Article
Entomology
Mariana Reyes-Quintana, Paul H. Goodwin, Adriana Correa-Benitez, Roberto Pelaez-Hernandez, Ernesto Guzman-Novoa
Summary: Genetic variability of Varroa destructor mites varies between different regions, possibly due to the movement of infested bees and climate factors. Mites collected in Canada showed higher variability compared to those in Mexico, which could be attributed to the cooler climate or earlier invasion.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Matthieu Guichard, Benoit Droz, Evert W. Brascamp, Adrien von Virag, Markus Neuditschko, Benjamin Dainat
Summary: Selection of honey bee traits related to resistance against Varroa destructor requires easily measurable field traits. Two new evaluation protocols, 'Recapping' and 'Solidness', were introduced to assess potential colony resistance traits. However, both traits showed low repeatability, with 'Recapping' having low heritability and a negative correlation with hygienic behavior. Further research is needed to confirm results due to the small number of evaluated colonies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joshua N. G. Marti, Verena Kilchenmann, Christina Kast
Summary: The study aimed to determine residue levels of pesticides in Swiss commercial beeswax, and found that coumaphos and tau-fluvalinate were the most prominent contaminants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Stephen Smith, Arrigo Moro, Grace P. Mccormack
Summary: Beekeeping in Ireland has been heavily impacted by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, but local beekeepers have shown success in managing the pest without treatments. This opens up the possibility of developing varroa-resistant stocks through selection of local colonies. A survey found that Irish beekeepers have a strong willingness to participate in national breeding programs and prefer varroa-resistant lines of native origin, highlighting an opportunity for Ireland to establish community-driven strategies for sustainable beekeeping and conservation of native honeybees.
Article
Entomology
Julia J. Vieira, Casey L. Johnson, Elizabeth M. Varkonyi, Howard S. Ginsberg, Kassie L. Picard, Matthew K. Kiesewetter, Steven R. Alm
Summary: This study investigates new methods for managing Varroa destructor. Due to the difficulties in obtaining Varroa destructor, the research uses other species as surrogates to test new control methods. The results show that formic acid and acetic acid have high toxicity to all test species, and also explore the method of application required to cause mortality.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Rassol Bahreini, Cassandra Docherty, David Feindel, Samantha Muirhead
Summary: Among the tested Varroacides, Apivar demonstrated the highest efficacy (89%) in a 24-hour assessment, while Bayvarol (58%), Apistan (44%), and CheckMite (6%) showed lower efficacy. The Apiarium technique revealed a case of phenotypic resistance to Bayvarol, Apistan, and CheckMite in the mite population evaluated, while CheckMite was found to be toxic to bees in the Mason jar method. The study concluded that the Apiarium methodology provided a reliable technique to measure Varroacide efficacy and identify phenotypic resistance in V. destructor.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Cameron J. Jack, Kaylin Kleckner, Fabien Demares, Leslie C. Rault, Troy D. Anderson, Paul R. Carlier, Jeffrey R. Bloomquist, James D. Ellis
Summary: Amitraz showed the highest toxicity to Varroa, while carbamate 2 was nearly as active and more selective due to lower bee toxicity. Carbamate 1 was less toxic to bees than Amitraz, but also less toxic to the mites. Matrine and FlyNap (R) were relatively ineffective against Varroa and moderately toxic to bees.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Balazs Kolics, Eva Kolics, Kinga Matyas, Janos Taller, Andras Specziar
Summary: The Varroa mite is a dangerous pest threatening honey bee colonies, and lithium-based treatments may provide an alternative solution, but more research is needed.
