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Burke J, Corrigan S. Bee Well: a positive psychological impact of a pro-environmental intervention on beekeepers' and their families' wellbeing. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1354408. [PMID: 38601827 PMCID: PMC11004476 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1354408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Bees are excellent pollinators and serve an essential environmental purpose. However, little is known about the wellbeing impact of bees on humans. This research addressed the knowledge gap concerning the impact of beekeeping on the wellbeing of beekeepers and their families, focusing on the often-overlooked psychological, emotional, and social dimensions. Thirty farmers in Ireland participating in the Let it Bee project, aimed at promoting biodiversity and water source protection, were provided with bee hives. Twelve participants were interviewed to explore the effects of beekeeping on their wellbeing. Thematic Analysis was employed to analyze the data, revealing five central themes. (1) The centrality of pride in accomplishing environmental and community objectives in the farmers' beekeeping activities; (2) the evolving sense of togetherness with nature, family, and community throughout the project; (3) a profound sense of contributing significantly to the greater good; (4) the recognized value of beekeeping for beekeepers' psychological growth, flow, and relaxation; and (5) the opportunity for beekeepers to leverage their character strengths. The implications of these findings are discussed within the framework of their impact on environmental conservation, healthcare policymaking, and implications for research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Burke
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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Zapata-Hernández G, Gajardo-Rojas M, Calderón-Seguel M, Muñoz AA, Yáñez KP, Requier F, Fontúrbel FE, Ormeño-Arriagada PI, Arrieta H. Advances and knowledge gaps on climate change impacts on honey bees and beekeeping: A systematic review. Glob Chang Biol 2024; 30:e17219. [PMID: 38450832 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The Western honey bee Apis mellifera is a managed species that provides diverse hive products and contributing to wild plant pollination, as well as being a critical component of crop pollination systems worldwide. High mortality rates have been reported in different continents attributed to different factors, including pesticides, pests, diseases, and lack of floral resources. Furthermore, climate change has been identified as a potential driver negatively impacting pollinators, but it is still unclear how it could affect honey bee populations. In this context, we carried out a systematic review to synthesize the effects of climate change on honey bees and beekeeping activities. A total of 90 articles were identified, providing insight into potential impacts (negative, neutral, and positive) on honey bees and beekeeping. Interest in climate change's impact on honey bees has increased in the last decade, with studies mainly focusing on honey bee individuals, using empirical and experimental approaches, and performed at short-spatial (<10 km) and temporal (<5 years) scales. Moreover, environmental analyses were mainly based on short-term data (weather) and concentrated on only a few countries. Environmental variables such as temperature, precipitation, and wind were widely studied and had generalized negative effects on different biological and ecological aspects of honey bees. Food reserves, plant-pollinator networks, mortality, gene expression, and metabolism were negatively impacted. Knowledge gaps included a lack of studies at the apiary and beekeeper level, a limited number of predictive and perception studies, poor representation of large-spatial and mid-term scales, a lack of climate analysis, and a poor understanding of the potential impacts of pests and diseases. Finally, climate change's impacts on global beekeeping are still an emergent issue. This is mainly due to their diverse effects on honey bees and the potential necessity of implementing adaptation measures to sustain this activity under complex environmental scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germán Zapata-Hernández
- Instituto de Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Centro de Acción Climática, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Martina Gajardo-Rojas
- Instituto de Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Centro de Acción Climática, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Matías Calderón-Seguel
- Departamento de Ciencias Sociales, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Tarapacá, Iquique, Chile
| | - Ariel A Muñoz
- Instituto de Geografía, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Centro de Acción Climática, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Centro de Ciencia del Clima y la Resiliencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karen P Yáñez
- Centro de Biotecnología Dr. Daniel Alkalay Lowitt, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Fabrice Requier
- CNRS, IRD, UMR Évolution, Génomes, Comportement et Écologie, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Francisco E Fontúrbel
- Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Pablo I Ormeño-Arriagada
- Centro de Acción Climática, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Departamento de Informática, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Héctor Arrieta
- Centro de Acción Climática, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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Cucu AA, Pașca C, Cucu AB, Moise AR, Bobiş O, Dezsi Ș, Blaga Petrean A, Dezmirean DS. Evaluation of the Main Macro-, Micro- and Trace Elements Found in Fallopia japonica Plants and Their Traceability in Its Honey: A Case Study from the Northwestern and Western Part of Romania. Plants (Basel) 2024; 13:428. [PMID: 38337961 PMCID: PMC10857060 DOI: 10.3390/plants13030428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed, Reynoutria japonica or Polygonum cuspidatum) is considered an extremely invasive plant worldwide and a bioindicator of heavy metals. Yet, its potential as a crop for honeybees is still underevaluated. This study employs atomic absorption spectrometry to quantitatively analyze the concentration of macro-elements, namely, calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg); micro-elements, such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se); and trace elements, i.e., cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) in different anatomic parts of Fallopia japonica (FJ) plants (roots, rhizomes, stems, leaves) and their traceability into honey. This research encompasses a thorough examination of samples collected from the northwestern and western part of Romania, providing insights into their elemental composition. The results showed that the level of trace elements decreases in terms of traceability in honey samples (Pb was not detected in any of the analyzed samples, while Cd had a minimum content 0.001 mg/kg), ensuring its quality and health safety for consumption. Moreover, the data generated can function as a valuable resource to explore the plant's positive eco-friendly impacts, particularly in relation to its honey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra-Antonia Cucu
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Manastur St., 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.C.); (A.R.M.)
| | - Claudia Pașca
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Manastur St., 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.C.); (A.R.M.)
| | - Alexandru-Bogdan Cucu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry (INCDS) “Marin Drăcea”, 400202 Braşov, Romania;
| | - Adela Ramona Moise
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Manastur St., 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.C.); (A.R.M.)
| | - Otilia Bobiş
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Manastur St., 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.C.); (A.R.M.)
| | - Ștefan Dezsi
- Faculty of Geography, Babeş-Bolyai University, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Anamaria Blaga Petrean
- Department of Animal Production and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Manastur St., 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Daniel Severus Dezmirean
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Manastur St., 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.C.); (A.R.M.)
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Roque N, Fernandez P, Silveira C, Vilas-Boas M, Anjos O. Using Analytic Hierarchy Process to Assess Beekeeping Suitability in Portuguese Controlled Areas: A First Approach. Insects 2024; 15:91. [PMID: 38392511 PMCID: PMC10888816 DOI: 10.3390/insects15020091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Beekeeping management is greatly influenced by spatial factors (e.g., land use/land cover, roads, or electrical energy networks), so GIS are a powerful tool to overlap and relate a variety of spatial data levels and, consequently, a very useful tool for beekeeping activity planning. This study was developed within the intervention area of three controlled zones managed by Portuguese Beekeepers Associations. The methodology, based on multi-criteria decision analysis, integrates several criteria, such as hydrographic networks, road networks, soil occupation, solar radiation, and electromagnetic radiation sources. These criteria were proposed and evaluated through online questionnaires carried out with beekeepers. Concerning the selected criteria and the respective geographical data, the most relevant were land use/land cover and water availability, with a significance of 44% and 24%, respectively. The beekeeping suitability map enabled us to evaluate the degree of compliance for the actual location of apiaries, with 60% of the apiaries being installed in high potential areas. In the context of beekeeping planning, the potential of the techniques applied seems to be an important tool for optimizing the location of apiaries and the profitability of beekeeping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Roque
- IPCB-Agrarian School, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6000-084 Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Paulo Fernandez
- IPCB-Agrarian School, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6000-084 Castelo Branco, Portugal
- CERNAS-IPCB-Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6000-084 Castelo Branco, Portugal
- MED&CHANGE-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Universidade de Évora, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - Carlos Silveira
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Miguel Vilas-Boas
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Ofélia Anjos
- IPCB-Agrarian School, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6000-084 Castelo Branco, Portugal
- CERNAS-IPCB-Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6000-084 Castelo Branco, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos Florestais (CEF), Laboratório Associado TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal
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van Dooremalen C, Ulgezen ZN, Dall’Olio R, Godeau U, Duan X, Sousa JP, Schäfer MO, Beaurepaire A, van Gennip P, Schoonman M, Flener C, Matthijs S, Claeys Boúúaert D, Verbeke W, Freshley D, Valkenburg DJ, van den Bosch T, Schaafsma F, Peters J, Xu M, Le Conte Y, Alaux C, Dalmon A, Paxton RJ, Tehel A, Streicher T, Dezmirean DS, Giurgiu AI, Topping CJ, Williams JH, Capela N, Lopes S, Alves F, Alves J, Bica J, Simões S, Alves da Silva A, Castro S, Loureiro J, Horčičková E, Bencsik M, McVeigh A, Kumar T, Moro A, van Delden A, Ziółkowska E, Filipiak M, Mikołajczyk Ł, Leufgen K, De Smet L, de Graaf DC. Bridging the Gap between Field Experiments and Machine Learning: The EC H2020 B-GOOD Project as a Case Study towards Automated Predictive Health Monitoring of Honey Bee Colonies. Insects 2024; 15:76. [PMID: 38276825 PMCID: PMC10816039 DOI: 10.3390/insects15010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Honey bee colonies have great societal and economic importance. The main challenge that beekeepers face is keeping bee colonies healthy under ever-changing environmental conditions. In the past two decades, beekeepers that manage colonies of Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) have become increasingly concerned by the presence of parasites and pathogens affecting the bees, the reduction in pollen and nectar availability, and the colonies' exposure to pesticides, among others. Hence, beekeepers need to know the health condition of their colonies and how to keep them alive and thriving, which creates a need for a new holistic data collection method to harmonize the flow of information from various sources that can be linked at the colony level for different health determinants, such as bee colony, environmental, socioeconomic, and genetic statuses. For this purpose, we have developed and implemented the B-GOOD (Giving Beekeeping Guidance by computational-assisted Decision Making) project as a case study to categorize the colony's health condition and find a Health Status Index (HSI). Using a 3-tier setup guided by work plans and standardized protocols, we have collected data from inside the colonies (amount of brood, disease load, honey harvest, etc.) and from their environment (floral resource availability). Most of the project's data was automatically collected by the BEEP Base Sensor System. This continuous stream of data served as the basis to determine and validate an algorithm to calculate the HSI using machine learning. In this article, we share our insights on this holistic methodology and also highlight the importance of using a standardized data language to increase the compatibility between different current and future studies. We argue that the combined management of big data will be an essential building block in the development of targeted guidance for beekeepers and for the future of sustainable beekeeping.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zeynep N. Ulgezen
- Wageningen University & Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ugoline Godeau
- Institut National de la Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, 84914 Avignon, France
| | | | - José Paulo Sousa
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, TERRA Associated Laboratory, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marc O. Schäfer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschunginstitut für Tiergesundheit, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Pim van Gennip
- Stichting BEEP, 3972 LK Driebergen-Rijsenburg, The Netherlands
| | | | - Claude Flener
- Suomen Mehiläishoitajain Liitto, 00130 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Famke Schaafsma
- Wageningen University & Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Peters
- Wageningen University & Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mang Xu
- Wageningen University & Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yves Le Conte
- Institut National de la Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, 84914 Avignon, France
| | - Cedric Alaux
- Institut National de la Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, 84914 Avignon, France
| | - Anne Dalmon
- Institut National de la Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, 84914 Avignon, France
| | - Robert J. Paxton
- Martin-Luther-Universitaet Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Anja Tehel
- Martin-Luther-Universitaet Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Tabea Streicher
- Martin-Luther-Universitaet Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Daniel S. Dezmirean
- Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole si Medicina Veterinara Cluj Napoca, 400372 Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandru I. Giurgiu
- Universitatea de Stiinte Agricole si Medicina Veterinara Cluj Napoca, 400372 Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | | | | | - Nuno Capela
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, TERRA Associated Laboratory, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sara Lopes
