Article
Entomology
Robert Brodschneider, Elfriede Kalcher-Sommersguter, Sabrina Kuchling, Vincent Dietemann, Alison Gray, Janko Bozic, Andrejs Briedis, Norman L. Carreck, Robert Chlebo, Karl Crailsheim, Mary Frances Coffey, Bjorn Dahle, Amelia Virginia Gonzalez-Porto, Janja Filipi, Dirk C. de Graaf, Fani Hatjina, Pavlos Ioannidis, Nicoleta Ion, Asger Sogaard Jorgensen, Preben Kristiansen, Antoine Lecocq, Jean-Francois Odoux, Asli Ozkirim, Magnus Peterson, Blaz Podriznik, Sladan Rasic, Gina Retschnig, Aygun Schiesser, Simone Tosi, Flemming Vejsnaes, Geoffrey Williams, Jozef J. M. van der Steen
Summary: The study on the diversity of pollen collected by honey bee colonies revealed the importance of diverse pollen sources for bee health, with urban and artificial surface habitats associated with higher pollen color diversity.
Article
Entomology
Carlos Aurelio Medina-Flores, Marco Lopez-Carlos, Octavio Carrillo-Muro, Alison Gray
Summary: Honey bees are important pollinators that benefit the environment and agriculture. Beekeeping is an important economic activity, but it faces high colony loss rates, especially during winter. To investigate this problem, beekeepers from five states in Mexico were surveyed after six consecutive winters (2016-2017 to 2021-2022). The results showed an average colony loss rate of 22%, with variations between years. Migration practice and beekeeping operation size did not affect the losses, but Varroa control reduced colony losses. The main causes of loss were queen problems and dead colonies or empty hives, with differences between the analyzed winters. The study highlights the high loss rates in the region and suggests strategies for improvement.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emmanuel Schaad, Marion Fracheboud, Benoit Droz, Christina Kast
Summary: Pesticide contamination of bee products is widespread. We developed an analytical method to monitor pesticide contamination in bee bread. The study revealed significant variability in pesticide occurrence and concentrations among different bee colonies. This study provides a reliable approach for pesticide monitoring campaigns.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuqi Wu, Yufei Zheng, Shuai Wang, Yanping Chen, Junyi Tao, Yanan Chen, Gongwen Chen, Hongxia Zhao, Kai Wang, Kun Dong, Fuliang Hu, Ye Feng, Huoqing Zheng
Summary: The intra-species diversity of gut microbiota in two closely related honey bee species, A. cerana and A. mellifera, shows distinct functional differences in core bacterial species between the hosts. However, the overall functional profiles of the gut microbiomes of the two honey bee species converge, likely due to overlapping ecological niches. This study provides critical insights into the evolution and functional roles of mutualistic microbiota in honey bees.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amandeep Singh, Satwinder Kaur Sohal, Narinderdeep Singh, Saroj Arora, Samiksha Fnu
Summary: Pesticides pose significant hazards to human health and non-target organisms. Honey bees are valuable indicators of pesticide residue and environmental pollutants. This study establishes a model for using honey bees as a quick monitoring bioindicator to maintain a pesticide or pollutant database of selected areas for regular environmental monitoring.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Entomology
Thomas D. Seeley
Summary: Thomas Seeley's research focuses on collective intelligence and natural lives of honey bees. By studying their behavior and social life, he reveals how a honey bee colony functions as a single decision-making unit in the wild.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Daniel Cook, Boyd Tarlinton, James M. McGree, Alethea Blackler, Caroline Hauxwell
Summary: Strength auditing of European honey bee colonies is critical for colony health management. This study evaluates the use of temperature sensing technology in colony strength assessment and identifies key parameters linking temperature to colony strength. The presence of bees in hives significantly affects hive temperature and range, and sensor placement across the width of the hive is important when linking sensor data with colony strength. Statistical models can be used to predict colony strength from temperature sensor data.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aleksandra Patenkovic, Marija Tanaskovic, Pavle Eric, Katarina Eric, Milica Mihajlovic, Ljubisa Stanisavljevic, Slobodan Davidovic
Summary: Urbanization impacts the genetic diversity of honey bees, causing high genetic differentiation between feral and managed colonies. Feral honey bees in urban areas have distinct patterns of genetic diversity and can adapt to human-modified environments.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Adam Tofilski, Eliza Cauia, Adrian Siceanu, Gabriela Oana Visan, Dumitru Cauia
Summary: The study revealed significant changes in wing venation of Romanian honey bees over the past four decades, but the two major subpopulations separated by mountains remain distinct. This suggests that natural variation among honey bees is still preserved despite hybridization between native and non-native bees. To aid in the conservation efforts, a method for identifying native Romanian bees was developed.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Yamandu Mendoza, Estela Santos, Sabrina Clavijo-Baquett, Ciro Invernizzi
