Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Krystyna Czekonska, Sylwia Lopuch
Summary: This study aimed to determine the thermal preferences of Apis mellifera carnica drones according to their age and sexual maturity. The results showed that the drones had different temperature preferences at different ages, which corresponded to physiological changes and the rate of sexual maturation.
Article
Entomology
Diego Masaquiza, Junior Vargas, Nelson Ortiz, Rodrigo Salazar, Lino Curbelo, Anisley Perez, Amilcar Arenal
Summary: This study analyzed the relationship among hygienic behavior, Varroa destructor infestation, and honey production in the central highlands of Ecuador. The results showed that colonies at higher altitudes exhibited higher hygienic behavior, reducing the impact of Varroa infestation and promoting honey production.
Article
Entomology
Yong -Soo Choi, Park-Hee Geun, Olga Frunze
Summary: Beekeeping with Apis cerana in Korea is being severely affected by the invasive Sacbrood virus, leading to a critical decline in the number of colonies. Efforts have been made to treat and prevent this disease, but no significant progress has been achieved yet. A study comparing the hygienic behavior of A. cerana and A. mellifera found that A. cerana was more efficient in removing dead brood, while A. mellifera was more effective at removing SBV-infected larvae and dead brood. However, it is still uncertain whether the hygienic behavior advantage can effectively combat Sacbrood disease in A. cerana colonies.
JOURNAL OF ASIA-PACIFIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Richard Galajda, Alexandra Valencakova, Monika Sucik, Petra Kandracova
Summary: Nosematosis is a honey bee disease caused by Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae, with exposure to pesticides and nutritional stress being key factors that weaken the immune response of bees and make them more susceptible to parasites. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an important method for detecting and distinguishing between the two species causing the disease.
Article
Ecology
Helene Jourdan-Pineau, Gaelle Antoine, Julien Galataud, Helene Delatte, Christophe Simiand, Johanna Clemencet
Summary: The genetic contribution to phenotypic variation affects response to selection. In honeybees, sibling analyses are used to estimate heritability and genetic correlation, with the animal model providing the most precise estimates of genetic correlations.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anais Rodriguez Luis, Isobel Grindrod, Georgiana Webb, Adolfo Perez Pineiro, Stephen John Martin
Summary: The Varroa destructor mite has caused mass colony losses in honeybees globally, leading to the use of miticides in the Northern hemisphere. However, in the Southern hemisphere, natural selection has allowed for the emergence of mite-resistant honeybee populations. Cuba has the world's largest mite-resistant European honeybee population, which has been treatment-free for over two decades, showcasing the power of natural adaptation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lars Straub, Laura Villamar-Bouza, Selina Bruckner, Panuwan Chantawannakul, Eleonora Kolari, Jakkrawut Maitip, Beatriz Vidondo, Peter Neumann, Geoffrey R. Williams
Summary: Research findings demonstrate that neonicotinoid insecticides have a significant impact on male honeybees, affecting their survival, behavior, and reproductive physiology in the field. These effects should be considered by policymakers when assessing risks to pollinating insects like honeybees.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Thomas Druml, Anselm Putz, Michael Rubinigg, Martin H. Kaercher, Karl Neubauer, Christian Boigenzahn
Summary: Pedigree analysis was employed to investigate the genetic diversity of two Austrian Apis mellifera carnica breeding populations. The results showed that a small number of founders contributed to a large proportion of the gene pool in both populations. The genetic diversity indices indicated a significant loss of diversity in the ACA population due to unbalanced breeding practices, while the ZAC! population exhibited a slightly lower loss in diversity attributed to a smaller active population size.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Quan Zhang, Lili Fu, Tao Cang, Tao Tang, Mingcheng Guo, Bingbing Zhou, Guohua Zhu, Meirong Zhao
Summary: With the increasing demand for pollinating services, the wellness of honeybees has received widespread attention. Research has shown that S-dinotefuran is more toxic than rac-dinotefuran and R-dinotefuran by 114 times, and that the Eastern honeybee is more susceptible to the highly toxic enantiomer S-dinotefuran.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alison McAfee, David R. Tarpy, Leonard J. Foster
Summary: The study revealed that cold stress decreased stored sperm viability in queen bees, but heat stress did not significantly impact other metrics, indicating substantial variation in temperature tolerance among queens in terms of fertility impacts.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Milyausha Kaskinova, Elena Saltykova, Alexander Poskryakov, Alexey Nikolenko, Luisa Gaifullina
Summary: The Southern Ural Mountains are a habitat for one of the last surviving populations of the dark forest bee Apis mellifera mellifera, facing issues of hybridization with subspecies from lineage C and being affected by nosematosis. Urgent measures are needed to protect this population. Analysis revealed that 30.4% of the colonies belong to lineage C, and about half of the sampled colonies were infected with Nosema apis, posing a threat to the survival of the population.