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, TERRA Associated Laboratory, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fátima Alves
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, TERRA Associated Laboratory, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Alves
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, TERRA Associated Laboratory, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Bica
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, TERRA Associated Laboratory, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Simões
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, TERRA Associated Laboratory, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Alves da Silva
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, TERRA Associated Laboratory, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Castro
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, TERRA Associated Laboratory, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Loureiro
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, TERRA Associated Laboratory, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eva Horčičková
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, TERRA Associated Laboratory, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Martin Bencsik
- The Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Adam McVeigh
- The Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Tarun Kumar
- The Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Arrigo Moro
- Institute of Bee Health, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Zhang G, Dilday S, Kuesel RW, Hopkins B. Phytochemicals, Probiotics, Recombinant Proteins: Enzymatic Remedies to Pesticide Poisonings in Bees. Environ Sci Technol 2024; 58:54-62. [PMID: 38127782 PMCID: PMC10785755 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing global decline of bees threatens biodiversity and food safety as both wild plants and crops rely on bee pollination to produce viable progeny or high-quality products in high yields. Pesticide exposure is a major driving force for the decline, yet pesticide use remains unreconciled with bee conservation since studies demonstrate that bees continue to be heavily exposed to and threatened by pesticides in crops and natural habitats. Pharmaceutical methods, including the administration of phytochemicals, probiotics (beneficial bacteria), and recombinant proteins (enzymes) with detoxification functions, show promise as potential solutions to mitigate pesticide poisonings. We discuss how these new methods can be appropriately developed and applied in agriculture from bee biology and ecotoxicology perspectives. As countless phytochemicals, probiotics, and recombinant proteins exist, this Perspective will provide suggestive guidance to accelerate the development of new techniques by directing research and resources toward promising candidates. Furthermore, we discuss practical limitations of the new methods mentioned above in realistic field applications and propose recommendations to overcome these limitations. This Perspective builds a framework to allow researchers to use new detoxification techniques more efficiently in order to mitigate the harmful impacts of pesticides on bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Zhang
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, United States
| | - Sam Dilday
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, United States
| | - Ryan William Kuesel
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, United States
| | - Brandon Hopkins
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, United States
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Bleau N, Derome N, Giovenazzo P. Commercial probiotic formulas Bactocell and Levucell promote spring brood production in Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies. J Insect Sci 2023; 23:17. [PMID: 38055938 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iead099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Honey bees are essential pollinators for several economically important crops. In temperate countries, honey bee colonies face multiple threats during the overwintering period, such as food availability, diseases, and confinement. Beekeepers commonly use chemicals to improve colony health during winter, but these products can have a negative impact on bee health and pathogens can develop resistance to them. Thus, there is a need for further development of alternative treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of one endogenic bacterium (Bombella apis) and 2 commercial probiotic formulas (Bactocell and Levucell) on colony survival, spring development, and Vairimorpha (formerly Nosema) spp. spore count. Probiotic treatments were given in 1: 1 sugar syrup in October 2017 and April 2018, once a week for 2 wk. One experimental group was given Fumagilin-B, the only product approved in Canada to prevent nosemosis, once in October. The administration of 2 commercial probiotics, Bactocell (Pediococcus acidilactici) and Levucell (Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii), led to a significant increase in the number of sealed brood cells in spring. None of the probiotic treatments impacted the honey bee gut load of Vairimorpha spp. spores. The results suggest that beneficial microorganisms can improve spring development and performance of honey bee colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Bleau
- Biology Department, Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Sciences Animales de Deschambault (CRSAD), Deschambault, Québec, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - N Derome
- Biology Department, Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - P Giovenazzo
- Biology Department, Laval University, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Sciences Animales de Deschambault (CRSAD), Deschambault, Québec, Canada
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Berry JA, Braman SK, Delaplane KS, Bartlett LJ. Inducing a summer brood break increases the efficacy of oxalic acid vaporization for Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) control in Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies. J Insect Sci 2023; 23:14. [PMID: 38055946 PMCID: PMC10699866 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iead085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman), is the leading cause of western honey bee colony, Apis mellifera (L.), mortality in the United States. Due to mounting evidence of resistance to certain approved miticides, beekeepers are struggling to keep their colonies alive. To date, there are varied but limited approved options for V. destructor control. Vaporized oxalic acid (OA) has proven to be an effective treatment against the dispersal phase of V. destructor but has its limitations since the vapor cannot penetrate the protective wax cap of honey bee pupal cells where V. destructor reproduces. In the Southeastern United States, honey bee colonies often maintain brood throughout the year, limiting the usefulness of OA. Prior studies have shown that even repeated applications of OA while brood is present are ineffective at decreasing mite populations. In the summer of 2021, we studied whether incorporating a forced brood break while vaporizing with OA would be an effective treatment against V. destructor. Ninety experimental colonies were divided into 2 blocks, one with a brood break and the other with no brood break. Within the blocks, each colony was randomly assigned 1 of 3 treatments: no OA, 2 g OA, or 3 g OA. The combination of vaporizing with OA and a forced brood break increased mite mortality by 5× and reduced mite populations significantly. These results give beekeepers in mild climates an additional integrated pest management method for controlling V. destructor during the summer season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Berry
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - S Kris Braman
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Keith S Delaplane
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Lewis J Bartlett
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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9
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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10
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Tommasi N, Colombo B, Pioltelli E, Biella P, Casiraghi M, Galimberti A. Urban habitat fragmentation and floral resources shape the occurrence of gut parasites in two bumblebee species. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10299. [PMID: 37456076 PMCID: PMC10338672 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Urbanization and the expansion of human activities foster radical ecosystem changes with cascading effects also involving host-pathogen interactions. Urban pollinator insects face several stressors related to landscape and local scale features such as green habitat loss, fragmentation and availability reduction of floral resources with unpredictable effects on parasite transmission. Furthermore, beekeeping may contribute to the spread of parasites to wild pollinators by increasing the number of parasite hosts. Here we used DNA-based diagnostics tools to evaluate how the occurrence of parasites, namely microsporidians (Nosema spp.), trypanosomatids (Crithidia spp.) and neogregarines (Apicystis bombi), is shaped by the above-mentioned stressors in two bumblebee species (i.e. Bombus terrestris and Bombus pascuorum). Infection rates of the two species were different and generally higher in B. terrestris. Moreover, they showed different responses towards the same ecological variables, possibly due to differences in body size and foraging habits supposed to affect their susceptibility to parasite infection. The probability of infection was found to be reduced in B. pascuorum by green habitat fragmentation, while increased along with floral resource availability. Unexpectedly, B. terrestris had a lower parasite richness nearby apiaries maybe due to the fact that parasites are prone to be transmitted among the most abundant species. Our finding supports the need to design proper conservation measures based on species-specific knowledge, as suggested by the variation in the parasite occurrence of the two species. Moreover, conservation policies aiming at safeguarding pollinators through flower planting should consider the indirect effects of these measures for parasite transmission together with pollinator biodiversity issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Tommasi
- ZooplantLab, Department of Biotechnology and BiosciencesUniversity of Milano‐BicoccaMilanItaly
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future CenterPalermoItaly
| | - Beatrice Colombo
- ZooplantLab, Department of Biotechnology and BiosciencesUniversity of Milano‐BicoccaMilanItaly
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future CenterPalermoItaly
| | - Emiliano Pioltelli
- ZooplantLab, Department of Biotechnology and BiosciencesUniversity of Milano‐BicoccaMilanItaly
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future CenterPalermoItaly
| | - Paolo Biella
- ZooplantLab, Department of Biotechnology and BiosciencesUniversity of Milano‐BicoccaMilanItaly
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future CenterPalermoItaly
| | - Maurizio Casiraghi
- ZooplantLab, Department of Biotechnology and BiosciencesUniversity of Milano‐BicoccaMilanItaly
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future CenterPalermoItaly
| | - Andrea Galimberti
- ZooplantLab, Department of Biotechnology and BiosciencesUniversity of Milano‐BicoccaMilanItaly
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future CenterPalermoItaly
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Barandika JF, de la Hera O, Fañanás R, Rivas A, Arroyo E, Alonso RM, Alonso ML, Galartza E, Cevidanes A, García-Pérez AL. Efficacy of Protein Baits with Fipronil to Control Vespa velutina nigrithorax (Lepeletier, 1836) in Apiaries. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2075. [PMID: 37443873 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax), outside its natural range, has become a major threat to domestic bees. Several control methods have been used to fight against V. velutina, but the results achieved are not satisfactory. The use of protein baits with biocides has shown to be an effective method to control invasive wasp populations, but they have not been used to control V. velutina. Thus, the efficacy of protein baits containing fipronil to reduce the presence of hornets in apiaries was evaluated in this study. After laboratory determination of the optimal efficacy of a protein bait at a 0.01% concentration of fipronil, field trials were conducted involving 222 beekeepers. The data reported by the 90 beekeepers who completed the requested questionnaire demonstrated that in the groups of apiaries with the highest pressure of hornets (groups with 10-30 and >30 hornets), there was a significant decrease in the presence of V. velutina, lasting at least two weeks. The reduction in the number of hornets was positively correlated with bait consumption, and bait consumption was positively correlated with the number of hornets present at the time of treatment. Although the method used has shown good efficacy and the concentration of fipronil used was very low; possible negative effects on the environment should also be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús F Barandika
- NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Omaira de la Hera
- Zientzia eta Teknologia Facultatea, Euskal Herriko Universitatea, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Roberto Fañanás
- D+S-OABE, Poligono Industrial Zabale, Parcela III, 48410 Orozko, Spain
| | - Arrate Rivas
- Zientzia eta Teknologia Facultatea, Euskal Herriko Universitatea, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Eugenia Arroyo
- D+S-OABE, Poligono Industrial Zabale, Parcela III, 48410 Orozko, Spain
| | - Rosa M Alonso
- Zientzia eta Teknologia Facultatea, Euskal Herriko Universitatea, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - M Luz Alonso
- Zientzia eta Teknologia Facultatea, Euskal Herriko Universitatea, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | | | - Aitor Cevidanes
- NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Ana L García-Pérez
- NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain
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D’Ascenzi C, Power K, Maiolino P, Mortarino M. Training in Honey Bee Veterinary Medicine in Italy: An Observational Study and Practical Proposals to Face Professional Challenges. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1795. [PMID: 37889736 PMCID: PMC10252088 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bees, like other livestock, may be affected by infectious, parasitic, and abiotic diseases that need proper sanitary monitoring and control. Currently, there are limited opportunities for undergraduate students to receive education in Honey Bee Veterinary Medicine (HBVM) as part of their regular degree program, despite the professional requirements for veterinarians to carry out the increasing tasks related to honey bee health and production. Additionally, postgraduate training and specialization in HBVM is also underdeveloped. This study was an observational survey that evaluated the educational opportunities available in HBVM for current and future veterinarians in Italy. The survey analyzed both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including Undergraduate Degree Programs in Veterinary Medicine (UDPVM), "Scuole di Specializzazione", Masters, and other postgraduate courses. The results indicate that the current training available for veterinarians in the field of apiculture, both before and after graduation, is also insufficient in Italy, as already reported in other EU- and extra-EU countries. Finally, a roadmap for veterinary training in HBVM is developed here describing objectives and teachings aimed at fulfilling the needs of the profession in the field of beekeeping, considering the existing rules and regulations governing public health and possible evolution of this legal framework in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo D’Ascenzi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Karen Power
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy; (K.P.); (P.M.)
