Honey Bee Populations Research Articles

Pest and Disease of Honeybee and their Control Strategies: A Review

Apiculture is an intergral part of agricultural activity practiced to produces hive products such as honey and beeswax. The honeybees are the best pollinator which enhace crop productivity. Common pest and disease that affect honeybee with their controlling mechanism was the main objective of this review. The bees are susceptible to a number of insect pest’s types that will adversely affect the productivity of the bee colony to a significant level. Varroa destructor, Nosema ceranae, Nocema Apis, Acarapis woodi, small wax moths, Bee lice, Ants and Wax moth are the most economically important honeybee pest and disease types. To control pest and diseae different controlling mechanism are are used at different areas of the country. Nonchemical approaches in integrated pest management (IPM), traditional method and biological control are the prevention strategies. This overview forms the basis to realize the importance of pest management in bee husbandry practices, thus affecting the resilience and productivity of honeybee populations.

Mycosynthesis of chitosan-selenium nanocomposite and its activity as an insecticide against the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis.

The cotton leafworm, Spodoptra littoralis, causes great damage to cotton crops. A new, safer method than insecticide is necessary for its control. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are metalloid nanomaterial, with extensive biological activities. They have low toxicity and can be used safely in plant disease management. In this study, we successfully bio-fabricated selenium nanoparticles and chitosan-selenium nanocomposite (Ch-SeNPs) using a fungal cell-free filtrate of Penicillium griseofulvum. The biosynthesized nanomaterials were initially detected optically by the formation of a red color in the solution mixture and the appearance of a strong plasmon resonance peak at 240-300nm. The biosynthesized nanomaterials were fully characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, energy dispersive X-ray, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared. We tested the anti-insect activities of SeNPs, and Ch-SeNPs against larvae of S. littoralis compared to spore suspensions of P. griseofulvum. The results indicated that Ch-SeNPs followed by SeNPs gave a significantly higher mortality percentage than the spore suspension of the tested fungus. The highest production of all biosynthesized nanomaterials was detected after 7days at 40°C under alkaline conditions (pH 9). The average size diameter of SeNPs and Ch-SeNPs were 91.25 and 67.41nm with zeta potential - 8.05 and + 41mV, respectively. Both Ch-SeNPs and SeNPs gave high mortality rates and low values of LC50 and LC90 for both larvae and pupae. Ch-SeNPs showed stronger activity against S. littoralis than SeNPs and spore suspension at all experimental conditions. Cytotoxicity experiments indicated their safety against honeybee populations. The current study reveals the significant ultrastructure impact of SeNPs on larvae. These findings suggest that selenium nanoparticles and nanocomposite can be fabricated with a costless easy route using fungal filtrate, and they can be used safely in pest control systems that are safe for honeybee populations. It is the first report about the application of Ch-SeNPs as an anti-insect agent.

Biting behavior against Varroa mites in honey bees is associated with changes in mandibles, with tracking by a new mobile application for mite damage identification

Certain populations of feral or wild European Honey Bees (EHB), Apis mellifera, have developed a tolerance of or persistence against the parasitic mite Varroa destructor in the USA. Although the grooming or mite-biting behavior is a trait bees use to defend against parasitic Varroa mites, little information is available concerning the grooming or mite-biting behavior of feral EHBs. Accordingly, we observed damaged mites of feral bees in Ohio (Apis mellifera ligustica) and commercial bees in four field seasons, 2020 to 2023, as well as feral bees in Kentucky (A. mellifera mellifera) in 2023, for a total of 7494 mites. When the mite-biting behavior was compared among these three populations, feral bees of Ohio (A. m. ligustica) and Kentucky (A. m. mellifera) displayed a significantly higher percentage (22% and 27% more) than the commercial bees. To investigate the mechanism of the mite-biting behavior, we examined bee mandibles. Mandibles are the primary mouthparts and tools used to remove or amputate the Varroa mites. Gentle Africanized honey bees (gAHB, A. mellifera scutellata-hybrid) in Puerto Rican exhibit mite resistance through microevolution on the island. Asian honey bees (A. cerana) are the original natural host of V. destructor. However, little has been reported on the morphometric analysis of mandibles between the two species A. cerana and A. mellifera and between the subspecies A. m. scutellata-hybrid and A. m. ligustica. Utilizing X-ray micro-computed tomography (microCT), we then examined the three-dimensional morphology of mandibles in (1) A. cerana, (2) gAHB A. m. scutellata-hybrid, (3) Ohio feral A. m. ligustica, and (4) package or commercial colonies A. m. ligustica. Our findings revealed distinctive three-dimensional shapes of mandibles, indicating substantial variations among these populations. These variations suggest that mandible morphology has an integral role in the bee’s defensive mechanisms against parasitic mites. We also developed the first smartphone application to quantify the mite damage by applying artificial intelligence to image analysis. This research contributes valuable insights into the prospective selection and breeding of honey bees with enhanced mite resistance, thus promoting the sustainability of apiculture.

