Chen Y, Han R, Li W. The Role of Honey Bee Derived Aliphatic Esters in the Host-Finding Behavior of Varroa destructor. INSECTS 2022; 14:24. [PMID: 36661952 PMCID: PMC9863403 DOI: 10.3390/insects14010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Varroa destructor is an obligate ectoparasite of honey bees and shifted from its original host Apis cerana to the new host Apis mellifera in the first half of the twentieth century. The host shift has resulted in a great threat to the health and survival of A. mellifera colonies worldwide. Chemical signals play a crucial role in all aspects of the Varroa life cycle, including host finding. However, the chemical cues that affect the host finding behavior of Varroa mites are still not fully understood. In this study, we systematically profiled the headspace volatiles of both worker and drone larvae of the two honey bee species by using solid phase micro-extraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS), and then used electrophysiological recording and Y-tube olfactometer bioassay to study the potential roles of the selected compounds. The chemical profiling showed that there were four aliphatic esters, ethyl myristate (EM), methyl palmitate (MP), ethyl palmitate (EP), and ethyl oleate (EO) commonly detected from all four types of larval hosts. Among them, EM was a new substance identified from honey bee headspace volatiles. Results from electrophysiological recordings indicated that all the aliphatic esters could elicit significant responses of Varroa pit organs on its forelegs. Moreover, behavioral analyses revealed that EM could significantly attract V. destructor at a medium dosage (10 µg), while MP had no observable effect on the mites and both EP and EO were able to repel the parasites. Our findings suggest an important role of host-derived aliphatic esters in Varroa host finding, and provide new chemicals for Varroa monitoring and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamei Liu
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Ruonan Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Rui Tang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicinal Resource, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Yunfu 527527, China
| | - Rui Guo
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Guojun Xu
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Dafu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zachary Y. Huang
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Yanping Chen
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Richou Han
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Wenfeng Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
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Mani K, Nganso BT, Rodin P, Otmy A, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. Effects of Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2) gene transcripts silencing on behavior of Varroa destructor and molecular changes in the putative olfactory gene networks. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 148:103817. [PMID: 35926690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To understand the role of two Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2) transcripts, Vd40090 (NP1) and Vd74517 (NP5), in the chemosensing pathway of Varroa destructor, we evaluated the impact of NP5 silencing on mites behavior and compared the effect of silencing of either transcripts on the interaction between chemosensory transcripts. In contrast to silencing NP1, which reduced feeding and reproduction by the mite (Nganso et al., 2021), silencing of NP5 reduced significantly the host reaching ability, but it did not affect the feeding on nurse bee. However, silencing of either transcript changed dramatically the co-expression patterns among the putative chemosensory genes, binding proteins and receptors. The results suggest the role of gustatory receptors in the detection of long-range chemical cues in the chemosensory cascade of the Varroa mite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannan Mani
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Beatrice T Nganso
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Penina Rodin
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Assaf Otmy
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Ada Rafaeli
- Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Victoria Soroker
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel.
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Reams T, Rangel J. Understanding the Enemy: A Review of the Genetics, Behavior and Chemical Ecology of Varroa destructor, the Parasitic Mite of Apis mellifera. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2022; 22:18. [PMID: 35137134 PMCID: PMC8825774 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) is arguably the most damaging parasitic mite that attacks honey bees worldwide. Since its initial host switch from the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) to the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), Varroa has become a widely successful invasive species, attacking honey bees on almost every continent where apiculture is practiced. Two haplotypes of V. destructor (Japanese and Korean) parasitize A. mellifera, both of which vector various honey bee-associated viruses. As the population of Varroa grows within a colony in the spring and summer, so do the levels of viral infections. Not surprisingly, high Varroa parasitization impacts bees at