- Veterinary Scientific Society for Beekeeping—SVETAP, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Maiolino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy; (K.P.); (P.M.)
- Veterinary Scientific Society for Beekeeping—SVETAP, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Mortarino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
- Veterinary Scientific Society for Beekeeping—SVETAP, 00178 Rome, Italy
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13
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Massous A, Ouchbani T, Lo Turco V, Litrenta F, Nava V, Albergamo A, Potortì AG, Di Bella G. Monitoring Moroccan Honeys: Physicochemical Properties and Contamination Pattern. Foods 2023; 12. [PMID: 36900486 DOI: 10.3390/foods12050969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The physicochemical traits and an array of organic and inorganic contaminants were monitored in monofloral honeys (i.e., jujube [Ziziphus lotus], sweet orange [Citrus sinensis], PGI Euphorbia [Euphorbia resinifera] and Globularia alyphum) from the Moroccan Béni Mellal-Khénifra region (i.e., Khénifra, Beni Méllal, Azlal and Fquih Ben Salah provinces). Moroccan honeys were in line with the physicochemical standards set by the European Union. However, a critical contamination pattern has been outlined. In fact, jujube, sweet orange, and PGI Euphorbia honeys contained pesticides, such as acephate, dimethoate, diazinon, alachlor, carbofuran and fenthion sulfoxide, higher than the relative EU Maximum Residue Levels. The banned 2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB118) and 2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB180) were detected in all samples and quantified in jujube, sweet orange and PGI Euphorbia honeys; while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as chrysene and fluorene, stood out for their higher contents in jujube and sweet orange honeys. Considering plasticizers, all honeys showed an excessive amount of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), when (improperly) considering the relative EU Specific Migration Limit. Furthermore, sweet orange, PGI Euphorbia and G. alypum honeys were characterized by Pb exceeding the EU Maximum Level. Overall, data from this study may encourage Moroccan governmental bodies to strengthen their monitoring activity in beekeeping and to find suitable solutions for implementing more sustainable agricultural practices.
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Tubene S, Kulhanek K, Rennich K, vanEngelsdorp D. Best Management Practices Increase Profitability of Small-Scale US Beekeeping Operations. J Econ Entomol 2023; 116:47-55. [PMID: 36373593 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the economics of small-scale beekeeping, due in part because many of these beekeepers are motivated by personal enjoyment and not profit. These beekeepers, however, represent more than 90% of US beekeeping population, so economic analysis of this majority group is warranted. Understanding how management practices impact colony profitability in small apiaries can inform beekeeper management decisions. Best management practices (BMPs) can increase colony productivity and survival, but often require additional labor and materials compared to less intensive beekeeping practices. Here, we investigate the impact of BMPs on the profitability of small-scale beekeeping. We found that BMPs required higher costs in labor and materials, but that they also produced higher revenue from honey and nucleus colony production. As a result, after three years, BMP apiaries were 8 times more profitable than less intensively managed apiaries. The increased profitability in BMP apiaries is largely attributed to improved colony health and survival due to more active Varroa management and reduced Varroa and viral loads. These results can inform small scale beekeeper budgeting and management, and also support extension efforts to increase BMP adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Tubene
- Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, 1104 Trigg Hall, Princess Anne, MD 21853, USA
| | - Kelly Kulhanek
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, P.O. Box 646382, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Karen Rennich
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, 4112 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Dennis vanEngelsdorp
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, 4112 Plant Sciences Building, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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Přidal A, Musila J, Svoboda J. Condition and Honey Productivity of Honeybee Colonies Depending on Type of Supplemental Feed for Overwintering. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030323. [PMID: 36766212 PMCID: PMC9913242 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Harvested honey is usually replaced by an alternative sugar to overwinter honeybee colonies. Supplementation of winter stores with beet or cane sucrose is safe for colonies and does not cause winter mortality. Despite this, there are hypotheses that supplementation of inverted sugars has the potential to give better results in overwintering, spring growth, and honey production of the colonies, because bees are consuming already cleaved feed. Therefore, we compared the condition parameters and honey production in 70 colonies at four apiaries overwintered with stores from sucrose or inverted sugars. No statistically significant differences in dependence on the type of the supplemental feed were found. Inverted sugar was more expensive than sucrose for feeding colonies. Economic efficiency, physiological consequences, and other disadvantages of using invert syrups are discussed.
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Zuluaga-Domínguez CM, Fuenmayor CA, Quicazán MC. Bioactive Attributes and Analysis of Electronic Nose Feature Signals of Colombian Stingless Bees Propolis. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202200952. [PMID: 36424344 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202200952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The volatile and non-volatile chemical composition and bioactivity of propolis from the species Apis mellifera has been widely studied, but there is very little knowledge regarding propolis of other bee species, which ultimately hinders their differentiation and potential use. In this work, 53 propolis samples of A. mellifera and four stingless bee species (Frieseomielitta sp., Melipona eburnea, Melipona sp., and Trigona sp.) were collected in Colombia. An electronic nose with 10 metal oxide semiconductor sensors (MOS) was used to generate a pattern of the representative volatile compounds of the samples. Ethanolic extracts were obtained to assess their antioxidant activity towards DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation, total phenolics, and color (CIELAB space). The results showed an overall similarity of the aromatic profiles between species. The antioxidant activity of Frieseomielitta sp. propolis was higher than that of A. mellifera and the other species, in correspondence with a higher phenolic content. CIELAB color parameter b* was the most differentiating variable among samples, indicating a variation of propolis colors between red and yellow. By combining the data from physico-chemical analysis and aromatic profile, it was possible to differentiate the propolis from each bee species, with the exception of those from Melipona sp. and Trigona sp., indicating their similarity. These results have practical significance since they are a starting point to recognizing and valuing native stingless bee propolis and their bioactive potential, which, in addition to geographical differentiation and further quality parameters evaluation, will enhance their commercial exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Mario Zuluaga-Domínguez
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Departamento de Desarrollo Rural y Agroalimentario, Carrera 30 # 45-03 Edificio 500, Bogotá D.C, 111321, Colombia
| | - Carlos Alberto Fuenmayor
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, Carrera 30 # 45-03 Edificio 500, Bogotá D.C, 111321, Colombia
| | - Marta Cecilia Quicazán
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, Carrera 30 # 45-03 Edificio 500, Bogotá D.C, 111321, Colombia
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Herab A, Al-Ghamdi A, Alzahrani K, Elhindi KM, Muddassir M, Kassem HS. A Framework for Quantifying the Strength of Partnerships between Agricultural Cooperatives and Development Actors: A Case Study in Saudi Arabia. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 20:364. [PMID: 36612686 PMCID: PMC9819027 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The issue of the agricultural cooperatives' sustainability in developing their businesses is gaining increasing prominence. Building partnerships between development actors and agricultural cooperatives has been considered an effective strategy for supporting financial capital and addressing sustainability issues collectively. Therefore, this study aimed to address the features and strengths of 33 partnerships established between the Beekeeping Cooperative Association in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia, and other actors between 2016 and 2021. The analysis of the collaborations was based on six criteria: motivations, partnership planning, outputs, governance practices, outcomes, and sustainability of a partnership. Furthermore, we developed a weighted scoring model to control variable selection and submit the strength of each partnership. The findings indicated that most collaborations (45.5%) were signed with the private sector. Furthermore, the honey value chain development was the most frequent reason (69.7%) attracting the partners to engage in the partnerships. Some of the most critical environmental objectives targeted by the partnerships examined were enhancing bee habitat by the diversification of pasture species, management to increase the flowering period, and proper grazing management. All partners achieved their individual goals jointly in 54.5% of the partnerships analyzed. In terms of a partnership's strength, the findings also revealed that only three partnerships (9.1%) were characterized as strong partnerships. This study provides a better understanding of how agricultural cooperatives collaborate with other actors and a basis for assessing the strength of the partnerships. Such information is crucial for developing relevant policies to encourage cooperatives to engage in future sustainability partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Herab
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Society, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Al-Ghamdi
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khodran Alzahrani
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Society, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid M. Elhindi
- Department of Plant Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Muddassir
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Society, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hazem S. Kassem
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Society, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Society, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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Godoy R, Arias I, Venthur H, Quiroz A, Mutis A. Characterization of Two Aldehyde Oxidases from the Greater Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella Linnaeus. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) with Potential Role as Odorant-Degrading Enzymes. Insects 2022; 13:1143. [PMID: 36555053 PMCID: PMC9782417 DOI: 10.3390/insects13121143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Odorant-degrading enzymes (ODEs) are proposed to degrade/inactivate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on a millisecond timescale. Thus, ODEs play an important role in the insect olfactory system as a reset mechanism. The inhibition of these enzymes could incapacitate the olfactory system and, consequently, disrupt chemical communication, promoting and complementing the integrated pest management strategies. Here, we report two novel aldehyde oxidases, AOX-encoding genes GmelAOX2 and GmelAOX3, though transcriptomic analysis in the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella. GmelAOX2 was clustered in a clade with ODE function, according to phylogenetic analysis. Likewise, to unravel the profile of volatiles that G. mellonella might face besides the sex pheromone blend, VOCs were trapped from honeycombs and the identification was made by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed that GmelAXO2 has a sex-biased expression, and qRT-PCR indicated that both GmelAOX2 and GmelAOX3 have a higher relative expression in male antennae rather than female antennae. A functional assay revealed that antennal extracts had the strongest enzymatic activity against undecanal (4-fold) compared to benzaldehyde (control). Our data suggest that these enzymes have a crucial role in metabolizing sex pheromone compounds as well as plant-derived aldehydes, which are related to honeycombs and the life cycle of G. mellonella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Godoy
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Ignacio Arias
- Carrera Bioquímica, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Herbert Venthur
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio Ambiente, CIBAMA, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Andrés Quiroz
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio Ambiente, CIBAMA, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Ana Mutis
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio Ambiente, CIBAMA, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