Evaluating environmental, weather, and management influences for sustainable beekeeping in California and Quebec: Enhancing beehive survival predictions.

Concerned about declining managed honeybee populations in North America, this study employed the random survival forest (RSF) model to assess beehive mortality, considering 18 diverse environmental, weather, and management practices. Our analysis focused on 15,906 and 6,690 beehives in California state, United States, and Quebec province, Canada for 2023, respectively. The accuracy of the RSF model was assessed through three accuracy metrics, namely concordance index (C-index), integrated Brier score (IBS), and time-dependent area under the curve (AUC). Besides, the variables' importance was assessed in both California and Quebec under two criteria configurations, incorporating beehive management criteria and excluding such criteria. Including beehive-management criteria improved accuracy: for the test dataset in California, C-index of 0.8845, IBS of 0.0177, and time-dependent AUC of 0.8819; in Quebec, C-index of 0.9618, IBS of 0.0121, and time-dependent AUC of 0.9687. Comparing feature importance across the regions revealed differences, with sugar-feeding frequency, precipitation, and Miticide-treatment frequency exerting more influence in California and DEM, precipitation, and sugar-feeding frequency playing more substantial roles in Quebec. Beekeeping suitability maps for both regions were provided, classifying land suitability for beekeeping into five categories from very low to very high. By aggregating the areas classified as highly and very highly suitable for beekeeping, the beekeeping suitability maps indicated that 64.712% of California and 66.423% of Quebec exhibit suitable conditions for beekeeping. This study could contribute to reducing honeybee colony losses and supporting the advancement of sustainable agriculture in California and Quebec through 1) pinpointing essential environmental, ecological, and meteorological factors, alongside beehive management practices affecting beehive mortality, and 2) providing maps illustrating land suitability for beekeeping.

Active Components of 16 Essential Oils and Their Fumigation Effects on Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

The greater wax moth (GWM, Galleria mellonella) is a prevalent pest of the honeybee and a significant risk to both honeybee populations and honeycomb storage. Research on the toxicity of essential oils (EOs) to GWM larvae has provided promising results, although their ovicidal effects and active ingredients require further study. Identifying effective plant compounds is essential for developing insecticides for GWM control. This study assessed the fumigation efficacy of 16 EOs on GWM eggs and fifth instar larvae and determined the effectiveness of these EOs and their primary components for fumigating fifth larvae. Wintergreen, star anise, and clove oils demonstrated significant insecticidal effects on GWM eggs and fifth instar larvae, resulting in a mortality rate exceeding 80% within 48 h. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified methyl salicylate (93.26%), trans-anethole (87.75%), and eugenol (77.75%) as the primary compounds in wintergreen, star anise, and clove oils, respectively. Further toxicity testing confirmed that these compounds were responsible for the observed insecticidal properties of the EOs. Notably, trans-anethole exhibited the lowest LC50 value (25.22 μL/L) against the fifth instar larvae of GWM and significant toxicity against GWM eggs and fifth instar larvae, suggesting its potential as a viable option for the future control of GWM populations.