the individual level, causing bees to exhibit lower weight, decreased learning capacity, and shorter lifespan. High levels of Varroa infestation can lead to colony-wide varroosis and eventually colony death, especially when no control measures are taken against the mites. Varroa has become a successful parasite of A. mellifera because of its ability to reproduce within both drone cells and worker cells, which allows populations to expand rapidly. Varroa uses several chemical cues to complete its life cycle, many of which remain understudied and should be further explored. Given the growing reports of pesticide resistance by Varroa in several countries, a better understanding of the mite's basic biology is needed to find alternative pest management strategies. This review focuses on the genetics, behavior, and chemical ecology of V. destructor within A. mellifera colonies, and points to areas of research that should be exploited to better control this pervasive honey bee enemy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Reams
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Juliana Rangel
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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6
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Nganso BT, Mani K, Eliash N, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. Towards disrupting Varroa -honey bee chemosensing: A focus on a Niemann-Pick type C2 transcript. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 30:519-531. [PMID: 34216416 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We focused our study on the 12 recently identified putative odorant carrier proteins in the ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor. Here we show, via an exclusion of the chemosensory appendages (forelegs and gnathosoma) that transcripts of five of the 12 genes were significantly lower, suggesting that they are likely involved in carrying host volatiles. Specifically, three transcripts were found to be foreleg-specific while the other two transcripts were expressed in both the forelegs and gnathosoma. We focused on one of the highly expressed and foreleg-specific transcript Vd40090, which encodes a Niemann-Pick disease protein type C2 (NPC2) protein. Effects of dsRNA-mediated silencing of Vd40090 were first measured by quantifying the transcript levels of genes that encode other putative odorant carrier proteins as well as reproduction related proteins. In addition, the impact of silencing on mites behaviour and survival was tested. Silencing of Vd40090 effectively disrupted Varroa host selection, acceptance and feeding and significantly impaired the expression of genes that regulate its reproduction in brood cells, resulting in reduced reproduction and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- B T Nganso
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - K Mani
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - N Eliash
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - A Rafaeli
- Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - V Soroker
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
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7
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Vilarem C, Piou V, Vogelweith F, Vétillard A. Varroa destructor from the Laboratory to the Field: Control, Biocontrol and IPM Perspectives-A Review. INSECTS 2021; 12:800. [PMID: 34564240 PMCID: PMC8465918 DOI: 10.3390/insects12090800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Varroa destructor is a real challenger for beekeepers and scientists: fragile out of the hive, tenacious inside a bee colony. From all the research done on the topic, we have learned that a better understanding of this organism in its relationship with the bee but also for itself is necessary. Its biology relies mostly on semiochemicals for reproduction, nutrition, or orientation. Many treatments have been developed over the years based on hard or soft acaricides or even on biocontrol techniques. To date, no real sustainable solution exists to reduce the pressure of the mite without creating resistances or harming honeybees. Consequently, the development of alternative disruptive tools against the parasitic life cycle remains open. It requires the combination of both laboratory and field results through a holistic approach based on health biomarkers. Here, we advocate for a more integrative vision of V. destructor research, where in vitro and field studies are more systematically compared and compiled. Therefore, after a brief state-of-the-art about the mite's life cycle, we discuss what has been done and what can be done from the laboratory to the field against V. destructor through an integrative approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Vilarem
- Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique, UMR5174, CNRS-Université de Toulouse III-IRD, INU Jean-François Champollion, Université Paul Sabatier, 31077 Toulouse, France; (C.V.); (V.P.)
- M2i Biocontrol–Entreprise SAS, 46140 Parnac, France;
| | - Vincent Piou
- Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique, UMR5174, CNRS-Université de Toulouse III-IRD, INU Jean-François Champollion, Université Paul Sabatier, 31077 Toulouse, France; (C.V.); (V.P.)
| | | | - Angélique Vétillard
- Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique, UMR5174, CNRS-Université de Toulouse III-IRD, INU Jean-François Champollion, Université Paul Sabatier, 31077 Toulouse, France; (C.V.); (V.P.)
