Article
Biology
Ahmad A. Al-Ghamdi, Hossam F. Abou-Shaara, Mohammad Javed Ansari
Summary: This study assessed the effects of mint, cinnamon, and chamomile on bee colony health and development. The results indicated that the cinnamon group showed accelerated wax foundation building and the lowest Varroa mite infestation rates, while the chamomile group exhibited significantly better colony development compared to the other groups, and the mint group showed no significant variations compared to the control group in most parameters. The safety of all feeding types to bees was also indicated based on morphological characteristics and bee survival results.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Beatrice T. Nganso, Baldwyn Torto
Summary: African savannah honey bees A. m. scutellata deposit more propolis in their colonies during periods of increased worker brood rearing, suggesting a prophylactic use to protect their young brood. The ethanolic extract of propolis may contain mite deterrent compounds.
Article
Ecology
Kilmer Oliveira Soares, Celso Jose Bruno de Oliveira, Adriana Evangelista Rodrigues, Priscylla Carvalho Vasconcelos, Nubia Michelle Vieira da Silva, Octavio Gomes da Cunha Filho, Christopher Madden, Vanessa L. Hale
Summary: The study found that tetracycline exposure significantly affected the gut microbial composition and diversity of Africanized honey bees. Exposure to tetracycline resulted in decreased relative abundances of key core microbes, potentially negatively impacting bee health. Therefore, understanding the effects of agrochemicals on bees is crucial given their global ecological and economic importance as pollinators.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ben A. Woodcock, Lucy Ridding, M. Gloria Pereira, Darren Sleep, Lindsay Newbold, Anna Oliver, Richard F. Shore, James M. Bullock, Matthew S. Heard, Hyun S. Gweon, Richard F. Pywell
Summary: The European Union instigated a moratorium on neonicotinoid seed treatments in 2013, but allowed their use on non-flowering crops like winter wheat. While clothianidin detection rates remained constant over three years, thiamethoxam residues disappeared and imidacloprid detection was infrequent but persistent. The highest neonicotinoid residues were associated with honey produced by foraging on oilseed rape and wild plants, leading to a full EU ban in 2018.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Marcos Raul Tejerina, Marcelo Rafael Benitez-Ahrendts
Summary: Beekeeping is a major economic activity in Argentina, and the emerging disease called ascosferosis caused by the fungus Ascosphaera apis is posing a threat to bee colonies. This study focused on hybrid bees from northern Argentina and fungal strains from Spain to determine the susceptibility of local bees to A. apis. The results provide insights into the pathogenic effect of Spanish fungal strains on bees in northern Argentina.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
E. Zache, J. F. Cajueiro, A. Q. Andrade Neto, L. Almeida, R. R. Colares, J. A. B. Afonso, M. Souza, A. Arenales
Summary: This case report describes a donkey attacked by Africanized honeybees, resulting in severe anaphylactic shock and death. Necropsy findings revealed subcutaneous edema and pulmonary hyperemia, while microscopic examination showed eosinophilic infiltration in the lungs, a first in mammals.
ARQUIVO BRASILEIRO DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA E ZOOTECNIA
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Isabelli Sayuri Kono, Roberta Lemos Freire, Eloiza Teles Caldart, Fernando de Souza Rodrigues, Julian Andrade Santos, Lucas Gabriel Dionisio Freire, Tatiane Cargnin Faccin
Summary: The study found that bee accidents increased by 207.61% from the first to the last year of the study. The incidence varied by geographical region; the southern region had more bee accidents, while the Northern region had more deaths caused by bee accidents. Additionally, climatic conditions were associated with susceptibility to bee stings, with higher incidence during spring and summer. Age was also linked to fatality rate, with the elderly having the highest fatality rate.