Article
Biology
Isobel Grindrod, Stephen J. Martin
Summary: The deadly association between the ecto-parasitic mite and Deformed wing virus has led to the deaths of millions of bee colonies, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, requiring regular acaricide application for survival. However, an increasing number of bee populations globally have been surviving without mite control methods, showing long-term survival associated with specific traits.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mira Stankovic, Milos Prokopijevic, Branko Sikoparija, Nebojsa Nedic, Filip Andric, Natalija Polovic, Maja Natic, Ksenija Radotic
Summary: This study aimed to find a promising marker for honey bee colony infestation level using fluorescence spectroscopy and biochemical analyses. The results indicate that the catalase activity in honey and the PFC1 spectral component may be reliable markers for the V. destructor infestation level of the colonies.
Article
Entomology
Michael Light, Dave Shutler, Nicoletta Faraone, G. Christopher Cutler, N. Kirk Hillier
Summary: To locate honey bee hosts, parasitic Varroa destructor mites rely on tactile and chemosensory cues. Altering these cues in the honey bee colony environment may help manage Varroa destructor mite populations. Through experiments, we found that chemical compounds detected in honey bee colonies or extracted from honey bees and mites affected Varroa destructor's locomotion behavior. The mites appear to use multiple cues to navigate within a colony environment.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Michelina Pusceddu, Desiderato Annoscia, Ignazio Floris, Davide Frizzera, Virginia Zanni, Alberto Angioni, Alberto Satta, Francesco Nazzi
Summary: The study found that honeybees use propolis to combat their major ectoparasite Varroa destructor, which has a positive effect on honeybees and potential impact on Varroa population. This discovery sheds light on the behavioral immunity of animals and could have significant implications for managing threats to honeybees globally.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Robyn M. Underwood, Brooke L. Lawrence, Nash E. Turley, Lizzette D. Cambron-Kopco, Parry M. Kietzman, Brenna E. Traver, Margarita M. Lopez-Uribe
Summary: Honey bee colony management is essential for mitigating stressors, and variations in beekeeper practices result in different management systems. A longitudinal study experimentally tested three representative management systems (conventional, organic, and chemical-free) and found that conventional and organic systems had equivalent survival rates, but were 2.8 times greater than chemical-free systems. Honey production was also higher in conventional and organic systems. Significant differences were found in pathogen levels and gene expression. The study highlights the importance of beekeeping practices in colony survival and productivity, and suggests organic management as a sustainable approach.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tong Wu, Jing Gao, Yong Soo Choi, Dong Won Kim, Bo Han, Sa Yang, Ying Lu, Yuxin Kang, Hanchao Du, Qingyun Diao, Pingli Dai
Summary: This study investigates the combined effects of Varroa destructor and chlorothalonil exposure on honey bees. It found that the interaction between V. destructor and chlorothalonil had an additive effect on honey bee survival and gene expression. Downregulation of genes related to tissue growth and caste differentiation may contribute to the mortality of honey bees. The study also observed abnormal morphology and altered nuclei and vacuoles in the fat body tissue of honey bees exposed to V. destructor and chlorothalonil. These findings highlight the potential adverse effects of biotic and abiotic stressors on honey bees.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kathleen A. Dogantzis, Tanushree Tiwari, Ida M. Conflitti, Alivia Dey, Harland M. Patch, Elliud M. Muli, Lionel Garnery, Charles W. Whitfield, Eckart Stolle, Abdulaziz S. Alqarni, Michael H. Allsopp, Amro Zayed
Summary: The study revealed that the western honey bee Apis mellifera originated in Asia, underwent multiple expansions, and experienced selection on specific genomic hotspots. A core set of genes associated with worker and colony traits facilitated the adaptive radiation of honey bees across their vast distribution.
