Proteolytic system of the sperm of Apis mellifera drones

Effects of Artificial Electromagnetic Fields on Bees: A Global Review

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Electromagnetic fields coming from electric and electronic devices, mobile telephony antennas, or electrical installations are continuously growing and are in direct relation with population growth. In that sense, the purpose of this investigation was to determine what are the effects of artificial electromagnetic fields on the behavior and viability of bees through a global perspective (1968-2022). <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The methodology used in this research consisted of the review of literature obtained from platforms such as Scopus, EBSCO, IEEE, Wiley, Google Scholar and Taylor & Francis. <b>Results:</b> It was possible to review 36 studies on the field and to state that investigations on this topic have increased in 2019, at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.86% (in a period of 54 years). Poland and USA are the leading countries in the number and importance of investigations on this topic. Keywords were grouped on the basis of the advancement of the research (honeybee, animals, <i>Apis mellifera</i> and apoideos). <b>Conclusion:</b> The study of the effects of electromagnetic fields on bees makes it possible to understand its impact on the metabolism and viability of bees.

Factors Influencing the Reproductive Ability of Male Bees: Current Knowledge and Further Directions

Simple Summary

Bumblebees and honeybees are well known as the dominant and most important pollinators in natural and agricultural ecosystems. The quality characteristics of their colonies depend greatly on the reproductive ability/quality of the parents (queens and drones). Male bees, despite their exclusive reproductive role and ability to determine colony quality, have been less considered than female bees, especially bumblebees. We reviewed the current studies on environmental factors and inherent characteristics that affect the mating success and fecundity of male honeybees and bumblebees. Temperature, nutrients, pesticides, body size, weight and age affect reproduction in male bees and consequently the progeny colony quality. However, more studies, especially in male bumblebees, are still needed to address the impacts of these factors in detail to confront the requirements of agricultural pollination and declining wild bee pollinators worldwide.

Abstract

Bumblebees and honeybees are very important pollinators and play a vital role in agricultural and natural ecosystems. The quality of their colonies is determined by the queens and the reproductive drones of mother colonies, and mated drones transmit semen, including half of the genetic materials, to queens and enhance their fertility. Therefore, factors affecting drone fecundity will also directly affect progeny at the colony level. Here, we review environmental and bee-related factors that are closely related to drone reproductive ability. The environmental factors that mainly affect the sperm count and the viability of males include temperature, nutrients and pesticides. In addition, the inherent characteristics of male bees, such as body size, weight, age, seminal fluid proteins and proteins of the spermathecal fluid, contribute to mating success, sperm quality during long-term storage in the spermathecae and the reproductive behaviors of queens. Based on the results of previous studies, we also suggest that the effects of somatotype dimorphism in bumblebee males on sperm quality and queen fecundity and the indispensable and exploitable function of gland proteins in the fecundity of males and queens should be given more attention in further studies.