Article
Biology
Raquel T. de Sousa, Robyn Darnell, Geraldine A. Wright
Summary: Micronutrient intake in honeybees is regulated with certain limitations, as they prefer solutions with specific concentrations of sodium, iron, and copper to avoid toxicity.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Michael N. K. Muturi, Anna Papach, H. Michael G. Lattorff, Peter Neumann
Summary: This study tested the efficacy of top frame supplied cardboard traps for small hive beetles, but found that their effectiveness was extremely low (0.9%) and significantly less effective than traps placed on the bottom board.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Harmen P. Hendriksma, Kevin K. Hsiung, Heather C. Bell, James C. Nieh
Summary: Scutellata-hybrid honey bee colonies have stronger defensive abilities against German yellowjackets compared to managed European honey bee colonies, indicating that defensive traits in different honey bee subspecies may play a crucial role in countering threats from invasive wasps and hornets.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amina Ezzeroug Ezzraimi, Nadji Hannachi, Antoine Mariotti, Clara Rolland, Anthony Levasseur, Sophie Alexandra Baron, Jean-Marc Rolain, Laurence Camoin-Jau
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the interaction between Escherichia coli and platelets, evaluate the antibacterial effect of platelets, and assess bacterial effects on platelet activation. The results showed that platelets inhibited the growth of certain strains while promoting the growth of others. The degree of platelet activation was negatively correlated with bacterial growth.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Irina V. Mikheyeva, Jiawei Sun, Kerwyn Casey Huang, Thomas J. Silhavy
Summary: This study demonstrates that loss of BamD in Escherichia coli leads to reduction in outer membrane proteins (OMPs), weakening the outer membrane and altering cell shape. This results in outer membrane rupture in spent medium. In response to the loss of OMPs, phospholipids flip into the outer leaflet, creating tension between the membrane leaflets and contributing to membrane rupture. Suppressor mutations that halt phospholipid removal prevent rupture but do not restore membrane stiffness or normal cell shape, suggesting a possible connection between outer membrane stiffness and cell shape.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shenhang Cheng, Pingli Dai, Ren Li, Zhibin Chen, Pingzhuo Liang, Xiaoping Xie, Congai Zhen, Xiwu Gao
Summary: Honeybees are crucial for pollination, biodiversity, and nutrients provision. However, the abundance and diversity of honeybees are declining rapidly, possibly due to the use of the insecticide sulfoxaflor. Few studies have investigated the negative effects of sulfoxaflor on honeybees at environmentally relevant concentrations.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(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
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Han Wang, Fang Yang, Zhe-wen Song, Hao-tian Shao, Dong-ying Bai, Yan-bo Ma, Tao Kong, Fan Yang
Summary: This study found that the challenge of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) affects the pharmacokinetics of danofloxacin in broilers, leading to decreased AUC, Cmax, and t(1/2 lambda z) parameters, and increased Tmax and lambda z parameters.
Article
Parasitology
Vincent Odhiambo Nyasembe, David Poumo Tchouassi, Martha Njeri Muturi, Christian W. W. Pirk, Catherine L. Sole, Baldwyn Torto
Summary: This study investigated the effects of three plants on the survival, fecundity, and egg viability of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti. Results showed that different plant diets had varying impacts on the reproductive fitness of the mosquitoes, influencing their disease transmission potential.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
C. Wanjiku, D. P. Tchouassi, C. L. Sole, C. Pirk, B. Torto
Summary: The study revealed that plant sugar feeding behavior of Aedes aegypti varies by sex and season at different dengue endemicity sites in Kenya. The mosquitoes acquired diverse sugars from host plants in the families Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, and Rosaceae. This provides insights for future studies on the olfactory basis for host plant attraction in developing vector monitoring and control tools.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bethelihem Mekonnen, Xavier Cheseto, Christian Pirk, Abdullahi Yusuf, Sunday Ekesi, Emilie Deletre, Baldwyn Torto
Summary: The African weaver ant, used as a biological control agent for pest management, has various exocrine glands in the abdomen with unique chemical compositions, potentially influencing the physiological and behavioral functions of the ant species.