Investigating the Phylogenetic Relationships of the Iranian Honey Bee with Other Bee Breeds Worldwide Using the Cytochrome Oxidase I Region

Background: Honey bees, classified within the insect class and widely distributed globally, consist of 26 identified subspecies across five evolutionary lines. Among these, the Iranian honey bee (Apis mellifera meda) is notable for its presence in Iran and neighboring regions. This subspecies exhibits unique biological traits, including a high reproductive capacity and effective propolis collection, distinguishing it from other local bee populations. Understanding genetic diversity within these populations is crucial for conservation and breeding efforts. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the phylogenetic relationships and natural variations of the Iranian honey bee in comparison to other bee breeds worldwide using the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) region. Methods: The study focuses on the identification of COI gene sequences in honeybees. The mitochondrial COI gene sequences related to the Iranian honey bee and eight populations of other honey bee breeds from around the world (24 ecotypes) were extracted and aligned from the genome database (NCBI). BLAST was used for sequence retrieval, and Clustal W was employed for alignment among species. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using MEGA software, applying the Neighbor Joining method to construct a phylogenetic tree based on the edited sequences. The percentage of nucleotide substitutions and replacements was calculated using the maximum likelihood method. Additionally, molecular diversity indices were computed using DnaSP software to assess genetic variation and conservation parameters among populations. Results: The bioinformatics analysis of biological data revealed that transfer substitution occurred more frequently than crossover substitution. Additionally, the percentage of substitution in pyrimidine bases was higher than in purine bases. The dN/dS substitution ratio in the gene locus sequence across the examined ecotypes was estimated at 0.08, indicating purifying selection during the evolution of this gene locus. Furthermore, examination of the COI region of the mitochondrial genome identified a total of 4 haplotypes, 20 mutations, and 195 polymorphic loci within the entire studied population. The neutrality values, based on Tajima's test, indicated effects related to genetic drift, genetic bottlenecks, or balancing selection during the evolutionary history of the studied population. Phylogenetic analysis revealed nine distinct categories of evolutionary paths for the COI gene in the studied ecotypes. In the phylogenetic tree, the Iranian honey bee was placed in a separate cluster, exhibiting the highest and lowest phylogenetic distances relative to Apis koschevnikovi and Apis mellifera, respectively. Conclusions: This research indicates that the conserved region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene among various bee species is minimal, highlighting significant polymorphism and susceptibility to mutations. A total of 20 mutations and 195 polymorphic sites were identified, suggesting purifying selection processes that contribute to the gene's biological functions. The study also demonstrates that the COI region can effectively differentiate Iranian honey bee populations from others globally. Overall, these findings enhance our understanding of genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships within bee species, underscoring the importance of continued research for conservation efforts.

Selection of Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Genotypes for Three Generations of Low and High Population Growth of the Mite Varroa destructor.

Honey bee (Apis mellifera) population declines have been associated with the parasitic mite, Varroa destructor, which is currently primarily controlled by the use of acaricides. An alternative is to breed for resistance to Varroa, which was conducted in this study by bidirectional selection for mite fall to obtain colonies with low (resistant) or high (susceptible) Varroa population growth (LVG and HVG, respectively). Selection for three generations resulted in approx. 90% lower Varroa population growth in LVG than in HVG colonies. In addition, late summer Varroa infestation rates of brood and adults were both significantly lower in LVG colonies (p < 0.01), which was also significantly associated with lower Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) infection levels (p < 0.01). Survival of Varroa-parasitized bees was almost 50% higher for LVG bees compared to HVG bees (p < 0.01). Also, colony winter survivorship was significantly higher for LVG colonies than for HVG colonies (p < 0.05). However, the higher colony populations observed for LVG colonies were not significantly different from those of HVG colonies. Overall, individual and colony health was improved by selecting colonies for LVG, demonstrating its effectiveness as a means of breeding for controlling Varroa populations in honey bee colonies.

Analysis of the Influence of Brood Deaths on Honeybee Population

Many mathematical models using ordinary differential equations (ODEs) have been used to investigate what type of stressors cause honeybee colonies collapse. We propose a simple model of a delayed differential equation system (DDE) to describe the effect of insecticides over brood death rate and its influence over honeybee population dynamics. First, we remember some basic facts for the model with no delay. To analyze our model, we study the equilibria and perform stability and sensitivity analysis of the DDE system. Next, by using the delay time τ as a bifurcation parameter, we find that no Hopf bifurcation could arise as the time lag τ varies within biologically plausible ranges. Numerical simulations with real data are studied for the biological significance of the model.