Article
Ecology
Eduardo L. Almeida, Celine Ribiere, Werner Frei, Denis Kenny, Mary F. Coffey, Paul W. O'Toole
Summary: In this study, the microbiome of honeybees from different time points in various apiaries across Ireland was analyzed. It was found that the microbiome composition showed stronger clustering by time point rather than by apiary site. The study also revealed certain bacteria in the honeybee microbiome that were correlated with hive health, highlighting the importance of the global honeybee microbiome in supporting thriving hives.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minghui Sun, Xiaoxue Fan, Qi Long, He Zang, Yiqiong Zhang, Xiaoyu Liu, Peilin Feng, Yuxuan Song, Kunze Li, Ying Wu, Haibin Jiang, Dafu Chen, Rui Guo
Summary: piRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that play essential roles in gene expression and biological processes. In this study, the expression pattern of piRNAs in honeybee larvae after Ascosphaera apis infection was analyzed. The results showed that the expression of piRNAs was altered and they were involved in various pathways related to energy metabolism, development, and immune response. Furthermore, specific piRNAs were found to negatively regulate the expression of immune-related genes during the infection. These findings provide a platform for further investigation of piRNAs in honeybees and shed light on the mechanisms underlying the host response to A. apis infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ewa Danuta Mazur, Anna Maria Gajda
Summary: This paper provides reliable diagnostic methods and basic information on Nosema spp. infection in honey bees, serving as a knowledge source for veterinarians and researchers.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marcelo Polizel Camilli, Samir Moura Kadri, Marcus Vinicius Niz Alvarez, Paulo Eduardo Martins Ribolla, Ricardo Oliveira Orsi
Summary: The study found that zinc supplementation can modulate gene expression and play an important role in the development of Apis mellifera bees. The information obtained in this study can contribute to future research in the field of bee nutrigenomics.
Article
Entomology
Zoran Stanimirovic, Uros Glavinic, Nemanja M. Jovanovic, Marko Ristanic, Dusanka Milojkovic-Opsenica, Jelena Mutic, Jevrosima Stevanovic
Summary: The cage and field experiments demonstrated that Li-cit is highly effective against Varroa destructor with minimal impact on bee survival. Li-cit showed significant varroacidal efficacy in the field experiment, with varying levels of lithium residues found in honey and wax samples from different time points.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ninoslav Djelic, Suncica Borozan, Vesna Dimitrijevic-Sreckovic, Nevena Pajovic, Milorad Mirilovic, Helga Stopper, Zoran Stanimirovic
Summary: This study investigated the impact of triiodothyronine (T-3) on DNA damage and oxidative stress in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at different stages of diabetes. The results showed that prediabetic and diabetic patients were more sensitive to T-3, exhibiting elevated DNA damage, inhibition of catalase, and increased levels of TBARS and LDH. Obese patients showed similar responses except for DNA damage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
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
Uros Glavinic, Jovan Blagojevic, Marko Ristanic, Jevrosima Stevanovic, Nada Lakic, Milorad Mirilovic, Zoran Stanimirovic
Summary: This study investigated the effects of thymol on honey bees infected with Nosema ceranae. The results showed that thymol had positive effects on bee survival, immunity, antioxidative protection, and Nosema spore loads in infected bees. However, thymol caused health disorders when applied to Nosema-free bees, indicating the need for cautious and controlled use of thymol.
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
Physiology
Nemanja M. Jovanovic, Uros Glavinic, Marko Ristanic, Branislav Vejnovic, Jevrosima Stevanovic, Milivoje Cosic, Zoran Stanimirovic
Summary: The study found that lithium citrate has high efficacy against Varroa destructor and positive effects on honey bee virus loads and gene expression. Additionally, lithium citrate also has a reducing effect on oxidative stress parameters. The results demonstrate the advantages of lithium citrate treatment in controlling Varroa mites.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Milan Rajkovic, Zoran Stanimirovic, Jevrosima Stevanovic, Marko Ristanic, Branislav Vejnovic, Michael Goblirsch, Uros Glavinic
Summary: Mushroom extracts, specifically from Agaricus bisporus, show potential in mitigating the negative effects of environmental stressors on honey bees through actions on their immune system, metabolism, and other physiological processes. This study evaluated the genotoxic and antigenotoxic properties of A. bisporus on honey bee cells and found that it did not induce DNA damage but showed promising antigenotoxic effects against H2O2-induced DNA damage.
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
(2022)
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
Entomology
Uros Glavinic, Milan Rajkovic, Marko Ristanic, Jevrosima Stevanovic, Branislav Vejnovic, Ninoslav Djelic, Zoran Stanimirovic
Summary: This study evaluated the genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of thymol on honey bee cells. The results showed that thymol did not have an antigenotoxic effect, but had genotoxic effects at concentrations of 100 and 1000 mu g/mL. It is therefore recommended to use thymol with caution in beekeeping to avoid negative effects on honey bees.
Article
Parasitology
Milan Rajkovic, Uros Glavinic, Danica Bogunovic, Branislav Vejnovic, Darko Davitkov, Ninoslav Belic, Zoran Stanimirovic
Summary: This study aimed to investigate DNA damage caused by Dirofilaria immitis and evaluate the effects of antiparasitic treatment on DNA damage. The results showed that infection with D. immitis led to DNA damage in dogs, but treatment with ivermectin and doxycycline reduced DNA damage.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Nemanja M. Jovanovic, Uros Glavinic, Marko Ristanic, Branislav Vejnovic, Tamara Ilic, Jevrosima Stevanovic, Zoran Stanimirovic
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the effects of a plant-based supplement, B+, on honeybees. The results showed that the supplement improved bee survival, reduced the number of Nosema ceranae spores, and reduced oxidative stress in bees.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Zoran Stanimirovic, Uros Glavinic, Marko Ristanic, Stefan Jelisic, Branislav Vejnovic, Mia Niketic, Jevrosima Stevanovic
Summary: The study evaluated the effect of a dietary supplement on the hygienic behavior of honey bees combating microsporidial and viral infections. The results showed that the supplement significantly increased hygienic behavior and had an anti-Nosema effect.
ACTA VETERINARIA-BEOGRAD
(2022)