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Mazur ED, Czopowicz M, Gajda AM. Two Faces of the Screened Bottom Boards-An Ambiguous Influence on the Honey Bee Winter Colony Loss Rate. Insects 2022; 13:1128. [PMID: 36555038 PMCID: PMC9784936 DOI: 10.3390/insects13121128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a citizen science survey on the winter honey bee colony losses in Poland from 2017/18 to 2019/20 to determine the influence of the use of screened bottom boards on the winter colony losses due to various causes. A total of 1035 beekeepers with 40,003 colonies reported valid data. The overall winter colony loss rate ranged from 10.7% to 13.9%, and in every year, the overall winter colony loss rate was higher than 10% (which is considered as acceptable in Poland). The study reveals that the use of screened bottom boards was associated with reduced overall loss rate. However, the nature of this relationship was not the same in terms of all types of colony losses: while the use of screened bottom boards was associated with a reduced mortality rate (management-related colony loss rate due to dead colonies) in which the empty hives were observed (colony depopulation syndrome, CDS), it was associated with an increased mortality rate in which the lack of food was observed (starvation). Given that in our study the role of CDS in the overall colony loss rate was 2.5-fold higher than the role of starvation, the final influence of the use of screened bottom boards on the overall colony loss rate turned out to be beneficial. Given the well-known beneficial role of screened bottom boards in varroosis control, they are highly recommended in beekeeping practices in Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Danuta Mazur
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska St. 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Czopowicz
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska St. 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Maria Gajda
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska St. 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
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Schödl I, Odemer R, Becher MA, Berg S, Otten C, Grimm V, Groeneveld J. Simulation of Varroa mite control in honey bee colonies without synthetic acaricides: Demonstration of Good Beekeeping Practice for Germany in the BEEHAVE model. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9456. [PMID: 36381398 PMCID: PMC9643073 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The BEEHAVE model simulates the population dynamics and foraging activity of a single honey bee colony (Apis mellifera) in great detail. Although it still makes numerous simplifying assumptions, it appears to capture a wide range of empirical observations. It could, therefore, in principle, also be used as a tool in beekeeper education, as it allows the implementation and comparison of different management options. Here, we focus on treatments aimed at controlling the mite Varroa destructor. However, since BEEHAVE was developed in the UK, mite treatment includes the use of a synthetic acaricide, which is not part of Good Beekeeping Practice in Germany. A practice that consists of drone brood removal from April to June, treatment with formic acid in August/September, and treatment with oxalic acid in November/December. We implemented these measures, focusing on the timing, frequency, and spacing between drone brood removals. The effect of drone brood removal and acid treatment, individually or in combination, on a mite-infested colony was examined. We quantify the efficacy of Varroa mite control as the reduction of mites in treated bee colonies compared to untreated bee colonies. We found that drone brood removal was very effective, reducing mites by 90% at the end of the first simulation year after the introduction of mites. This value was significantly higher than the 50-67% reduction expected by bee experts and confirmed by empirical studies. However, literature reports varying percent reductions in mite numbers from 10 to 85% after drone brood removal. The discrepancy between model results, empirical data, and expert estimates indicate that these three sources should be reviewed and refined, as all are based on simplifying assumptions. These results and the adaptation of BEEHAVE to the Good Beekeeping Practice are a decisive step forward for the future use of BEEHAVE in beekeeper education in Germany and anywhere where organic acids and drone brood removal are utilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Schödl
- Department of Ecological ModellingHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZLeipzigGermany
| | - Richard Odemer
- Julius Kühn‐Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated PlantsInstitute for Bee ProtectionBraunschweigGermany
| | - Matthias A. Becher
- Artificial Life Laboratory, Institute of Biology, Karl‐Franzens University GrazGrazAustria
| | - Stefan Berg
- Bavarian State Institute for Viticulture and Horticulture, Institute for Bee Research and BeekeepingVeitshöchheimGermany
| | - Christoph Otten
- Service Centre for Rural Areas (DLR), Expert Centre for Bees and BeekeepingMayenGermany
| | - Volker Grimm
- Department of Ecological ModellingHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZLeipzigGermany
- Plant Ecology and Nature ConservationUniversity of PotsdamPotsdamGermany
| | - Jürgen Groeneveld
- Department of Ecological ModellingHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZLeipzigGermany
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El-Seedi HR, El-Wahed AAA, Zhao C, Saeed A, Zou X, Guo Z, Hegazi AG, Shehata AA, El-Seedi HHR, Algethami AF, Al Naggar Y, Agamy NF, Rateb ME, Ramadan MFA, Khalifa SAM, Wang K. A Spotlight on the Egyptian Honeybee ( Apis mellifera lamarckii). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202749. [PMID: 36290135 PMCID: PMC9597722 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Egyptian honeybee (Apis mellifera lamarckii) is one of the honeybee subspecies known for centuries since the ancient Egypt civilization. The subspecies of the Egyptian honeybee is distinguished by certain traits of appearance and behavior that were well-adapted to the environment and unique in a way that it is resistant to bee diseases, such as the Varroa disease. The subspecies is different than those found in Europe and is native to southern Egypt. Therefore, a special care should be paid to the vulnerable A. m. lamarckii subspecies and greater knowledge about the risk factors as well as conservation techniques will protect these bees. Additionally, more qualitative and quantitative measures will be taken to obtain deep insights into the A. m. lamarckii products’ chemical profile and biological characters. Abstract Egypt has an ongoing long history with beekeeping, which started with the ancient Egyptians making various reliefs and inscriptions of beekeeping on their tombs and temples. The Egyptian honeybee (Apis mellifera lamarckii) is an authentic Egyptian honeybee subspecies utilized in apiculture. A. m. lamarckii is a distinct honeybee subspecies that has a particular body color, size, and high levels of hygienic behavior. Additionally, it has distinctive characteristics; including the presence of the half-queens, an excessive number of swarm cells, high adaptability to climatic conditions, good resistance to specific bee diseases, including the Varro disorder, and continuous breeding during the whole year despite low productivity, using very little propolis, and tending to abscond readily. This review discusses the history of beekeeping in Egypt and its current situation in addition to its morphology, genetic analysis, and distinctive characters, and the defensive behaviors of native A. m. lamarckii subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham R. El-Seedi
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Pharmacognosy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Koom 32512, Egypt
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Intelligent Agriculture and Agri-Products Processing, Jiangsu Education Department, Nanjing 210024, China
- Correspondence: (H.R.E.-S.); (S.A.M.K.); Tel.: +46-700-43-43-43 (H.R.E.-S.)
| | - Aida A. Abd El-Wahed
- Department of Bee Research, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Giza 12627, Egypt
| | - Chao Zhao
- College of Marine Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Aamer Saeed
- Department of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Xiaobo Zou
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Zhiming Guo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Ahmed G. Hegazi
- Zoonotic Diseases Department, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Awad A. Shehata
- Avian and Rabbit Diseases Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 22857, Egypt
- PerNaturam GmbH, An der Trift 8, 56290 Gödenroth, Germany
- Prophy-Institute for Applied Prophylaxis, 59159 Bönen, Germany
| | | | - Ahmed F. Algethami
- Alnahal Aljwal Foundation Saudi Arabia, P.O. Box 617, Makkah 24211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahya Al Naggar
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Neveen F. Agamy
- Nutrition Department, Food Analysis Division, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Mostafa E. Rateb
- School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Mohamed F. A. Ramadan
- Central Agriculture Pesticides Laboratory, Pesticide Analysis Research Department, Agriculture Research Center, Giza 24221, Egypt
| | - Shaden A. M. Khalifa
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (H.R.E.-S.); (S.A.M.K.); Tel.: +46-700-43-43-43 (H.R.E.-S.)
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
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22
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Devkota K, Egan PA, Dos Santos CF, Blochtein B. Beekeeping Livelihood Development in Nepal: Value-Added Opportunities and Professional Support Needs. J Econ Entomol 2022; 115:706-714. [PMID: 35526117 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Beekeeping contributes to poverty reduction in many developing countries, and in addition, provides pollination services for sustainable crop production. In Nepal, management practices associated with beekeeping are poorly characterized, and so the potential for this sector to further contribute to livelihood development remains unclear. This study sought to examine and identify factors associated with production efficiency and financial profitability of beekeeping with the aim of enhancing economic gains for Nepali beekeepers. Our study included a sample of 150 respondents from more than twenty commercial beekeeping districts across the Terai and mountainous regions of Nepal. Profitability of beekeeping with the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) Linnaeus, 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and the Asian honeybee Apis cerana Fabricius, 1793 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) was quantified and disaggregated according to several variables, including hive-derived products produced, marketing strategy employed, number of beehives managed, and postharvest management practices. Our results showed that the different types of management practices adopted (such as number of beehives kept, colony multiplication, supplementary feeding, month of honey harvesting, and marketing approach) significantly influenced the productivity and economic profitability of beekeeping. Our results also revealed that professional supports, such as the availability of subsidies and training, were key factors to enhance productivity. As a whole, this study provides insight into the biological factors and management practices associated with higher economic returns from beekeeping. This work can help guide policymakers and professional support agencies to expand commercial beekeeping for sustainable livelihood development in Nepal and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Devkota
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Faculty of Agriculture, Agricultural and Forestry University, Rampur, PO Box 13712, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - P A Egan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Agricultural and Forestry University, Rampur, PO Box 13712, Chitwan, Nepal
- Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 102, SE-23053, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - C F Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - B Blochtein
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Ribani A, Taurisano V, Utzeri VJ, Fontanesi L. Honey Environmental DNA Can Be Used to Detect and Monitor Honey Bee Pests: Development of Methods Useful to Identify Aethina tumida and Galleria mellonella Infestations. Vet Sci 2022; 9:213. [PMID: 35622741 PMCID: PMC9147136 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) contained in honey derives from the organisms that directly and indirectly have been involved in the production process of this matrix and that have played a role in the hive ecosystems where the honey has been produced. In this study we set up PCR-based assays to detect the presence of DNA traces left in the honey by two damaging honey bee pests: the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) and the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella). DNA was extracted from 82 honey samples produced in Italy and amplified using two specific primer pairs that target the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) of A. tumida and two specific primer pairs that target the same gene in G. mellonella. The limit of detection was tested using sequential dilutions of the pest DNA. Only one honey sample produced in Calabria was positive for A. tumida whereas about 66% of all samples were positively amplified for G. mellonella. The use of honey eDNA could be important to establish early and effective measures to contain at the local (e.g., apiary) or regional scales these two damaging pests and, particularly for the small hive beetle, to prevent its widespread diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisa Ribani
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (A.R.); (V.T.); (V.J.U.)