Inferring Long-Term and Short-Term Determinants of Genetic Diversity in Honey Bees: Beekeeping Impact and Conservation Strategies.

Bees are vital pollinators in natural and agricultural landscapes around the globe, playing a key role in maintaining flowering plant biodiversity and ensuring food security. Among the honey bee species, the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is particularly significant, not only for its extensive crop pollination services but also for producing economically valuable products such as honey. Here, we analyzed whole-genome sequence data from four Apis species to explore how honey bee evolution has shaped current diversity patterns. Using Approximate Bayesian Computation, we first reconstructed the demographic history of A. mellifera in Europe, finding support for postglacial secondary contacts, therefore predating human-mediated transfers linked to modern beekeeping. However, our analysis of recent demographic changes reveals significant bottlenecks due to beekeeping practices, which have notably affected genetic diversity. Black honey bee populations from conservatories, particularly those on islands, exhibit considerable genetic loss, highlighting the need to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of current conservation strategies. Additionally, we observed a high degree of conservation in the genomic landscapes of nucleotide diversity across the four species, despite a divergence gradient spanning over 15 million years, consistent with a long-term conservation of the recombination landscapes. Taken together, our results provide the most comprehensive assessment of diversity patterns in honey bees to date and offer insights into the optimal management of resources to ensure the long-term persistence of honey bees and their invaluable pollination services.

Health, Socio- Technical, and Economic Constraints of Beekeeping in Bamboutos, Western Highlands of Cameroon

Beekeeping is important as a source of food, employment, and rural poverty alleviation. Honeybees are also important as the main pollinator of agricultural and forestry crops. However, there is a decrease in honeybee population worldwide, hence the objective of this study who was to investigate some of the challenges of beekeeping in Cameroon. Thus, a total of 56 beekeepers were investigated in Bamboutos in western Cameroon, using a questionnaire. Pests, predators and diseases were diagnosed retrospectively using a plate which was shown to beekeepers during the questionnaire administration. Signs of diseases reported by beekeepers included diarrhea (17.9%), chalkbrood (28.6 %), black bee (50%), and deformed wings (3.6%). The only parasite reported was Varroa (3.6%). Common insect pests were wax moth (87.5%), small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) (91.1%), large African hive beetle (Oplostomus fuligineus) (39.3%) and African death's-head hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos) (51.8%). Other pests noticed by beekeepers were ants (96.4%), spiders (78.4%), lizards (69.6%), wasps (66.1%), termites (64.3%), squirrels (60.7%), flies (8.9%), snakes (5.4%), and cockroaches (5.4%). The socioeconomic constraints cited were: lack of funding (87.5%), robbery and vandalism (71.4%), shortage of apiarian lands (60.7%), and proliferation of adulterated honey (48. 2%). The technical challenges were: presence of pests, predators and diseases (100%), lack of technical knowledge (41.1%), pesticides issues (26.8%), and low hive stocking rate (12.5%). The environmental challenges encountered were: strong winds (60.7%), bush fires (64.3 %), and remoteness of apiaries (44.6%). Problems encountered by beekeepers can be addressed through collective efforts from governmental authorities, NGOs and beekeepers.

The Phytochemical Properties of Low-Grade Longan Syrup and Its Potential Use as a Dietary Supplement for Honey Bees.