Editorial Material
Entomology
Beatrice R. Barletti, Ana Asensio, Carlo Polidori, Marino Quaranta, Pilar De la Rua
Summary: In this study, we rediscovered the presence of Lasioglossum marginatum in Eastern Sicily after 45 years without records, and its existence was confirmed by DNA barcoding. This species is the only known eusocial sweat bee with perennial colonies, suggesting its rarity in Sicily.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Elena Alonso-Prados, Amelia Virginia Gonzalez-Porto, Carlos Garcia-Villarubia, Jose Antonio Lopez-Perez, Silvia Valverde, Jose Bernal, Raquel Martin-Hernandez, Mariano Higes
Summary: This study investigated the impact of thiamethoxam exposure on honey bee colonies in Central Spain and found that stress from thiamethoxam and bee pathogens was compensated by adjustments in colony dynamics and an increase in worker bee population, without causing colony collapse. While there was an increase in dead bees in the thiamethoxam-exposed apiary, there were no significant differences in terms of colony strength and pathogen evolution compared to the control group.
Article
Entomology
Robert Brodschneider, Johannes Schlagbauer, Iliyana Arakelyan, Alexis Ballis, Jan Brus, Valters Brusbardis, Luis Cadahia, Jean-Daniel Charriere, Robert Chlebo, Mary F. Coffey, Bram Cornelissen, Cristina Amaro da Costa, Ellen Danneels, Jiri Danihlik, Constantin Dobrescu, Garth Evans, Mariia Fedoriak, Ivan Forsythe, Ales Gregorc, Jes Johannesen, Lassi Kauko, Preben Kristiansen, Maritta Martikkala, Raquel Martin-Hernandez, Ewa Mazur, Franco Mutinelli, Solenn Patalano, Aivar Raudmets, Noa Simon Delso, Jevrosima Stevanovic, Aleksandar Uzunov, Flemming Vejsnaes, Anthony Williams, Alison Gray
Summary: This study surveyed beekeepers in 30 European countries and found significant variations in the methods used to control Varroa destructor, a parasitic mite in honey bee colonies. The most commonly used control methods include amitraz, oxalic acid, and formic acid. The study also identified three distinct clusters in Europe based on the control methods used.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Alison Gray, Adjlane Noureddine, Alireza Arab, Alexis Ballis, Valters Brusbardis, Adrian Bugeja Douglas, Luis Cadahia, Jean-Daniel Charriere, Robert Chlebo, Mary F. Coffey, Bram Cornelissen, Cristina Amaro da Costa, Ellen Danneels, Jiri Danihlik, Constantin Dobrescu, Garth Evans, Mariia Fedoriak, Ivan Forsythe, Ales Gregorc, Iliyana Ilieva Arakelyan, Jes Johannesen, Lassi Kauko, Preben Kristiansen, Maritta Martikkala, Raquel Martin-Hernandez, Ewa Mazur, Carlos Aurelio Medina-Flores, Franco Mutinelli, Eslam M. Omar, Solenn Patalano, Aivar Raudmets, Gilles San Martin, Victoria Soroker, Philip Stahlmann-Brown, Jevrosima Stevanovic, Aleksandar Uzunov, Flemming Vejsnaes, Anthony Williams, Robert Brodschneider
Summary: This article presents the managed honey bee colony loss rates across 37 countries during the winter of 2019/20. The study reveals an overall colony winter loss rate of 18.1%, higher than the previous year. The research also highlights that beekeepers with larger operations, migration practices, and a higher proportion of new queens experience lower loss rates.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Sandra Alejandro Mateo, Iris Azami-Conesa, Barbara Martin-Maldonado, Natalia Pastor-Tiburon, Raquel Martin-Hernandez, Fernando Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Maria Teresa Gomez-Munoz