Summary: Research on the relationship between bees and Varroa destructor mites in Uruguay found that bees in the eastern region have resistance to mites, able to survive without acaricides, and this resistance is maintained in other regions as well.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Gongwen Chen, Yuqi Wu, Jie Deng, Zhengsheng Wen, Shuai Wang, Yanping Chen, Fuliang Hu, Huoqing Zheng
Summary: Keeping colonies of both western honey bees and eastern honey bees in close proximity in China increases opportunities for parasite and pathogen spillover. A large-scale survey conducted over a year revealed common viral infections in both bee species, with differences in infection dynamics between bee species or seasons. Varroa destructor infestation may contribute to the high susceptibility of A. mellifera to certain viruses, while others pose a greater threat to A. cerana. Cross-regional and cross-species spread of viruses was suggested by phylogenetic analyses, highlighting the need for effective disease management strategies to improve bee health.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ashley L. St Clair, Ge Zhang, Adam G. Dolezal, Matthew E. O'Neal, Amy L. Toth
Summary: Large scale agricultural production can reduce habitat availability for wild bees and lead to population declines. The presence of managed honey bee colonies may not have an immediate negative impact on wild bees. Instead, wild bees respond strongly to landscape composition, with lower species richness in landscapes dominated by crops. Woodland and grassland habitats have the greatest positive effect on bee richness.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
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
Microbiology
Francesca Gaggia, Rasmus Riemer Jakobsen, Daniele Alberoni, Loredana Baffoni, Simone Cutajar, David Mifsud, Dennis Sandris Nielsen, Diana Di Gioia
Summary: This study compared the gut microbiota of two different subspecies of honey bees and found that there are differences in the microbial composition between Maltese and Italian subspecies, indicating that the environment is the main driver in shaping the gut microbiota.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Coline Monchanin, Amaury Blanc-Brude, Erwann Drujont, Mohammed Mustafa Negahi, Cristian Pasquaretta, Jerome Silvestre, David Baque, Arnaud Elger, Andrew B. Barron, Jean-Marc Devaud, Mathieu Lihoreau
Summary: The study revealed that even trace levels of the element lead can have dramatic effects on honey bee cognitive abilities and morphological development, potentially altering key colony functions and pollination services.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Usman H. Dukku, Stefan Fuchs, Gayaunan Danailu, Bernd Grunewald, Adam Tofilski, Per Kryger, Marina D. Meixner
Summary: This study investigates the geographical distribution of morphological and mitochondrial variation in Western honey bees in West and Central Africa. The findings indicate significant differences in the shape of the forewing among ecological zones and a correlation with latitude, longitude, and altitude. There was also a noticeable geographic pattern in the size of bees. The analysis of mitochondrial DNA identified four haplotypes, with limited overall haplotype diversity. Small bees predominantly had the A1 haplotype, while larger bees had either the A4 or A4' haplotype.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Janja Filipi, Vladan Stojnic, Mario Mustra, Ross N. Gillanders, Vedran Jovanovic, Slavica Gajic, Graham A. Turnbull, Zdenka Babic, Nikola Kezic, Vladimir Risojevic
Summary: Legacy landmines in post-conflict areas pose non-discriminatory lethal hazards that can remain active for decades. Expensive, time-consuming, and dangerous efforts are required to detect these explosive devices. Utilizing honeybees as bioaccumulation and biomonitoring animals, a system combining passive sampling and active search methods has been developed to survey areas, reduce suspected hazardous areas, and ensure quality control in humanitarian demining operations.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Beata Bak, Jaroslaw Szkola, Jakub Wilk, Piotr Artiemjew, Jerzy Wilde
Summary: This study investigated the possibility of using an electronic nose to diagnose American foulbrood in bee colonies. The results of the experiment showed that the artificial nose tested has practical potential. The Beesensor V.2 along with properly selected classification techniques can become a tool to facilitate rapid diagnosis of American foulbrood under field conditions.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Chao Chen, Melanie Parejo, Jamal Momeni, Jorge Langa, Rasmus O. Nielsen, Wei Shi, Rikke Vingborg, Per Kryger, Maria Bouga, Andone Estonba, Marina Meixner
Summary: This study compared the effectiveness of individual sequencing (ind-seq) and pool sequencing (pool-seq) in inferring population genetic structure and diversity. The results showed that, if cost is not a limiting factor, ind-seq can provide similar population genetic structure inference with the advantage of individual genetic information. Additionally, it significantly reduces the effort required for sample collection and processing in the laboratory.