Climate change significantly affects honey bee populations and their access to natural food sources, demanding alternative economic feed sources. Longan stands out as the most important fruit crop in Southeast Asia, but with a surplus of low-grade fruit that is not suitable for the market. This study investigates the potential of longan syrup as an alternative carbohydrate source for honey bees by measuring sugar composition, phytochemical profiles, feed, and survival, as well as the resulting gut microbial changes. Processed longan syrup contains 8.2, 85.1, and 33.1 mg/g of sucrose, glucose, and fructose. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 24.94 and 129.78 mg/g, respectively, showing a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition rate of 26.78% and an 87.82% antiradical activity rate via 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). In vitro supplementation studies indicated that survival was highest in the 50% w/v sucrose syrup condition (control), followed by honey bees fed with 10%, 20%, and 30% longan syrup concentrations, respectively. Analyses of honey bee gut microbiomes revealed that longan syrup supplementation increased fermentative microorganisms such as Lactobacillus and Fructobacillus, which are beneficial for honey bees' health. Even though the addition of higher amounts of longan syrup would not be recommended, a 10% addition would be beneficial to honey bees' health through the modulation of gut microbiomes, demonstrating its potential as a dietary supplement that is a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to sugar syrup during shortages of natural carbohydrate sources.

Variation in the Morphological Characters of the Hill and Plain Populations of Indian Honey Bee, Apis cerana indica (Fab.) in Tamil Nadu, India

The present study investigates the morphological differences between the hill and plain populations of the Indian honey bee, Apis cerana indica Fabricius, collected from six different locations in Tamil Nadu, India: Coimbatore, Karumandhurai, Coonoor, Madurai, Dindigul, and Chidambaram during 2023-2024. Significant differences were found between the two populations based on a comprehensive morphometric analysis of 29 characters. The hill populations from TNAU Insectary (Marudhamalai hills), Karumandhurai (Kalvarayan hills), and Coonoor (Nilgiri hills), the mean altitude of the locations being 1207 m a.s.l. exhibited significantly higher values in several morphometric traits than the plain populations from Madurai, Dindigul, and Chidambaram, with a mean altitude of 124 m above MSL (P&lt;0.05). Component loading analysis highlighted the key morphometric characters contributing to the first and second components of both ecotypes. In the plain population, breadth of the radial cell, breadth of the forewing, and length of the radial cell demonstrated strong positive correlations with the first principal component, explaining 16.4% of the variance. The second principal component, influenced by characters such as the length of the femur and breadth of the metatarsus, showed 12.2% of the variance. In the hill population, the length of the radial cell, length of vein R.L., and length of the hindwing were the most influential traits for the first principal component, explaining 28.0% of the variance. In contrast, the second component, which included the breadth of the forewing and length of vein I.L., explained 12.3% of the variance. Further, the cubital index, a critical morphometric parameter, also showed a statistically significant difference, with the hill population (3.55) showing a higher value than the plain population (3.29). The significant morphometric differences observed between the hill and plain populations of A. cerana indica may suggest that they have undergone morphological divergence, likely due to adaptations to their specific environmental conditions.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-based Autonomous Tracking System for Invasive Flying Insects

The Asian hornet or yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax, is a global predator of honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) that has become widespread owing to rapid climate change. Herein, we propose a localization system for tracking radio-tagged hornets and discovering hornet hives by combining unmanned aerial vehicles with a trilateration system. By leveraging the homing instinct of hornets, we systematically structured our experiments as a behavioral experiment, ground-truth experiment, and localization experiment. According to the experimental results, we successfully discovered the hives of two of the five hornets tested. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of the experimental outcomes provided insights into hornet flight patterns and behaviors. The results of this research demonstrate the efficacy of integrating UAVs with radio telemetry for precision object tracking and ecosystem management, offering a robust tool for mitigating the impacts of invasive species on honeybee populations.

Nosemosis negatively affects honeybee survival: experimental and meta-analytic evidence.