Summary: This study evaluated an adapted real-time PCR method for diagnosing different genotypes and species of avian oropharyngeal trichomonads and found multiple genotypes and species in Bonelli's eagles samples. The results showed a higher detection rate of real-time PCR compared to end-point PCR, with a melting temperature value of 83.45 degrees Celsius, and the identification of a trichomonad species reported for the first time in Bonelli's eagles.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Simon Hodge, Oliver Schweiger, Alexandra-Maria Klein, Simon G. Potts, Cecilia Costa, Matthias Albrecht, Joachim R. de Miranda, Marika Mand, Pilar De la Rua, Maj Rundlof, Eleanor Attridge, Robin Dean, Philippe Bulet, Denis Michez, Robert J. Paxton, Aurelie Babin, Nicolas Cougoule, Marion Laurent, Anne-Claire Martel, Laurianne Paris, Marie-Pierre Riviere, Eric Dubois, Marie-Pierre Chauzat, Karim Arafah, Dalel Askri, Sebastien N. Voisin, Tomasz Kiljanek, Irene Bottero, Christophe Dominik, Giovanni Tamburini, Maria Helena Pereira-Peixoto, Dimitry Wintermantel, Tom D. Breeze, Elena Cini, Deepa Senapathi, Gennaro Di Prisco, Piotr Medrzycki, Steffen Hagenbucher, Anina Knauer, Janine M. Schwarz, Risto Raimets, Vicente Martinez-Lopez, Kjell Ivarsson, Chris Hartfield, Pamela Hunter, Mark J. E. Brown, Jane C. Stout
Summary: To understand the negative impacts on insects in agricultural landscapes, it is important to assess multiple stressors and their interactions across large geographical scales. The PoshBee project established a network of 128 study sites across Europe and collected measurements and samples related to various aspects of the bees' environment. This paper describes the development process, rationale, and outcomes of the project, highlighting the challenges and actions that may benefit future large-scale studies.
Article
Ecology
Ignasi Bartomeus, Jose B. Lanuza, Thomas J. Wood, Luisa Carvalheiro, Francisco P. Molina, Miguel Angel Collado, Luis Oscar Aguado-Martin, David Alomar, Marian Alvarez Fidalgo, Piluca Alvarez Fidalgo, Montse Arista, Blanca Arroyo-Correa, Josep D. Asis, Celeste Azpiazu, Laura Banos-Picon, Pedro Beja, Mario Boieiro, Paulo A. V. Borges, Guillermo Gonzalez Bornay, Rafael Carvalho, Ramon Casimiro-Soriguer, Silvia Castro, Joana Costa, Ian Cross, Pilar De la Rua, Luis Miguel de Pablos, Victor de Paz, Joan Diaz-Calafat, Victoria Ferrrero, Hugo Gaspar, Guillaume Ghisbain, Jose M. Gomez, Carmelo Gomez-Martinez, Miguel A. Gonzalez-Estevez, Ruben Heleno, Jose M. Herrera, Jose I. Hormaza, Jose M. Iriondo, Michael Kuhlmann, Paola Laiolo, Carlos Lara-Romero, Amparo Lazaro, Jesus Lopez-Angulo, Francisco A. Lopez-Nunez, Joao Loureiro, Ainhoa Magrach, Vicente Martinez-Lopez, Carlos Martinez-Nunez, Denis Michez, Marcos Minarro, Ana Montero-Castano, Bruno Moreira, Javier Morente-Lopez, Nacho Noval Fonseca, Alejandro Nunez Carbajal, Jose R. Obeso, Concepcion Ornosa, Francisco J. Ortiz-Sanchez, Daniel Pareja Bonilla, Sebastien Patiny, Andreia Penado, Ana Picanco, Emilie F. Ploquin, Pierre Rasmont, Carla Rego, Pedro J. Rey, Elisa Ribas-Marques, Stuart P. M. Roberts, Marta Rodriguez, Natalia Rosas-Ramos, Ana M. Sanchez, Silvia Santamaria, Estefania Tobajas, Jose Tormos, Felix Torres, Alejandro Trillo, Javier Valverde, Montserrat Vila, Elisa Vinuela
Summary: This study presents a collaborative effort to create a database of Iberian bee occurrences, which is crucial for understanding and conserving bee biodiversity in the Iberian Peninsula.