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Jack CJ, Ellis JD. Integrated Pest Management Control of Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae), the Most Damaging Pest of (Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)) Colonies. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2021; 21:6. [PMID: 34536080 PMCID: PMC8449538 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Varroa destructor is among the greatest biological threats to western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) health worldwide. Beekeepers routinely use chemical treatments to control this parasite, though overuse and mismanagement of these treatments have led to widespread resistance in Varroa populations. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecologically based, sustainable approach to pest management that relies on a combination of control tactics that minimize environmental impacts. Herein, we provide an in-depth review of the components of IPM in a Varroa control context. These include determining economic thresholds for the mite, identification of and monitoring for Varroa, prevention strategies, and risk conscious treatments. Furthermore, we provide a detailed review of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control strategies, both longstanding and emerging, used against Varroa globally. For each control type, we describe all available treatments, their efficacies against Varroa as described in the primary scientific literature, and the obstacles to their adoption. Unfortunately, reliable IPM protocols do not exist for Varroa due to the complex biology of the mite and strong reliance on chemical control by beekeepers. To encourage beekeeper adoption, a successful IPM approach to Varroa control in managed colonies must be an improvement over conventional control methods and include cost-effective treatments that can be employed readily by beekeepers. It is our intention to provide the most thorough review of Varroa control options available, ultimately framing our discussion within the context of IPM. We hope this article is a call-to-arms against the most damaging pest managed honey bee colonies face worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J Jack
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - James D Ellis
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Light M, Shutler D, Cutler GC, Hillier NK. Electrotarsogram responses to synthetic odorants by Varroa destructor, a primary parasite of western honey bees (Apis mellifera). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2020; 81:515-530. [PMID: 32671510 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00525-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Olfaction is a key sensory modality for many arthropods and could be used as a tool in pest management through manipulation of pest behavior. Management of Varroa destructor, important parasitic mites of honey bees, could be improved through better understanding of the chemical ecology of this host-parasite relationship. We refined techniques of mounting mites to obtain electrophysiological recordings (electrotarsograms) of their responses to synthetic odor stimuli. Results of 271 electrotarsogram recordings from V. destructor revealed responses to 10 odorants relative to solvent controls. Electrotarsogram responses to methyl palmitate, ethyl palmitate, and 2-heptanol were highest at the lowest stimulus loading (10 ng) we tested, suggesting that V. destructor may have acute sensitivity to low concentrations of some odors. Results suggest that odorant origin (e.g., methyl oleate from honey bee larvae, geraniol from adult honey bee alarm pheromone, and α-terpineol, a plant secondary metabolite) can influence the degree of electrophysiological response. Varroa destructor tended to be more responsive to known attractants and repellents relative to previously unexplored odorants and some repellent terpenes. Electrotarsograms offer the potential for screening odors to determine their importance in V. destructor host detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Light
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, B4P 2R6, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Dave Shutler
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, B4P 2R6, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - G Christopher Cutler
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Dalhousie University, PO Box 550, B2N 5E3, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - N Kirk Hillier
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, B4P 2R6, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Nganso BT, Mani K, Altman Y, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. How Crucial is the Functional Pit Organ for the Varroa Mite? INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11060395. [PMID: 32604887 PMCID: PMC7349574 DOI: 10.3390/insects11060395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Olfaction as well as gustation, are essential for animal survival, allowing behavioral modulation according to environmental input. We focused our study on an obligate ecto-parasitic mite of honey bees, the Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman (Parasitiformes, Mesostigmata, Varroidae). By mechanically blocking the main olfactory organ on Varroa forelegs by varnishing with nail polish, we were able to show that other sensory organs cannot significantly compensate chemosensory abilities required for mite’s host selection, identification as well as reproduction. In fact, we found that mites with blocked forelegs had a significantly lower ability to reach a host bee than those with varnished idiosoma and unvarnished control. Furthermore, fewer foreleg blocked mites were feeding on the nurse bees and their reproduction in the brood cells was significantly impaired. The inhibition of reproduction was also reflected in altered expression levels of vitellogenin and vitellogenin receptor genes in foreleg-blocked mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice T. Nganso
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon leZion 7505101, Israel; (B.T.N.); (K.M.); (Y.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Kannan Mani
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon leZion 7505101, Israel; (B.T.N.); (K.M.); (Y.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Yam Altman
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon leZion 7505101, Israel; (B.T.N.); (K.M.); (Y.A.); (A.R.)
- Mina and Aberhard Gudman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Ada Rafaeli
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon leZion 7505101, Israel; (B.T.N.); (K.M.); (Y.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Victoria Soroker
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon leZion 7505101, Israel; (B.T.N.); (K.M.); (Y.A.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence:
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11
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Varroa destructor: A Complex Parasite, Crippling Honey Bees Worldwide. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:592-606. [PMID: 32456963 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The parasitic mite, Varroa destructor, has shaken the beekeeping and pollination industries since its spread from its native host, the Asian honey bee (Apis cerana), to the naïve European honey bee (Apis mellifera) used commercially for pollination and honey production around the globe. Varroa is the greatest threat to honey bee health. Worrying observations include increasing acaricide resistance in the varroa population and sinking economic treatment thresholds, suggesting that the mites or their vectored viruses are becoming more virulent. Highly infested weak colonies facilitate mite dispersal and disease transmission to stronger and healthier colonies. Here, we review recent developments in the biology, pathology, and management of varroa, and integrate older knowledge that is less well known.