Abstract Nosemosis, caused by microsporidian parasites of the genus Nosema, is considered a significant health concern for insect pollinators, including the economically important honeybee (Apis mellifera). Despite its acknowledged importance, the impact of this disease on honeybee survivorship remains unclear. Here, a standard laboratory cage trial was used to compare mortality rates between healthy and Nosema-infected honeybees. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature were conducted to explore how nosemosis contributes to increased mortality in honeybees tested under standard conditions. The review and meta-analysis included 50 studies that reported relevant experiments involving healthy and Nosema-infected individuals. Studies lacking survivorship curves or information on potential moderators, such as spore inoculation dose, age of inoculated bees, or factors that may impact energy expenditure, were excluded. Both the experimental results and meta-analysis revealed a consistent, robust effect of infection, indicating a threefold increase in mortality among the infected group of honeybee workers (hazard ratio for infected individuals = 3.16 [1.97–5.07] and 2.99 [2.36–3.79] in the experiment and meta-analysis, respectively). However, the meta-analysis also indicated high heterogeneity in the effect magnitude, which was not explained by our moderators. Furthermore, there was a serious risk of bias within studies and potential publication bias across studies. The findings underscore knowledge gaps in the literature. It is stressed that laboratory cage trials should be viewed as an initial step in evaluating the impact of Nosema on mortality and that complementary field and apiary studies are essential for identifying effective treatments to preserve honeybee populations.

Molecular dynamics exploration of cacophony protein interactions with brood volatiles in honey bee colonies

The cacophony protein is a key component of honey bee biology that has been investigated concerning hygienic behavior. The voltage-gated calcium channel subunit α1 appears to play a significant role in modulating neuronal activity associated with the detection and response to compromised brood within honey bee colonies. Despite its essential role, the molecular mechanisms underpinning hygienic behavior remain incompletely understood. Recent research suggests that the expression of the cacophony protein is linked to the efficiency of hygienic behavior, where colonies with enhanced hygienic behavior exhibit distinct patterns of cacophony expression. Understanding the role of cacophony in honey bee behavior provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying social interactions within bee colonies, with implications for enhancing pollination services and mitigating threats to honey bee populations. Therefore, the present study focused on unraveling and characterizing its structure and function, using bioinformatics approaches involving sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Homology modeling developed three-dimensional models of cacophony protein for Apis cerana and A. mellifera. Molecular docking studies were performed for various brood pheromones and volatiles, triggering hygienic behavior in honey bees, against cacophony protein providing computational insights into their molecular interactions. Binding free energy calculations using MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA consistently demonstrate a higher affinity of γ-octalactone for AcerCAC protein (−21.77 ± 3.01 kcal/mol and −24.81 ± 4.07 kcal/mol respectively) compared to AmelCAC protein (−20.03 ± 3.01 kcal/mol and −21.47 ± 3.19 kcal/mol respectively). This study lays a theoretical foundation for further studies regarding the mechanism of interaction ofcacophony with hygienic behavior.

Mathematical Analysis for Honeybee Dynamics Under the Influence of Seasonality

In this paper, we studied a mathematical model for honeybee population diseases under the influence of seasonal environments on the long-term dynamics of the disease. The model describes the dynamics of two different beehives sharing a common space. We computed the basic reproduction number of the system as the spectral radius of either the next generation matrix for the autonomous system or as the spectral radius of a linear integral operator for the non-autonomous system, and we deduced that if the reproduction number is less than unity, then the disease dies out in the honeybee population. However, if the basic reproduction number is greater than unity, then the disease persists. Finally, we provide several numerical tests that confirm the theoretical findings.

Molecular Impact of Sublethal Spinetoram Exposure on Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Larval and Adult Transcriptomes.

Pesticide toxicity is a global concern for honeybee populations, and understanding these effects at the molecular level is critical. This study analyzed the transcriptome of honeybees at larval and adult stages after chronic exposure to a sublethal dose (0.0017 µg a.i./larva) of spinetoram (SPI) during the larval phase. Four groups were used: acetone-treated honeybee larvae (ATL), acetone-treated honeybee adults (ATAs), SPI-treated honeybee larvae (STL), and SPI-treated honeybee adults (STAs). In total, 5719 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified for ATL vs. ATAs, 5754 for STL vs. STAs, 273 for ATL vs. STL, and 203 for ATAs vs. STAs (FC ≤ 1.5, p < 0.05). In response to SPI, 29 unique DEGs were identified in larvae and 42 in adults, with 23 overlapping between comparisons, suggesting genes linked to SPI toxicity. Gene ontology analysis showed that SPI affected metabolism-related genes in larvae and lipid-transport-associated genes in adults. KEGG pathway analysis revealed an enrichment of pathways predominantly associated with metabolism, hormone biosynthesis, and motor proteins in STL. The transcriptomic data were validated by qPCR. These findings demonstrated that SPI disrupts essential molecular processes, potentially harming honeybee development and behavior, underscoring the need for safer agricultural practices.