- GRIFFA srl, Viale Fanin 48, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Valeria Taurisano
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (A.R.); (V.T.); (V.J.U.)
| | - Valerio Joe Utzeri
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (A.R.); (V.T.); (V.J.U.)
- GRIFFA srl, Viale Fanin 48, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Fontanesi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 46, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (A.R.); (V.T.); (V.J.U.)
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Almecija G, Poirot B, Ventelon M, Suppo C. Modelling the impact of Apivar treatment on a Varroa mite population and the influence of resistance. Pest Manag Sci 2022; 78:831-840. [PMID: 34738296 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varroa destructor is a parasite of honeybees. It causes biological damage leading to the colony collapse in the absence of treatment. In recent years, acaricide resistance has emerged in Varroa mites, leading to a decrease in treatment efficacy. We modelled the action of Apivar (amitraz) treatment, using three input parameters: treatment duration, treatment period, and daily mortality due to the treatment. The output parameters were cumulative mite mortality during treatment, the residual number of Varroa mites, and treatment efficacy, expressed as a percentage. RESULTS The model was validated by monitoring efficacy in the field, in 36 treated hives. According to the model, treatment in the absence of brood is optimal. For a long period without egg laying during the winter, an initial infestation of 100 mites and a start date for treatment of August 7, a minimal treatment efficacy of 98.8% is required for stabilization of the mite population for year to year. More effective treatment is associated with lower cumulative numbers of dead Varroa mites over the entire treatment period. Thus, the total number of dead mites observed during the monitoring of field efficacy provides information about more than just the initial level of colony infestation. The proportion of resistant mites can be modelized by a decrease of daily mortality rate influencing treatment efficacy. Management of the initial Varroa mite infestation of the colony by the beekeeper can compensate for the decrease in treatment efficacy for resistance thresholds of up to 40% of resistant mites. CONCLUSION Treatment efficacy depends on several parameters, including initial level of infestation, treatment period and the presence of acaricide resistance. Amitraz resistance may lead to treatment failure, even if the beekeeper is able to keep initial infestation rates low. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Almecija
- Apinov, Scientific Beekeeping & Training Center, 10 rue Henri Bessemer, Lagord, France
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, UMR 7621, CNRS-Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Benjamin Poirot
- Apinov, Scientific Beekeeping & Training Center, 10 rue Henri Bessemer, Lagord, France
| | - Marie Ventelon
- Association for the Development of Beekeeping in Auvergne Rhônes Alpes (ADA AURA), Aubière, France
| | - Christelle Suppo
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, UMR 7621, CNRS-Université de Tours, Tours, France
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25
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Lorenzo Fagnani M. Studying "useful plants" from Maria Theresa to Napoleon: Continuity and invisibility in agricultural science, northern Italy, the late eighteenth to early nineteenth century. Hist Sci 2021; 59:373-406. [PMID: 33624541 DOI: 10.1177/0073275321992914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This article analyzes Italian research and experimentation on the economic potential of certain plant species in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, also providing insight into beekeeping and honey production. It focuses on continuity of method and progress across regimes and on the invisibility of many of the actors involved in the development of agricultural science and food research. Specifically, "continuity" refers to the continuation of certain threads of Old-Regime experimentation by the scientific apparatus put in place during the Napoleonic era. These threads were reworked and strengthened with the new means available to Frenchified Europe. The concept of "invisibility" derives from an expression by Steven Shapin and refers to actors who contributed to the development of agricultural science while remaining in the shadows. These include various types of technicians and members of rural society who supported the scientific work of scholars without receiving overt recognition. Continuity and invisibility were therefore two fundamental components both in the epistemological development of agricultural science and in the improvement of food research. The article analyzes case studies mainly from northern Italy - or rather, the various geopolitical entities existing in this geographical region - during the late Old Regime and the Napoleonic era, comparing them with examples from all over Europe.
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26
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Metz BN, Tarpy DR. Reproductive and Morphological Quality of Commercial Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Drones in the United States. J Insect Sci 2021; 21:6414649. [PMID: 34723330 PMCID: PMC8559163 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Exploration into reproductive quality in honey bees (Apis mellifera Linneaus (Hymenoptera: Apidae) largely focuses on factors that affect queens, with drones primarily being considered insofar as they pass on effects of environmental stressors to the queen and subsequent offspring. In those studies that consider drone quality explicitly, a primary focus has been on the dimorphic nature of drones laid in worker cells (either through rare queen error or worker reproduction) as compared to drones laid by the queen in the slightly larger drone cells. The implication from these studies is that that there exists a bimodality of drone morphological quality that is related to reproductive quality and competitive ability during mating. Our study quantifies the presence of such small drones in commercial populations, finding that rates of 'low-quality' drones are far higher than theoretically predicted under optimum conditions. Observations from commercial colonies also show significant inter-colony variation among the size and fecundity of drones produced, prompting speculation as to the mechanisms inducing such variation and the potential use of drone-quality variation for the colony- or apiary-level exposure to nutrition, agrichemical, or parasitic stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley N Metz
- Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, NC State Apiculture, Campus Box 7613, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7613, USA
| | - David R Tarpy
- Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, NC State Apiculture, Campus Box 7613, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7613, USA
- Biology Graduate Program—Ecology & Evolution, NC State Apiculture, Campus Box 7613, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7613, USA
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Ghosh S, Herren P, Meyer-Rochow VB, Jung C. Nutritional Composition of Honey Bee Drones of Two Subspecies Relative to Their Pupal Developmental Stages. Insects 2021; 12:insects12080759. [PMID: 34442325 PMCID: PMC8396957 DOI: 10.3390/insects12080759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite the use of honey bee brood as food among several communities of the world, the nutritional potential of drones remained unexplored for a long time. In the recent past some scientific endeavour, including our own previous work, has been undertaken to explore the nutrient quality of this food source. Due to their limited socio-biological role, honey bee drones would be a suitable candidate to compare their nutrient content with that of worker honey bees. We therefore investigated the nutrient composition of honey bee drones belonging to two subspecies, namely Apis mellifera carnica and A. m. mellifera covering their pupal developmental period. To possess information of the drones’ nutritional value during their development would help in choosing the most suitable developmental stage for the commercial production of drone brood as food. Abstract We examined the contents of nutritional importance, i.e., amino acids, fatty acids and minerals of different developmental stages of drones of two honey bee subspecies, namely Apis mellifera carnica and A. m. mellifera. The results revealed that, in general, individual amino acid amounts and therefore the total protein increased along with the developmental stages of the drones. No statistically significant differences were found between the same developmental stages of the two subspecies. The reverse, i.e., a decrease with developmental stage occurred in relation to the fatty acid composition. Most of the minerals were higher at advanced developmental stages. Overall, the high protein content (31.4–43.4%), small amount of fat (9.5–11.5%) and abundance of minerals such asiron and zinc, make drones a suitable nutritional resource. Even though nutrient content, especially protein, was higher in the pupae than the prepupae, we propose prepupae also as a commercial product based on their higher biomass production. Provided standard production protocols maintaining hygiene and safety will be adhered to, we propose that drone honey bees can be utilized as human food or animal feed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampat Ghosh
- Agriculture Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Korea; (S.G.); (V.B.M.-R.)
| | - Pascal Herren
- Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, Zürich Campus Grueental, University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), 8820 Waedenswil, Switzerland;
| | - Victor Benno Meyer-Rochow
- Agriculture Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Korea; (S.G.); (V.B.M.-R.)
- Department of Genetics and Ecology, Oulu University, 90140 Oulu, Finland
| | - Chuleui Jung
- Agriculture Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Korea; (S.G.); (V.B.M.-R.)
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Dechatre H, Michel L, Soubeyrand S, Maisonnasse A, Moreau P, Poquet Y, Pioz M, Vidau C, Basso B, Mondet F, Kretzschmar A. To Treat or Not to Treat Bees? Handy VarLoad: A Predictive Model for Varroa destructor Load. Pathogens 2021; 10:678. [PMID: 34070934 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasitic Varroa destructor is considered a major pathogenic threat to honey bees and to beekeeping. Without regular treatment against this mite, honey bee colonies can collapse within a 2–3-year period in temperate climates. Beyond this dramatic scenario, Varroa induces reductions in colony performance, which can have significant economic impacts for beekeepers. Unfortunately, until now, it has not been possible to predict the summer Varroa population size from its initial load in early spring. Here, we present models that use the Varroa load observed in the spring to predict the Varroa load one or three months later by using easily and quickly measurable data: phoretic Varroa load and capped brood cell numbers. Built on 1030 commercial colonies located in three regions in the south of France and sampled over a three-year period, these predictive models are tools designed to help professional beekeepers’ decision making regarding treatments against Varroa. Using these models, beekeepers will either be able to evaluate the risks and benefits of treating against Varroa or to anticipate the reduction in colony performance due to the mite during the beekeeping season.