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Eliash N, Thangarajan S, Goldenberg I, Sela N, Kupervaser M, Barlev J, Altman Y, Knyazer A, Kamer Y, Zaidman I, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. Varroa chemosensory proteins: some are conserved across Arthropoda but others are arachnid specific. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 28:321-341. [PMID: 30444567 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The tight synchronization between the life cycle of the obligatory parasitic mite Varroa destructor (Varroa) and its host, the honeybee, is mediated by honeybee chemical stimuli. These stimuli are mainly perceived by a pit organ located on the distal part of the mite's foreleg. In the present study, we searched for Varroa chemosensory molecular components by comparing transcriptomic and proteomic profiles between forelegs from different physiological stages, and rear legs. In general, a comparative transcriptomic analysis showed a clear separation of the expression profiles between the rear legs and the three groups of forelegs (phoretic, reproductive and tray-collected mites). Most of the differentially expressed transcripts and proteins in the mite's foreleg were previously uncharacterized. Using a conserved domain approach, we identified 45 transcripts with known chemosensory domains belonging to seven chemosensory protein families, of which 14 were significantly upregulated in the mite's forelegs when compared to rear legs. These are soluble and membrane bound proteins, including the somewhat ignored receptors of degenerin/epithelial Na+ channels and transient receptor potentials. Phylogenetic clustering and expression profiles of the putative chemosensory proteins suggest their role in chemosensation and shed light on the evolution of these proteins in Chelicerata.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Eliash
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
- Institute of Agroecology and Plant Health, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - S Thangarajan
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - I Goldenberg
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - N Sela
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - M Kupervaser
- The De Botton Protein Profiling institute of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - J Barlev
- The De Botton Protein Profiling institute of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Y Altman
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - A Knyazer
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Y Kamer
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - I Zaidman
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - A Rafaeli
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - V Soroker
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
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13
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Mondet F, Rau A, Klopp C, Rohmer M, Severac D, Le Conte Y, Alaux C. Transcriptome profiling of the honeybee parasite Varroa destructor provides new biological insights into the mite adult life cycle. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:328. [PMID: 29728057 PMCID: PMC5936029 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4668-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The parasite Varroa destructor represents a significant threat to honeybee colonies. Indeed, development of Varroa infestation within colonies, if left untreated, often leads to the death of the colony. Although its impact on bees has been extensively studied, less is known about its biology and the functional processes governing its adult life cycle and adaptation to its host. We therefore developed a full life cycle transcriptomic catalogue in adult Varroa females and included pairwise comparisons with males, artificially-reared and non-reproducing females (10 life cycle stages and conditions in total). Results Extensive remodeling of the Varroa transcriptome was observed, with an upregulation of energetic and chitin metabolic processes during the initial and final phases of the life cycle (e.g. phoretic and post-oviposition stages), whereas during reproductive stages in brood cells genes showing functions related to transcriptional regulation were overexpressed. Several neurotransmitter and neuropeptide receptors involved in behavioural regulation, as well as active compounds of salivary glands, were also expressed at a higher level outside the reproductive stages. No difference was detected between artificially-reared phoretic females and their counterparts in colonies, or between females who failed to reproduce and females who successfully reproduced, indicating that phoretic individuals can be reared outside host colonies without impacting their physiology and that mechanisms underlying reproductive failure occur before oogenesis. Conclusions We discuss how these new findings reveal the remarkable adaptation of Varroa to its host biology and notably to the switch from living on adults to reproducing in sealed brood cells. By spanning the entire adult life cycle, our work captures the dynamic changes in the parasite gene expression and serves as a unique resource for deciphering Varroa biology and identifying new targets for mite control. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4668-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Mondet
- INRA, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 84914, Avignon, France.
| | - Andrea Rau
- INRA, UMR 1313 GABI Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Christophe Klopp
- INRA, Genotoul Bioinfo, UR 875 MIAT Mathématiques et Informatique Appliquées de Toulouse, 31326, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Marine Rohmer
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, UMR 5203 CNRS, U661 INSERM, Universités Montpellier 1 & 2, 34094, Montpellier, France
| | - Dany Severac
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, UMR 5203 CNRS, U661 INSERM, Universités Montpellier 1 & 2, 34094, Montpellier, France
| | - Yves Le Conte
- INRA, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 84914, Avignon, France
| | - Cedric Alaux
- INRA, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, 84914, Avignon, France.