The Ontogeny and Dietary Differences in Queen and Worker Castes of Honey Bee (Apis cerana cerana).

The honey bee Apis cerana cerana (A. c. cerana), a subspecies of Apis cerana, is endemic in China and possesses a valuable ecological niche. Understanding the ways to protect this honey bee's populations is crucial, but this topic has been understudied. For the efficient utilization of beekeeping and pollination, there is a need to explore its biology and management practices. In light of this, the current study was carried out to investigate the ontogeny and dietary differences in the queen and worker castes of the A. c. cerana honey bee. This article presents, supplemented by reference images, a detailed description of the life history of A. c. cerana queens and workers. Additionally, this study investigated the nutritional differences between royal jelly (RJ) and worker jelly (WJ) at various larval ages. The contents of the moisture, crude protein, and amino acids in RJ and WJ were determined via freeze drying, Kjeldahl nitrogen determination, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. The results highlight significant variations in the moisture content, crude protein concentration, and amino acid concentration between RJ and WJ. The results offer theoretical support for ex situ artificial rearing practices of A. c. cerana.

Wing geometric morphometric analysis of dwarf honeybee (Apis florea) populations in Thailand

Abstract. Soipijit S, Sopaladawan PN. 2024. Wing geometric morphometric analysis of dwarf honeybee (Apis florea) populations in Thailand. Biodiversitas 25: 3568-3575. The dwarf honeybee, Apis florea Fabricius, 1787, is native to Thailand and distributed throughout the country. It plays a vital role in agriculture and the environment as an excellent pollinator of crops and economic plants in Thailand. Deforestation and insecticide usage have decreased populations of A. florea. There is a need for more information about the diversity of this species in Thailand, particularly its morphological diversity. This study aimed to determine variation among A. florea populations in Thailand based on geometric morphometrics of right forewings. Samples of adult A. florea worker were collected from 81 colonies across Thailand. Forewing shape variation was examined based on 19 landmark coordinates. The results revealed that landmark number 15 had the highest variance, followed by landmark numbers 14 and 16 with the S2=0.00004646, 0.00004436, and 0.00004024, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that A. florea populations were distributed as one group, consistent with discriminant and cluster analyses. In addition, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA, ?=0.05) was not significantly different among populations. In summary, A. florea in Thailand had less morphological diversity than Apis cerana Fabricius, 1793 and Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758. This exciting information provides valuable insight for conserving A. florea in Thailand.

Managing the parasitic honey bee mite Tropilaelaps mercedesae through combined cultural and chemical control methods

The western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is severely impacted by the parasitic Tropilaelaps mercedesae mite, which has the capacity to outcompete Varroa destructor mites (the current leading cause of colony losses) and more rapidly overwhelm colonies. While T. mercedesae is native to Asia, it has recently expanded its geographic range and has the potential to devastate beekeeping worldwide if introduced to new regions. Our research exploited the dependence of T. mercedesae on developing honey bees (brood) by combining a cultural technique (brood break) with U.S. registered chemical products (oxalic acid or formic acid) to manage T. mercedesae infestation. To evaluate this approach, we compared four treatment groups: (1) Brood Break; (2) Brood Break + Formic Acid (FormicPro®); (3) Brood Break + Oxalic Acid dribble (Api-Bioxal®); and (4) untreated Control. We found that the mite infestation rate of worker brood in Control colonies rose from 0.4 to 15.25% over 60 days, whereas all other treatment groups had infestation rates under 0.11% on Day 60. Mite fall assessments showed similar results, whereby Control colonies had 15.48 mites fall per 24 h on day 60 compared to less than 0.2 mites for any other treatment group. Evaluation of colony strength revealed that Brood Break + Formic Acid colonies had slightly reduced adult honey bee populations. No treatment eliminated all mites, so additional measures may be needed to eradicate T. mercedesae if detected in countries that do not currently have T. mercedesae.