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Ntawuzumunsi E, Kumaran S, Sibomana L. Self-Powered Smart Beehive Monitoring and Control System (SBMaCS). Sensors (Basel) 2021; 21:s21103522. [PMID: 34069366 PMCID: PMC8158743 DOI: 10.3390/s21103522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Beekeeping in Africa has been practiced for many years through successive generations and along inherited patterns. Beekeepers continue to face challenges in accessing consistent and business-driven markets for their bee products. In addition, the honeybee populations are decreasing due to colony collapse disorder (CCD), fire, loss of bees in swarming, honey buggers and other animals, moths, starvation, cold weather, and Varoa mites. The main issues are related to un-controlled temperature, humidity, and traditional management of beekeeping. These challenges result in low production of honey and colony losses. The control of the environmental conditions within and surrounding the beehives are not available to beekeepers due to the lack of monitoring systems. A Smart Beehive System using Internet of Things (IoT) technology would allow beekeepers to keep track of the amount of honey created in their hives and bee colonies even when they are far from their hives, through mobile phones, which would curtail the challenges currently faced by the beekeepers. However, there are challenges in the design of energy-efficient embedded electronic devices for IoT. A promising solution is to provide energy autonomy to the IoT nodes that will harvest residual energy from ambient sources, such as motion, vibrations, light, or heat. This paper proposes a Self-Powered Smart Beehive Monitoring and Control System (SBMaCS) using IoT to support remote follow-up and control, enhancing bee colonies' security and thus increasing the honey productivity. First, we develop the SBMaCS hardware prototype interconnecting various sensors, such as temperature sensor, humidity sensor, piezoelectric transducer-which will work as a weight sensor-motion sensor, and flame sensor. Second, we introduce energy harvesting models to self-power the SBMaCS by analyzing the (i) energy harvested from adult bees' vibrations, (ii) energy harvesting through the piezoelectric transducer, and (iii) radio frequency energy harvesting. Third, we develop a mobile phone application that interacts with the SBMaCS hardware to monitor and control the various parameters related to the beehives. Finally, the SBMaCS PCB layout is also designed. SBMaCS will help beekeepers to successfully monitor and control some important smart beekeeping activities wherever they are using their mobile phone application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Ntawuzumunsi
- African Center of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT), College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, KN Street Nyarugenge, Kigali 3900, Rwanda
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +250-788-371-497
| | - Santhi Kumaran
- Department of Computer Engineering, School of ICT, Copperbelt University, Kitwe 21692, Zambia;
| | - Louis Sibomana
- National Council of Science and Technology (NCST), Kigali 2285, Rwanda;
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Olate-Olave VR, Verde M, Vallejos L, Perez Raymonda L, Cortese MC, Doorn M. Bee Health and Productivity in Apis mellifera, a Consequence of Multiple Factors. Vet Sci 2021; 8:76. [PMID: 34064359 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8050076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Managed honeybees play an important role as pollinators. The health and nutritional condition of honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera L.) depends for an important part on management practices, and it is influenced by multiple factors. This study aims to identify the stressors that lead to the loss of honeybee health and its consequences on the colony's productivity. Different aspects related to management practices, productivity, clinical observations related to diseases, presence of sanitary gaps in the apiaries, colony strength, weather and infestation rates by Varroa sp. mites were measured. The information was collected during two monitoring in 53 apiaries in the Province of Santa Fe, Argentina. The results show correlations among many of the management practices, health condition and yield. The most important factors affecting the productivity of the studied honeybee colonies were nuclei preparation, the number of combs in the brood chamber, change of bee queen, disinfection of beekeeping material, among other less significant ones. Although honey production is important in the region, the colony strength was deficient and inadequate during both monitoring. Due to its dependence on management by the beekeeper, it is suggested that a holistic approach could improve bee health, increasing the productivity of honeybees.
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Abou-Shaara H, Alashaal SA, Hosni EM, Nasser MG, Ansari MJ, Alharbi SA. Modeling the Invasion of the Large Hive Beetle, Oplostomusfuligineus, into North Africa and South Europe under a Changing Climate. Insects 2021; 12:275. [PMID: 33804941 DOI: 10.3390/insects12040275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Large Hive Beetles (LHBs) are common pests of honeybee colonies, especially in the African continent. The ability of this pest to invade new regions in North Africa and Europe is highlighted in the present study using a species distribution modeling technique in current and future climate change scenarios in 2050 and 2070. In brief, this pest will be a new burden on the beekeeping sector outside Africa, and therefore the development of early monitoring strategies is recommended. Abstract Some beetle species can attack honeybee colonies, causing severe damage to beekeeping. These pests include Oplostomus fuligineus, which is also known as the Large Hive Beetle (LHB). This beetle is native to Sub-Saharan Africa and has recently also been recorded in some parts of North Africa. It feeds mainly on young bee larvae and stored food within the colonies, causing severe damage to weak colonies. The present work sheds light on the current and future distribution (from 2050 to 2070) of this beetle in Africa and South Europe using species distribution modeling. Maxent was used to model the invasion of LHB. The Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) 126 and 585 were used to model the future distribution of LHB. The Maxent models showed satisfactory results with a high Area Under Curve (AUC) value (0.85 ± 0.02). Furthermore, the True Skill Statistics (TSS) value was equal to 0.87. The current and future maps showed a high risk of invasion because of temperature variation in most of the parts of North Africa and South Europe. The maps also predicted the future invasion of LHB into other countries, mainly through southern Europe. These predictive risk maps will help quarantine authorities in highly relevant countries to prevent the expansion of this pest outside of its natural range.
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Vercelli M, Novelli S, Ferrazzi P, Lentini G, Ferracini C. A Qualitative Analysis of Beekeepers' Perceptions and Farm Management Adaptations to the Impact of Climate Change on Honey Bees. Insects 2021; 12:228. [PMID: 33800740 DOI: 10.3390/insects12030228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary This paper addresses climate change effects on honey bees and beekeeping, as observed by the beekeepers. Focus groups were used to identify the perceptions, thoughts and impressions of two groups of beekeepers, regarding their viewpoints and direct observations on the effects of climate change on honey bees and management strategies. Beekeepers reported several consequences related to severe weather events (weakening or loss of colonies; scarcity of nectar, pollen, and honeydew; decrease or lack of honey and other bee products; intensive transhumance; greater infestation by varroa; decline in pollination), making it necessary to provide supplemental sugar feeding, more effective and sustainable techniques for varroa control, and increased production of nuclei. Thanks to their strong motivation and collaborative attitude, beekeepers succeed in adopting strategies that are able to limit the climatic adverse effects. However, the institutional and financial support for the beekeeping sector should be strengthened and better targeted in order to help beekeepers to cope with the specific issues arising due to climatic stresses. Abstract (1) Background: Bees are the primary animal pollinators in most ecosystems, and honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are important providers of pollination ecosystem services and products. Climate change is one of the major threats for honey bees. (2) Objectives and methods: Qualitative research using focus group discussions was carried out in northwestern Italy, to investigate the beekeepers’ perceptions of climate change effects, the relevant management adaptations, and the main issues affecting the sector. (3) Results: Beekeepers reported several consequences related to severe weather events (weakening or loss of colonies; scarcity of nectar, pollen, and honeydew; decrease or lack of honey and other bee products; greater infestation by varroa; decline in pollination), making it necessary to provide supplemental sugar feeding, intensive transhumance, more effective and sustainable techniques for varroa control, and increased production of nuclei. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis was completed, displaying the factors able to strengthen or weaken the resilience of the beekeeping sector to climate change. (4) Conclusions: Thanks to their strong motivation and collaborative attitude, beekeepers succeed in adopting farm and bee hive adaptation strategies that are able to limit the climatic adverse effects. However, these findings highlight how the institutional and financial support for the beekeeping sector should be strengthened and better targeted.
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Zhang G, St. Clair AL, Dolezal AG, Toth AL, O’Neal ME. North American Prairie Is a Source of Pollen for Managed Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae). J Insect Sci 2021; 21:6147288. [PMID: 33620484 PMCID: PMC7901588 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Prairie was a dominant habitat within large portions of North America before European settlement. Conversion of prairies to farmland resulted in the loss of a large proportion of native floral resources, contributing to the decline of native pollinator populations. Efforts to reconstruct prairie could provide honey bees (Apis mellifera) a source of much-needed forage, especially in regions dominated by crop production. To what extent honey bees, which were introduced to North America by European settlers, use plants native to prairies is unclear. We placed colonies with pollen traps within reconstructed prairies in central Iowa to determine which and how much pollen is collected from prairie plants. Honey bee colonies collected more pollen from nonnative than native plants during June and July. During August and September, honey bee colonies collected more pollen from plants native to prairies. Our results suggest that honey bees' use of native prairie plants may depend upon the seasonality of both native and nonnative plants present in the landscape. This finding may be useful for addressing the nutritional health of honey bees, as colonies in this region frequently suffer from a dearth of forage contributing to colony declines during August and September when crops and weedy plants cease blooming. These results suggest that prairie can be a significant source of forage for honey bees in the later part of the growing season in the Midwestern United States; we discuss this insight in the context of honey bee health and biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Zhang
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Ashley L St. Clair
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Adam G Dolezal
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Amy L Toth
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Matthew E O’Neal
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- Corresponding author,
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Castagna A, Benelli G, Conte G, Sgherri C, Signorini F, Nicolella C, Ranieri A, Canale A. Drying Techniques and Storage: Do They Affect the Nutritional Value of Bee-Collected Pollen? Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25214925. [PMID: 33114449 PMCID: PMC7663774 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25214925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the effect of different drying processes (freeze-drying (FD), microwave-assisted drying (MWD) and classic hot air drying (HAD)) on the polyphenols, flavonoids, and amino acids content was investigated on bee-collected chestnut, willow and ivy pollen for human consumption. Furthermore, the pollen chemical properties were monitored after three and six months of storage, and then analyzed using a multivariate approach. Chestnut pollen was the richest source of polyphenols, flavonoids, and rutin, while ivy pollen contained the highest amount of total and free amino acids, and total and free proline. Drying and storage affected pollen chemical composition with species-dependent effects. MWD allowed the best retention of flavonoids in chestnut pollen for up to six months of storage. All drying techniques led to a depletion of flavonoids in willow pollen; however, MWD ensured the highest flavonoids content after six months. FD and MWD did not lead to flavonoids depletion in ivy pollen during storage. Additionally, storage did not affect the rutin content, which was highest in FD willow samples after six months. Notably, both FD and MWD techniques are efficient in preserving amino acids-related quality of bee pollen up to six months of storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Castagna
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (G.C.); (C.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (G.C.); (C.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0502216141
| | - Giuseppe Conte
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (G.C.); (C.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Sgherri
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (G.C.); (C.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Francesca Signorini
- Consorzio Polo Tecnologico Magona, via Magona snc, Cecina, 57023 Livorno, Italy;
| | - Cristiano Nicolella
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile e Industriale, Università di Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Annamaria Ranieri
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (G.C.); (C.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Angelo Canale
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (A.C.); (G.C.); (C.S.); (A.R.); (A.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Catania P, Vallone M. Application of A Precision Apiculture System to Monitor Honey Daily Production. Sensors (Basel) 2020; 20:s20072012. [PMID: 32260116 PMCID: PMC7181046 DOI: 10.3390/s20072012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Precision beekeeping or precision apiculture is an apiary management strategy based on the monitoring of individual bee colonies to minimize resource consumption and maximize the productivity of bees. Bees play a fundamental role in ensuring pollination; they can also be considered as indicators of the state of pollution and are used as bio monitors. Beekeeping needs continuous monitoring of the animals and can benefit from advanced intelligent ambiance technologies. The aim of this study was the design of a precision apiculture system (PAS) platform for monitoring and controlling the following environmental parameters: wind, temperature, and relative humidity inside and outside the hive, in order to assess their influence on honey production. PAS is based on an Arduino board with an Atmel microcontroller, and the connection of a load cell for recording the weight of the hive, relative humidity and temperature sensor inside the hive, and relative humidity and temperature sensor outside the hive using an anemometer. PAS was installed in common hives and placed in an open field in a French honeysuckle plot; the system was developed to operate in continuous mode, monitoring the period of 24 April–1 June 2019. Temperature was constant in the monitored period, around 35 °C, inside the hive, proving that no criticalities occurred regarding swarming or absconding. In the period between 24 and 28 May, a lack of honey production was recorded, attributed to a lowering of the external temperature. PAS was useful to point out the eventual reduction in honey production due to wind; several peaks of windiness exceeding 5 m s−1 were recorded, noting that honey production decreases with the peaks in wind. Therefore, the data recorded by PAS platform provided a valid decisional support to the operator. It can be implemented by inserting additional sensors for detecting other parameters, such as rain or sound.