Article
Entomology
Dario de Nart, Cecilia Costa, Gennaro di Prisco, Emanuele Carpana
Summary: Four models based on convolutional neural networks were used to investigate the use of image recognition techniques on honey bee wings to discriminate among subspecies. The models achieved high accuracy values and outperformed traditional morphometric evaluation. Inception models showed the highest accuracies and precision for most classes. This study demonstrates that automatic image recognition and machine learning can reliably classify honey bee subspecies, offering a useful tool for breeding and conservation purposes.
Article
Entomology
Rya Seltzer, Paz Kahanov, Yosef Kamer, Amots Hetzroni, Malgorzata Bienkowska, Abraham Hefetz, Victoria Soroker
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hygienic behavior in reducing Varroa infestation in honey bees. By selecting honey bee populations with high and low rates of hygienic behavior and evaluating the cost and benefits of the selection process, the study found that breeding bees with hygienic behavior traits makes them more resistant to Varroa infestation.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Dora Henriques, Cecilia Costa, Jose Rufino, Maria Alice Pinto
Summary: We assembled the mitochondrial genome of Apis mellifera siciliana and found a close mitochondrial relationship between it and other African subspecies.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES
(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
Medicine, General & Internal
Vesela Mitkovska, Spas Dzhoglov, Doychin Boyadzhiev, Teodora Staykova, Teodora Popova, Penka Vasileva, Ivan Stoyanov, Evgeniya N. Ivanova
Summary: Male infertility is a serious public health problem with a direct connection to negative demographic trends. This study analyzed the degree of DNA damage in the spermatozoa of men with reproductive problems. The results showed significant relationships between sperm DNA damage and environmental factors, and confirmed the negative impact of certain factors on sperm health.
Article
Entomology
Rya Seltzer, Yosef Kamer, Paz Kahanov, Aleksandra Splitt, Malgorzata Bienkowska, Abraham Hefetz, Victoria Soroker
Summary: This study focuses on enhancing hygienic behavior in honey bees through breeding programs. The research finds that both drones and queens significantly contribute to the phenotype of offspring, with drones having a consistent and significant influence on the hygienic performance of the progeny.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Ajda Moskric, Anja Pavlin, Katarina Mole, Andraz Marinc, Jernej Bubnic, Andreja Opara, Marin Kovacic, Zlatko Puskadija, Aleksandar Uzunov, Sreten Andonov, Bjorn Dahle, Janez Presern
Summary: The purpose of this study was to explore short-term storage methods for preserving, transporting, and retrieving genetic information in the honeybee queen's spermatheca. We tested six different storage conditions for the spermathecas and two DNA extraction methods. Our results showed that median DNA concentration was generally lower in spermathecas excised prior to storage compared to those dissected from whole queens after storage. However, there was no significant effect of storage or DNA extraction method on amplification success. We recommend using ethanol as a storing reagent due to its availability, low cost, simplicity, and ability to preserve DNA samples during transport at room temperature.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Arianna Pignagnoli, Stefano Pignedoli, Emanuele Carpana, Cecilia Costa, Aldo Dal Pra
Summary: This study conducted a life cycle assessment based on ISO 14040 and 14044 to evaluate the climate change impact on beekeeping. The results showed that transport and supplement feeding were the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Migratory beekeeping systems had a greater impact on climate change compared to nonmigratory ones. A simple benchmark tool, the wildflower honey climate index, was developed to predict honey yield based on the survey context.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jerzy Paleolog, Jerzy Wilde, Marek Gancarz, Dariusz Wiacek, Agnieszka Nawrocka, Aneta Strachecka
Summary: Pesticides have negative effects on honeybee health, and we studied the impact of the imidacloprid pesticide on the bioelement body content in honey bees. We discovered that even sublethal doses of the pesticide can cause severe bioelement deficiencies and imbalances, as well as increase toxic bioelements. Therefore, we suggest adding bioelements to the honey bee diet as an important preventive health measure in pesticide-exposed bee farms and apiaries.
Review
Entomology
Aleksandar Uzunov, Sreten Andonov, Bjorn Dahle, Marin Kovacic, Janez Presern, Goran Aleksovski, Magdalena Jovanovska, Borce Pavlov, Zlatko Puskadija, Jakob Wegener, Egoitz Galartza, Ricarda Scheiner, Ralph Buechler
Summary: This paper provides a detailed description of the methodology used for observing the flight behavior of queen bees and drones during the expected mating period. It also provides information about the required equipment, tools, and step-by-step description of the observation and recordkeeping process.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Paulina Berglund, Sreten Andonov, Erling Strandberg, Susanne Eriksson
Summary: This study investigated the possibility of broadening the breeding goal by selecting for racing time per km over different race lengths. It found that there was a strong genetic correlation between racing time per km at different distances, but some re-ranking among stallions based on distance-specific breeding values.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS
(2023)