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14
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Proteomic analysis of chemosensory organs in the honey bee parasite Varroa destructor: A comprehensive examination of the potential carriers for semiochemicals. J Proteomics 2018; 181:131-141. [PMID: 29653265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
We have performed a proteomic analysis on chemosensory organs of Varroa destructor, the honey bee mite, in order to identify putative soluble carriers for pheromones and other olfactory cues emitted by the host. In particular, we have analysed forelegs, mouthparts (palps, chelicera and hypostome) and the second pair of legs (as control tissue) in reproductive and phoretic stages of the Varroa life cycle. We identified 958 Varroa proteins, most of them common to the different organs and stages. Sequence analysis shows that four proteins can be assigned to the odorant-binding protein (OBP)-like class, which bear some similarity to insect OBPs, but so far have only been reported in some Chelicerata. In addition, we have detected the presence of two proteins belonging to the Niemann-Pick family, type C2 (NPC2), which have also been suggested as semiochemical carriers. Biological significance: The mite Varroa destructor is the major parasite of the honey bee and is responsible for great economical losses. The biochemical tools used by Varroa to detect semiochemicals produced by the host are still largely unknown. This work contributes to understand the molecular basis of olfaction in Varroa and, more generally, how detection of semiochemicals has evolved in terrestrial non-hexapod Arthropoda. Moreover, the identification of molecular carriers involved in olfaction can contribute to the development of control strategies for this important parasite.
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15
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Eliash N, Singh NK, Thangarajan S, Sela N, Leshkowitz D, Kamer Y, Zaidman I, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. Chemosensing of honeybee parasite, Varroa destructor: Transcriptomic analysis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13091. [PMID: 29026097 PMCID: PMC5638865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13167-9] [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: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemosensing is a primary sense in nature, however little is known about its mechanism in Chelicerata. As a model organism we used the mite Varroa destructor, a key parasite of honeybees. Here we describe a transcriptomic analysis of two physiological stages for the Varroa foreleg, the site of primary olfactory organ. The transcriptomic analysis revealed transcripts of chemosensory related genes belonging to several groups. These include Niemann-Pick disease protein, type C2 (NPC2), gustatory receptors (GRs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) and odorant binding proteins (OBP). However, no insect odorant receptors (ORs) and odorant co-receptors (ORcos) were found. In addition, we identified a homolog of the most ancient IR co-receptor, IR25a, in Varroa as well as in other members of Acari. High expression of this transcript in the mite's forelegs, while not detectable in the other pairs of legs, suggests a function for this IR25a-like in Varroa chemosensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurit Eliash
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
- Institute of Agroecology and Plant Health, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nitin K Singh
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Starlin Thangarajan
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Noa Sela
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Dena Leshkowitz
- Department of Biological Services, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yosi Kamer
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Ilia Zaidman
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Ada Rafaeli
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Victoria Soroker
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel.