Article
Entomology
Ana R. Lopes, Raquel Martin-Hernandez, Mariano Higes, Sara Kafafi Segura, Dora Henriques, M. Alice Pinto
Summary: In this study, the invasive pathogen Nosema ceranae was detected for the first time in honey bees of the Madeira archipelago, indicating its spread across the Macaronesia. Nosema apis was not detected, and the high prevalence (67.7%) of N. ceranae suggests its dominance over N. apis.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Silvia Valverde, Jesus A. Tapia, Araceli Perez-Sanz, Amelia Gonzalez-Porto, Mariano Higes, Juan J. Lucena, Raquel Martin-Hernandez, Jose Bernal
Summary: The mineral composition of 71 bee pollen samples from 4 different apiaries was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The results showed no significant differences in mineral content per sample based on apiary or harvesting period. Phosphorus and potassium were the most common elements, with concentrations ranging from 2.3 to 5.1 g/kg (dry weight). The analyzed samples had similar or higher mineral content than recommended for a balanced bee diet. In terms of human nutritional value, bee pollen samples were found to be rich in copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus. A canonical discriminant analysis successfully distinguished the apiary of origin using the first three canonical functions, and over 90% of samples were correctly assigned. The harvesting period could be distinguished using the first two canonical functions, with a 100% success rate.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Review
Entomology
Felix Valcarcel, L. Elhachimi, M. Vila, L. Tomassone, M. Sanchez, S. M. A. Selles, M. Kouidri, M. G. Gonzalez, R. Martin-Hernandez, A. Valcarcel, N. Fernandez, J. M. Tercero, J. Sanchis, J. Bellido-Blasco, A. Gonzalez-Coloma, A. S. Olmeda
Summary: This review summarizes all the information on Hyalomma lusitanicum, including taxonomy and evolution, morphological and molecular identification, life cycle, sampling methods, rearing under laboratory conditions, ecology, hosts, geographical distribution, seasonality, vector role, and control methods. The availability of this data is crucial for the development of effective control strategies.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nonno Hasegawa, Maeva A. Techer, Noureddine Adjlane, Muntasser Sabah al-Hissnawi, Karina Antunez, Alexis Beaurepaire, Krisztina Christmon, Helene Delatte, Usman H. Dukku, Nurit Eliash, Mogbel A. A. El-Niweiri, Olivier Esnault, Jay D. Evans, Nizar J. Haddad, Barbara Locke, Irene Munoz, Gregoire Noel, Delphine Panziera, John M. K. Roberts, Pilar De la Rua, Mohamed A. Shebl, Zoran Stanimirovic, David A. Rasmussen, Alexander S. Mikheyev
Summary: This study used phylogeographic analysis based on whole-genome data to reconstruct the origins and spread of deformed wing viruses (DWV) transmitted by the varroa mite. The results suggest that DWV-A likely originated in East Asia and spread in the mid-20th century, while DWV-B was acquired more recently from a source outside East Asia and appears to be absent from the original varroa host.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alvaro Uruena, Nuria Blasco-Lavilla, Pilar De la Rua
Summary: Honey bees' health is affected by various factors, including agrochemical use and diseases. This study examines the interaction between pesticides and Nosema ceranae, a microsporidium, and their effects on gene expression, sugar consumption, and mortality in honey bees. The results show that exposure to sulfoxaflor increases sugar intake and alters gene expression in bees infected with N. ceranae. Additionally, sulfoxaflor is the only pesticide that increased honey bee mortality. These findings highlight the importance of studying the interaction between stressors to understand their impact on honey bee and wild bee health.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Antonio Jose Garcia-Meseguer, Adrian Villastrigo, Juana Maria Miron-Gaton, Andres Millan, Josefa Velasco, Irene Munoz
Summary: In this study, microsatellite markers were designed for the first time for evolutionary and ecological research on aquatic beetles from the genus Ochthebius. Next-generation sequencing technology was used to construct libraries and obtain 20 markers. The complete mitochondrial genomes of three Ochthebius species were also retrieved. The SSR panels and mitochondrial genomes will be valuable for future research on species identification, diversity, genetic structure, and population connectivity in highly dynamic and threatened habitats.