Article
Entomology
Akua K. Antwi-Agyakwa, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Christian W. W. Pirk, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed, Sunday Ekesi, Baldwyn Torto
Summary: The African citrus triozid is a significant pest of citrus, where guava and garlic are potential non-host plants that can be utilized in pest management to repel Trioza erytreae.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Ecology
Pascal M. Ayelo, Christian W. W. Pirk, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Anais Chailleux, Samira A. Mohamed, Emilie Deletre
Summary: Kairomones are chemical signals that mediate interspecific interactions beneficial to organisms that detect the cues. Natural enemies eavesdrop on kairomones during foraging behavior and are likely to elicit stronger olfactory responses in natural enemies. Kairomone-based lures can be used to reduce insect pest populations and crop damage in an environmentally friendly way, and future studies should focus on the application of kairomone blends to improve biological control strategies.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Pascal M. Ayelo, Samira A. Mohamed, Anais Chailleux, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Christian W. W. Pirk, Emilie Deletre
Summary: The braconid koinobiont endoparasitoid Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris is attracted to T. absoluta larvae-infested tomato plant volatiles, larval frass, and the sex pheromone of T. absoluta. Behavioral assays and chemical analyses reveal quantitative and qualitative differences in volatile emission between healthy and infested tomato plants, with specific compounds like alpha-pinene, sabinene, and methyl salicylate standing out. The parasitoid is most attracted to a blend of alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene, alpha-phellandrene, alpha-terpinene, beta-ocimene, methyl salicylate, and (E)-beta-caryophyllene.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Pascal M. Ayelo, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Christian W. W. Pirk, Anais Chailleux, Samira A. Mohamed, Emilie Deletre
Summary: The study found that Nesidiocoris tenuis is more attracted to tomato volatiles when the plants are infested by Tuta absoluta, but not necessarily by Trialeurodes vaporariorum. The predator is also attracted to T. absoluta larval frass, but not to T. vaporariorum honeydew or T. absoluta sex pheromone.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Zoe Langlands, Esther E. du Rand, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Christian W. W. Pirk
Summary: HPG development in honey bee workers is age-dependent and varies according to tasks performed. Differences in HPG development were observed between honey bee subspecies and in the presence of a parasitic clone lineage.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Thies H. Buescher, Dennis S. Petersen, Nienke N. Bijma, Fabian Baeumler, Christian W. W. Pirk, Sebastian Buesse, Lars Heepe, Stanislav N. Gorb
Summary: Bee lice are small parasitic flies that are adapted to live on bees. Their attachment system, particularly the feet morphology with strongly broadened claws, allows them to securely grip the fine hairs of the bee, ensuring their survival. The tarsal structure of the bee lice produces strong attachment forces, with safety factors around 1130, and enables both stability and fast detachment when needed.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pascal Mahukpe Ayelo, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Anais Chailleux, Samira A. Mohamed, Christian W. W. Pirk, Emilie Deletre
Summary: In this study, we investigated the olfactory responses of the parasitoid E. formosa to odours from honeydew and nymphs of T. vaporariorum. We found that honeydew volatiles attracted the parasitoid, but odours from the whitefly nymphs did not. Additionally, the parasitoid spent more time searching on areas treated with extracts of honeydew and nymphs. Gas-chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis revealed that the honeydew volatiles contained compounds that are known to be attractive to E. formosa.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biology
Susan W. Nicolson
Summary: The composition and concentration of nectar, the main floral reward for pollinators, vary greatly. Nectar quality is not solely determined by sugar concentration, but also by various non-sugar components such as amino acids and secondary metabolites. These components play important roles in the nutrition, health, and disease prevention of pollinators. Additionally, the water component of nectar, which is often overlooked, is also crucial. Nectar properties are influenced by environmental factors, pollinator visits, and microbial contamination. The ability of pollinators to adapt to and benefit from the variation and diversity in nectar chemistry is vital for pollination mutualisms.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biology
Philip C. Stevenson, Hauke Koch, Susan W. Nicolson, Mark J. F. Brown
Summary: Evidence suggests that pollinator abundance and diversity are at risk, and natural processes may provide solutions to their deteriorating outlook. Existing studies focus on individual and colony decline, but a more comprehensive research approach at the ecological level of communities is necessary.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Kevin Malod, Esther E. Du Rand, C. Ruth Archer, Susan W. Nicolson, Christopher W. Weldon
Summary: This study examines the effects of diets with different protein-carbohydrate ratios on oxidative damage and antioxidant protection in the marula fly. The results suggest that diet plays a role in mediating trade-offs between lifespan and fecundity, but reactive oxygen species play a minimal role in this process.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Susan W. Nicolson, Hannelie Human, Christian W. W. Pirk
Summary: Honey bees use active and passive evaporation processes to convert nectar into honey, with the elimination of excess water carrying significant energetic costs. This study found that honey bees pre-concentrate nectar in their crops before returning to the nest, with the sugar concentration being approximately twice that of fresh nectar in flowers. This pre-concentration process is crucial for honey storage and results in significant savings in honey processing costs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Caroline Wanjiku, David. P. Tchouassi, Catherine L. Sole, Christian W. W. Pirk, Baldwyn Torto
Summary: Variation in vector traits, such as body size and energy reserves, can influence differences in pathogen transmission at a local scale. The study compared seasonal variations in these traits in wild-caught Aedes aegypti populations from dengue endemic and non-endemic areas in Kenya. Results showed differences in body size and energy reserves between the two sites, with higher levels of carbohydrates and lipids in males during the dry season. These findings provide insights into the vectoring potential of Ae. aegypti populations in different ecologies in Kenya.
JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY
(2021)