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Harada R, Yoshioka M, Okuyama H, Kato M, Martin SJ, Takahashi JI. Complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of the parasitic honey bee mite Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae). Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2020; 5:635-636. [PMID: 33366680 PMCID: PMC7748463 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2019.1711219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Varroa destructor is a parasite mite of the eastern honey bee Apis cerana, which is native to Asia. The European honey bee Apis mellifera was imported to Asia from Europe and the USA for apiculture in the 19th century. In a short period of time, V. destructor parasitized the artificially introduced honey bees. Varroa destructor was estimated to have spread around the world with A. mellifera when it was exported from Asia to locations worldwide about 50 years ago. The mitochondrial DNA of the parasitic honey bee mite V. destructor was analyzed using next-generation sequencing. The complete mitochondrial genome of V. destructor was identified as a 16,476-bp circular molecule containing 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one AT-rich control region. The heavy strand was predicted to have nine PCGs and 13 tRNA genes, whereas the light strand was predicted to contain four PCGs, nine tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. All PCGs began with ATA as the start codon, except COIII and CytB, which had ATG as the start codon. Stop codons were of two types: TAA for eight genes and TAG for five genes. Molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that V. destructor from Japan was genetically distant from that of France. A high base substitution rate of 2.82% was also confirmed between the complete mitochondrial DNA sequences of V. destructor from Japan and the USA, suggesting that one Varroa mite strain found in the USA is not from Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reona Harada
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masato Yoshioka
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hisashi Okuyama
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Stephen J Martin
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, The University of Salford, Manchester, UK
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Ramos OY, Basualdo M, Libonatti C, Vega MF. Current status and application of lactic acid bacteria in animal production systems with a focus on bacteria from honey bee colonies. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 128:1248-1260. [PMID: 31566847 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely distributed in nature and, due to their beneficial effects on the host, are used as probiotics. This review describes the applications of LAB in animal production systems such as beekeeping, poultry, swine and bovine production, particularly as probiotics used to improve health, enhance growth and reproductive performance. Given the importance of honeybees in nature and the beekeeping industry as a producer of healthy food worldwide, the focus of this review is on the coexistence of LAB with honeybees, their food and environment. The main LAB species isolated from the beehive and their potential technological use are described. Evidence is provided that 43 LAB bacteria species have been isolated from beehives, of which 20 showed inhibition against 28 species of human and animal pathogens, some of which are resistant to antibiotics. Additionally, the presence of LAB in the beehive and their relationship with antibacterial properties of honey and pollen is discussed. Finally, we describe the use of lactic bacteria from bee colonies and their antimicrobial effect against foodborne pathogens and human health. This review broadens knowledge by highlighting the importance of honeybee colonies as suppliers of LAB and functional food.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Y Ramos
- PROANVET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Basualdo
- PROANVET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C Libonatti
- PROANVET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M F Vega
- PROANVET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Bartlett LJ, Rozins C, Brosi BJ, Delaplane KS, de Roode JC, White A, Wilfert L, Boots M. Industrial bees: The impact of apicultural intensification on local disease prevalence. J Appl Ecol 2019; 56:2195-2205. [PMID: 31588148 PMCID: PMC6771535 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
It is generally thought that the intensification of farming will result in higher disease prevalences, although there is little specific modelling testing this idea. Focussing on honeybees, we build multi-colony models to inform how "apicultural intensification" is predicted to impact honeybee pathogen epidemiology at the apiary scale.We used both agent-based and analytical models to show that three linked aspects of apicultural intensification (increased population sizes, changes in population network structure and increased between-colony transmission) are unlikely to greatly increase disease prevalence in apiaries. Principally this is because even low-intensity apiculture exhibits high disease prevalence.The greatest impacts of apicultural intensification are found for diseases with relatively low R0 (basic reproduction number), however, such diseases cause little overall disease prevalence and, therefore, the impacts of intensification are minor. Furthermore, the smallest impacts of intensification are for diseases with high R0 values, which we argue are typical of important honeybee diseases. Policy Implications: Our findings contradict the idea that apicultural intensification by crowding honeybee colonies in large, dense apiaries leads to notably higher disease prevalences for established honeybee pathogens. More broadly, our work demonstrates the need for informative models of all agricultural systems and management practices in order to understand the implications of management changes on diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis J. Bartlett
- Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
- Department of BiologyEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgia
| | - Carly Rozins
- Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCalifornia
| | - Berry J. Brosi
- Department of Environmental SciencesEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgia
| | | | | | - Andrew White
- Department of MathematicsHeriot‐Watt UniversityEdinburghUK
| | - Lena Wilfert
- Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation GenomicsUniversity of UlmUlmGermany
| | - Michael Boots
- Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCalifornia
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Requier F, Garnery L, Kohl PL, Njovu HK, Pirk CWW, Crewe RM, Steffan-Dewenter I. The Conservation of Native Honey Bees Is Crucial. Trends Ecol Evol 2019; 34:789-98. [PMID: 31072605 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have emphasized the role of the western honey bee, Apis mellifera, as a managed agricultural species worldwide, but also as a potential threat to endangered wild pollinators. This has resulted in the suggestion that honey bees should be regulated in natural areas to conserve wild pollinators. We argue that this perspective fails to appreciate the multifaceted nature of honey bees as native or introduced species with either managed or wild colonies. Wild populations of A. mellifera are currently imperiled, and natural areas are critical for the conservation of local subspecies and genotypes. We propose that a differentiation between managed and wild populations is required and encourage integrated conservation planning for all endangered wild bees, including A. mellifera.
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Jovetić MS, Redžepović AS, Nedić NM, Vojt D, Đurđić SZ, Brčeski ID, Milojković-Opsenica DM. Urban honey - the aspects of its safety. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2018; 69:264-74. [PMID: 30285946 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2018-69-3126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To contribute to the development of urban beekeeping, we designed this study to obtain more information about the contamination of urban bee products with toxic metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and pesticides. The samples of honey (N=23), pollen (N=13), and floral nectar (N=6) were collected from the experimental stationary apiary of the Belgrade University Faculty of Agriculture located in centre of Zemun (a municipality of the Belgrade metropolitan area) in 2015 and 2016. Metals (Pb, Cd, As, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, and Hg) were determined with inductively coupled plasma quadrupole mass spectrometry (ICP-QMS). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analysed with high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). Pesticides were analysed with gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The honey samples were generally within the European and Serbian regulatory limits. The levels of all the 123 analysed pesticides were below the limit of quantification (LOQ). Regarding PAH levels in honey, the highest content was found for naphthalene. The elevated levels of Hg and Cr and of PAHs in the pollen samples indicated air pollution. Pesticide residues in pollen, however, were below the LOQ. In nectar, metal levels were relatively similar to those in honey. Our results suggest that the investigated urban honey meets the regulatory requirements for metals, PAHs, and pesticides and is therefore safe for consumption.
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Lee KV, Goblirsch M, McDermott E, Tarpy DR, Spivak M. Is the Brood Pattern within a Honey Bee Colony a Reliable Indicator of Queen Quality? Insects 2019; 10:insects10010012. [PMID: 30626029 PMCID: PMC6359415 DOI: 10.3390/insects10010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Failure of the queen is often identified as a leading cause of honey bee colony mortality. However, the factors that can contribute to “queen failure” are poorly defined and often misunderstood. We studied one specific sign attributed to queen failure: poor brood pattern. In 2016 and 2017, we identified pairs of colonies with “good” and “poor” brood patterns in commercial beekeeping operations and used standard metrics to assess queen and colony health. We found no queen quality measures reliably associated with poor-brood colonies. In the second year (2017), we exchanged queens between colony pairs (n = 21): a queen from a poor-brood colony was introduced into a good-brood colony and vice versa. We observed that brood patterns of queens originally from poor-brood colonies significantly improved after placement into a good-brood colony after 21 days, suggesting factors other than the queen contributed to brood pattern. Our study challenges the notion that brood pattern alone is sufficient to judge queen quality. Our results emphasize the challenges in determining the root source for problems related to the queen when assessing honey bee colony health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen V Lee
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Ave, Suite 219, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA.
| | - Michael Goblirsch
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Ave, Suite 219, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA.
| | - Erin McDermott
- Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - David R Tarpy
- Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Marla Spivak
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Ave, Suite 219, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA.