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16
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Ramírez-Bogantes M, Prendas-Rojas JP, Figueroa-Mata G, Calderon RA, Salas-Huertas O, Travieso CM. Cognitive Modeling of the Natural Behavior of the Varroa destructor Mite on Video. Cognit Comput 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12559-017-9471-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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17
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Pinnelli GR, Singh NK, Soroker V, Plettner E. Synthesis of Enantiopure Alicyclic Ethers and Their Activity on the Chemosensory Organ of the Ectoparasite of Honey Bees, Varroa destructor. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2016; 64:8653-8658. [PMID: 27792333 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b03492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The preparation of enantiopure conformationally restricted alicyclic ethers and their inhibitory activities on the chemosensory organ of the Varroa destructor, a parasite of honey bees, are reported in this article. We tested the effect of enantiopure ethers of cis-5-(2'-hydroxyethyl)cyclopent-2-en-1-ol on the Varroa chemosensory organ by electrophysiology, for their ability to inhibit the responses to two honey bee-produced odors that are important for the mite to locate its host: nurse bee head space odor and (E)-β-ocimene, a honey bee brood pheromone. Previous work with the racemic compounds showed that they suppress the mite's olfactory response to its bee host, which led to incorrect host choice. Based on a structure-activity relationship, we predicted that the two most active compounds-cis-1-butoxy-5-(2'-methoxyethyl)cyclopent-2-ene, cy{4,1}, and (cis-1-ethoxy-5-(2'ethoxyethyl)cyclopent-2-ene, cy{2,2}-could have opposite active enantiomers. Here we studied the enantiomers of both ethers, whose preparation involved enzymatic resolution of racemic diol cis-5-(2'-hydroxyethyl)cyclopent-2-en-1-ol using Lipase AK with vinyl acetate. The racemic diol was prepared from commercially available 2,5-norbornadiene. We observed that the responses of the chemosensory organ to honey bee head space volatiles were significantly decreased by both enantiomers of cy{4,1} and cy{2,2}, but that responses to (E)-β-ocimene were decreased significantly only by (+)-cy{4,1} (1R,5S) and (-)-cy{2,2} (1S,5R) and not by their respective enantiomers. The importance of this result is that the racemates could be used to inhibit olfactory detection of bee odors by mites, without a loss in activity relative to the more expensive enantiopure compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govardhana R Pinnelli
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University , Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Nitin K Singh
- Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center , Bet Dagan 75359, Israel
| | - Victoria Soroker
- Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center , Bet Dagan 75359, Israel
| | - Erika Plettner
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University , Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
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18
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Singh NK, Eliash N, Stein I, Kamer Y, Ilia Z, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. Identification and gene-silencing of a putative odorant receptor transcription factor in Varroa destructor: possible role in olfaction. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 25:181-190. [PMID: 26801167 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is one of the major threats to apiculture. Using a behavioural choice bioassay, we determined that phoretic mites were more successful in reaching a bee than reproductive mites, suggesting an energy trade-off between reproduction and host selection. We used both chemo-ecological and molecular strategies to identify the regulation of the olfactory machinery of Varroa and its association with reproduction. We focused on transcription regulation. Using primers designed to the conserved DNA binding region of transcription factors, we identified a gene transcript in V. destructor homologous to the pheromone receptor transcription factor (PRTF) gene of Pediculus humanus corporis. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) revealed that this PRTF-like gene transcript is expressed in the forelegs at higher levels than in the body devoid of forelegs. Subsequent comparative qPCR analysis showed that transcript expression was significantly higher in the phoretic as compared to the reproductive stage. Electrophysiological and behavioural studies revealed a reduction in the sensitivity of PRTF RNA interference-silenced mites to bee headspace, consistent with a reduction in the mites' ability to reach a host. In addition, vitellogenin expression was stimulated in PRTF-silenced mites to similar levels as found in reproductive mites. These data shed light upon the regulatory mechanism of host chemosensing in V. destructor.
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Affiliation(s)
- N K Singh
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - N Eliash
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
- Institute of Agroecology and Plant Health, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - I Stein
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Y Kamer
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Z Ilia
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - A Rafaeli
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - V Soroker
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
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19
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Nazzi F, Le Conte Y. Ecology of Varroa destructor, the Major Ectoparasite of the Western Honey Bee, Apis mellifera. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 61:417-32. [PMID: 26667378 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-010715-023731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Varroa destructor is the most important ectoparasite of Apis mellifera. This review addresses the interactions between the varroa mite, its environment, and the honey bee host, mediated by an impressive number of cues and signals, including semiochemicals regulating crucial steps of the mite's life cycle. Although mechanical stimuli, temperature, and humidity play an important role, chemical communication is the most important channel. Kairomones are used at all stages of the mite's life cycle, and the exploitation of bees' brood pheromones is particularly significant given these compounds function as primer and releaser signals that regulate the social organization of the honey bee colony. V. destructor is a major problem for apiculture, and the search for novel control methods is an essential task for researchers. A detailed study of the ecological interactions of V. destructor is a prerequisite for creating strategies to sustainably manage the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Nazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy;
| | - Yves Le Conte
- INRA, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, Domaine Saint Paul, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon Cedex 9, France;
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