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Prodělalová J, Malenovská H, Moutelíková R, Titěra D. Virucides in apiculture: persistence of surrogate enterovirus under simulated field conditions. Pest Manag Sci 2017; 73:2544-2549. [PMID: 28643881 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Honeybee viruses have been recognized as being among the most important factors leading to colony losses worldwide. Colony food and faeces are regarded as possible sources of infectious viruses able to contaminate the environment and equipment of apiaries. Thus, methods for elimination of viruses are required. No cell culture assay for testing the effect of disinfectants on honeybee viruses is yet available. Therefore, surrogate virus was employed for testing of the efficacy of iodophor- and peracetic acid-based disinfectants in combination with six organic contaminants at +6 °C and +22 °C. Moreover, we evaluated the persistence of the surrogate in honey at +6 °C, +22 °C, and +50 °C. RESULTS Iodophor-based disinfectant showed a maximum reduction of virus titre of 3.4 log10 . Peracetic acid reduced the titre (≥4 log10 ) only at 22 °C and without yeast extract/bovine serum albumin. After 25 days of incubation of the virus - honey mix, no decrease of virus titre was observed at +6 °C, whereas a significant reduction (3.5 log10 ) was found at +50 °C already after 1 day. CONCLUSIONS Both tested disinfectants can serve as appropriate virucides in apiaries. The effect of peracetic acid significantly depended on temperature and organic contaminants. The iodophor-based disinfectant showed a stable antiviral effect at different temperatures and with different contaminants. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Prodělalová
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Malenovská
- Collection of Animal Pathogenic Microorganisms, Department of Bacteriology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Romana Moutelíková
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Titěra
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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43
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Neumann P, Blacquière T. The Darwin cure for apiculture? Natural selection and managed honeybee health. Evol Appl 2017; 10:226-230. [PMID: 28250807 PMCID: PMC5322407 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent major losses of managed honeybee, Apis mellifera, colonies at a global scale have resulted in a multitude of research efforts to identify the underlying mechanisms. Numerous factors acting singly and/or in combination have been identified, ranging from pathogens, over nutrition to pesticides. However, the role of apiculture in limiting natural selection has largely been ignored. This is unfortunate, because honeybees are more exposed to environmental stressors compared to other livestock and management can severely compromise bee health. Here, we briefly review apicultural factors that influence bee health and focus on those most likely interfering with natural selection, which offers a broad range of evolutionary applications for field practice. Despite intense breeding over centuries, natural selection appears to be much more relevant for the health of managed A. mellifera colonies than previously thought. We conclude that sustainable solutions for the apicultural sector can only be achieved by taking advantage of natural selection and not by attempting to limit it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee HealthVetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Tjeerd Blacquière
- Bees@wurBio‐interactions and Plant HealthWageningen URWageningenThe Netherlands
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44
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Abstract
Beekeeping had its origins in honey hunting-the opportunistic stealing of honey from wild honey bee nests. True beekeeping began when humans started providing artificial cavities within which the bees could build comb for the queen to lay her eggs and the workers could process honey. By 2450 BCE, the Egyptians had developed sophisticated apiculture, and, within two millennia, beekeeping with horizontal hives had spread throughout the Mediterranean. During Europe's Middle Ages, honey and wax became important commodities for trade, and beekeeping in skep, log, box, and tree hives flourished to meet the demand. Other species of honey bees contributed to the development and spread of beekeeping in Asia beginning around 300 BCE. Meanwhile, beekeeping evolved independently in Mesoamerica with the stingless bee Melipona beecheii, as documented by archaeological finds and written accounts that survived Spanish conquest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene Kritsky
- Department of Biology, Mount St. Joseph University, Cincinnati, Ohio 45233;
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45
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Jaffé R, Pope N, Acosta AL, Alves DA, Arias MC, De la Rúa P, Francisco FO, Giannini TC, González-Chaves A, Imperatriz-Fonseca VL, Tavares MG, Jha S, Carvalheiro LG. Beekeeping practices and geographic distance, not land use, drive gene flow across tropical bees. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:5345-5358. [PMID: 27662098 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Across the globe, wild bees are threatened by ongoing natural habitat loss, risking the maintenance of plant biodiversity and agricultural production. Despite the ecological and economic importance of wild bees and the fact that several species are now managed for pollination services worldwide, little is known about how land use and beekeeping practices jointly influence gene flow. Using stingless bees as a model system, containing wild and managed species that are presumed to be particularly susceptible to habitat degradation, here we examine the main drivers of tropical bee gene flow. We employ a novel landscape genetic approach to analyse data from 135 populations of 17 stingless bee species distributed across diverse tropical biomes within the Americas. Our work has important methodological implications, as we illustrate how a maximum-likelihood approach can be applied in a meta-analysis framework to account for multiple factors, and weight estimates by sample size. In contrast to previously held beliefs, gene flow was not related to body size or deforestation, and isolation by geographic distance (IBD) was significantly affected by management, with managed species exhibiting a weaker IBD than wild ones. Our study thus reveals the critical importance of beekeeping practices in shaping the patterns of genetic differentiation across bee species. Additionally, our results show that many stingless bee species maintain high gene flow across heterogeneous landscapes. We suggest that future efforts to preserve wild tropical bees should focus on regulating beekeeping practices to maintain natural gene flow and enhancing pollinator-friendly habitats, prioritizing species showing a limited dispersal ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Jaffé
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, Rua Boaventura da Silva 955, 66055-090, Belém, PA, Brazil. .,Department of Ecology, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão 321, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Nathaniel Pope
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, 401 Biological Laboratories, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - André L Acosta
- Department of Ecology, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão 321, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Denise A Alves
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, Universidade de São Paulo, Av Pádua Dias 11, 13418-900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria C Arias
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão 321, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Pilar De la Rúa
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Flávio O Francisco
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tereza C Giannini
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, Rua Boaventura da Silva 955, 66055-090, Belém, PA, Brazil.,Department of Ecology, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão 321, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Adrian González-Chaves
- Department of Ecology, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão 321, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vera L Imperatriz-Fonseca
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, Rua Boaventura da Silva 955, 66055-090, Belém, PA, Brazil.,Department of Ecology, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão 321, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mara G Tavares
- Department of General Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. P H Rolfs, s/n, 36570-000, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Shalene Jha
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, 401 Biological Laboratories, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Luísa G Carvalheiro
- Department of Ecology, Universidade de Brasília, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
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46
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Nasir NFM, Kannan TP, Sulaiman SA, Shamsuddin S, Azlina A, Stangaciu S. The relationship between telomere length and beekeeping among Malaysians. Age (Dordr) 2015; 37:9797. [PMID: 26028466 PMCID: PMC4450150 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-015-9797-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The belief that beekeepers live longer than anyone else is present since ages. However, no research has been done to explore the longevity of life in beekeepers. Here, we investigated the telomere length in 30 male beekeepers and 30 male non-beekeepers and associated them with the longevity of life using Southern analysis of terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) generated by Hinf I/Rsa I digestion of human genomic DNA using TeloTAGGG Telomere Length Assay. Interestingly, we found that the telomere length of male beekeepers was significantly longer than those of male non-beekeepers with a p value of less than 0.05, suggesting that beekeepers may have longer life compared to non-beekeepers. We further found that the consumption of bee products for a long period and frequent consumption of bee products per day are associated with telomere length. An increase of year in consuming bee products is associated with a mean increase in telomere length of 0.258 kbp. In addition, an increase in frequency of eating bee products per day was also associated with a mean increase of 2.66 kbp in telomere length. These results suggested that bee products might play some roles in telomere length maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thirumulu Ponnuraj Kannan
- />School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150 Malaysia
- />Human Genome Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150 Malaysia
| | - Siti Amrah Sulaiman
- />Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150 Malaysia
| | - Shaharum Shamsuddin
- />School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150 Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Azlina
- />School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150 Malaysia
| | - Stefan Stangaciu
- />Apitherapy Consulting & Trading International SRL, Sat Mereni, str. Principala nr. 106A, Comuna Contesti, Dambovita 137133 Romania
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47
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Çelıksoy MH, Sancak R, Söğüt A, Güner SN, Korkmaz A. Characteristics of venom allergic reactions in Turkish beekeepers and alternative treatment modalities. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2014; 4:555-8. [PMID: 24668848 DOI: 10.1002/alr.21314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this work was to determine the characteristics of allergic reactions that may occur after a bee sting and alternative treatment methods in Turkish beekeepers. METHODS A written questionnaire was administered to beekeepers from the Ordu, Samsun, Sinop, Amasya, and Çorum provinces located in the Central Black Sea Region of Turkey. RESULTS The study included 301 beekeepers, 295 (98%) of whom were male. Their mean age was 48.2 ± 11.5 years. The mean beekeeping duration was 15.3 ± 10.5 years. A total of 270 participants (89.9%) had a history of bee stings in the previous 12 months. Systemic reactions, large local reactions, and local reactions were seen in 21 (6.9%), 193 (64.1%), and 12 (4.0%) beekeepers, respectively. The face was the most frequently stung body site, and swelling generally occurred in the eyelids. The size of the swellings decreased within 12 to 24 hours in 259 (86.1%) beekeepers. The size of the swellings was 1 × 2 cm in diameter in 157 (52.2%) beekeepers. Natural protection against bee stings had developed by 12 months in 140 (46.5%) beekeepers. In total, 61.5% of the beekeepers applied alternative treatments (eg, garlic, onion water, yogurt), whereas 14.0% (3/21) were admitted to a hospital with a systemic reaction. In total, 10.6% and 14.2% of beekeepers were aware of adrenaline auto-injector and venom immunotherapy, respectively. CONCLUSION This study indicates insufficient knowledge and attitudes among Turkish beekeepers regarding bee sting reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Halil Çelıksoy
- Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Samsun, Turkey
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48
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De la Rúa P, Jaffé R, Muñoz I, Serrano J, Moritz RFA, Kraus FB. Conserving genetic diversity in the honeybee: comments on Harpur et al. (2012). Mol Ecol 2013; 22:3208-10. [PMID: 24433572 DOI: 10.1111/mec.12333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The article by Harpur et al. (2012) 'Management increases genetic diversity of honey bees via admixture' concludes that '…honey bees do not suffer from reduced genetic diversity caused by management and, consequently, that reduced genetic diversity is probably not contributing to declines of managed Apis mellifera populations'. In the light of current honeybee and beekeeping declines and their consequences for honeybee conservation and the pollination services they provide, we would like to express our concern about the conclusions drawn from the results of Harpur et al. (2012). While many honeybee management practices do not imply admixture, we are convinced that the large-scale genetic homogenization of admixed populations could drive the loss of valuable local adaptations. We also point out that the authors did not account for the extensive gene flow that occurs between managed and wild/feral honeybee populations and raise concerns about the data set used. Finally, we caution against underestimating the importance of genetic diversity for honeybee colonies and highlight the importance of promoting the use of endemic honeybee subspecies in apiculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar De la Rúa
- Dpto. de Zoología y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
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49
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Alqarni AS, Hannan MA, Owayss AA, Engel MS. The indigenous honey bees of Saudi Arabia (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Apis mellifera jemenitica Ruttner): Their natural history and role in beekeeping. Zookeys 2011:83-98. [PMID: 22140343 PMCID: PMC3229212 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.134.1677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Apis mellifera jemenitica Ruttner (= yemenitica auctorum: videEngel 1999) has been used in apiculture throughout the Arabian Peninsula since at least 2000 BC. Existing literature demonstrates that these populations are well adapted for the harsh extremes of the region. Populations of Apis mellifera jemenitica native to Saudi Arabia are far more heat tolerant than the standard races often imported from Europe. Central Saudi Arabia has the highest summer temperatures for the Arabian Peninsula, and it is in this region where only Apis mellifera jemenitica survives, while other subspecies fail to persist. The indigenous race of Saudi Arabia differs from other subspecies in the region in some morphological, biological, and behavioral characteristics. Further taxonomic investigation, as well as molecular studies, is needed in order to confirm whether the Saudi indigenous bee populations represent a race distinct from Apis mellifera jemenitica, or merely an ecotype of this subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz S Alqarni
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, PO Box 2460, KSA
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