scholarly journals Behavioral modulation of the coexistence between Apis melifera and Varroa destructor: A defense against colony collapse?

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce F Santos ◽  
Flávio C Coelho ◽  
Pierre-Alexandre J Bliman
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Varroa Destructor ◽  
Colony Collapse Disorder ◽  
Hygienic Behavior ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
Africanized Honey Bee ◽  
Multiple Factors ◽  
Colony Collapse ◽  
Different Parts

Colony Collapse Disorder has become a global problem for beekeepers and for the crops which depend on bee polination. Multiple factors are known to increase the risk of colony colapse, and the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor that parasitizes honey bees (Apis melifera) is among the main threats to colony health. Although this mite is unlikely to, by itself, cause the collapse of hives, it plays an important role as it is a vector for many viral diseases. Such diseases are among the likely causes for Colony Collapse Disorder. The effects of V. destructor infestation are disparate in different parts of the world. Greater morbidity - in the form of colony losses - has been reported in colonies of European honey bees (EHB) in Europe, Asia and North America. However, this mite has been present in Brasil for many years and yet there are no reports of Africanized honey bee (AHB) colonies losses. Studies carried out in Mexico showed that some resistance behaviors to the mite - especially grooming and hygienic behavior - appear to be different in each subspecies. Could those difference in behaviors explain why the AHB are less susceptible to Colony Collapse Disorder? In order to answer this question, we propose a mathematical model of the coexistence dynamics of these two species, the bee and the mite, to analyze the role of resistance behaviors in the overall health of the colony, and, as a consequence, its ability to face epidemiological challenges.

scholarly journals Behavioral modulation of the coexistence between Apis melifera and Varroa destructor: A defense against colony collapse?

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce F Santos ◽  
Flávio C Coelho ◽  
Pierre-Alexandre J Bliman
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Varroa Destructor ◽  
Colony Collapse Disorder ◽  
Hygienic Behavior ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
Africanized Honey Bee ◽  
Multiple Factors ◽  
Colony Collapse ◽  
Different Parts

Colony Collapse Disorder has become a global problem for beekeepers and for the crops which depend on bee polination. Multiple factors are known to increase the risk of colony colapse, and the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor that parasitizes honey bees (Apis melifera) is among the main threats to colony health. Although this mite is unlikely to, by itself, cause the collapse of hives, it plays an important role as it is a vector for many viral diseases. Such diseases are among the likely causes for Colony Collapse Disorder. The effects of V. destructor infestation are disparate in different parts of the world. Greater morbidity - in the form of colony losses - has been reported in colonies of European honey bees (EHB) in Europe, Asia and North America. However, this mite has been present in Brasil for many years and yet there are no reports of Africanized honey bee (AHB) colonies losses. Studies carried out in Mexico showed that some resistance behaviors to the mite - especially grooming and hygienic behavior - appear to be different in each subspecies. Could those difference in behaviors explain why the AHB are less susceptible to Colony Collapse Disorder? In order to answer this question, we propose a mathematical model of the coexistence dynamics of these two species, the bee and the mite, to analyze the role of resistance behaviors in the overall health of the colony, and, as a consequence, its ability to face epidemiological challenges.

Impact of Varroa destructor and associated pathologies on the colony collapse disorder affecting honey bees

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
José M. Flores ◽  
Victoria Gámiz ◽  
Ángeles Jiménez-Marín ◽  
Alicia Flores-Cortés ◽  
Sergio Gil-Lebrero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Varroa Destructor ◽  
Colony Collapse Disorder ◽  
Colony Collapse

scholarly journals Identification of new viruses specific to the honey bee mite Varroa destructor

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvador Herrero ◽  
Sandra Coll ◽  
Rosa M. González-Martínez ◽  
Stefano Parenti ◽  
Anabel Millán-Leiva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Varroa Destructor ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Rna Viruses ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
Multiple Factors ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Pathogenic Viruses ◽  
The Impact

AbstractLarge-scale colony losses among managed Western honey bees have become a serious threat to the beekeeping industry in the last decade. There are multiple factors contributing to these losses but the impact of Varroa destructor parasitism is by far the most important, along with the contribution of some pathogenic viruses vectored by the mite. So far, more than 20 viruses have been identified infecting the honey bee, most of them RNA viruses. They may be maintained either as covert infections or causing severe symptomatic infections, compromising the viability of the colony. In silico analysis of available transcriptomic data obtained from mites collected in the USA and Europe as well as additional investigation with new samples collected locally allowed the description of three novel RNA viruses. Our results showed that these viruses were widespread among samples and that they were present in the mites and in the bees but with differences in the relative abundance and prevalence. However, we have obtained strong evidence showing that these three viruses were able to replicate in the mite, but not in the bee, suggesting that they are selectively infecting the mite. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of Varroa-specific viruses, which open the door to future applications that might help controlling the mite through biological control approaches.

scholarly journals An Overview on Honeybee Colony Losses in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Sociobiology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Laura Genchi Garcia ◽  
Santiago Plischuk ◽  
Claudio Marcelo Bravi ◽  
Francisco Jose Reynaldi
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Buenos Aires ◽  
Buenos Aires Province ◽  
Colony Collapse Disorder ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Colony Collapse ◽  
Honeybee Colony

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are essential for the ecosystem, so their loss threatens biodiversity and agriculture. Several factors have been proposed as possible causes of both massive losses and Colony Collapse Disorder. In August 2017 episodes of colony losses were registered in General Alvear, Buenos Aires province. The aim of the present study was to find possible causes of these events. The samples were screened for presence of several pathogens and the determination of maternal lineages was also performed. Seven out of ten colonies were positive for pathogens, but there was no high prevalence of any of them. It will be necessary to carry out a standardization of studies, and delineate boundaries that allow comparing cases in order to discriminate different types of mortality of colonies that occur worldwide.

scholarly journals Advances and perspectives in selecting resistance traits against the parasitic mite Varroa destructor in honey bees

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthieu Guichard ◽  
Vincent Dietemann ◽  
Markus Neuditschko ◽  
Benjamin Dainat
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Varroa Destructor ◽  
Selection Strategy ◽  
Pollination Services ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
New Host ◽  
Parasitic Mite ◽  
Resistance Traits

Abstract Background In spite of the implementation of control strategies in honey bee (Apis mellifera) keeping, the invasive parasitic mite Varroa destructor remains one of the main causes of colony losses in numerous countries. Therefore, this parasite represents a serious threat to beekeeping and agro-ecosystems that benefit from the pollination services provided by honey bees. To maintain their stocks, beekeepers have to treat their colonies with acaricides every year. Selecting lineages that are resistant to infestations is deemed to be a more sustainable approach. Review Over the last three decades, numerous selection programs have been initiated to improve the host–parasite relationship and to support honey bee survival in the presence of the parasite without the need for acaricide treatments. Although resistance traits have been included in the selection strategy of honey bees, it has not been possible to globally solve the V. destructor problem. In this study, we review the literature on the reasons that have potentially limited the success of such selection programs. We compile the available information to assess the relevance of selected traits and the potential environmental effects that distort trait expression and colony survival. Limitations to the implementation of these traits in the field are also discussed. Conclusions Improving our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying resistance to V. destructor to increase trait relevance, optimizing selection programs to reduce environmental effects, and communicating selection outcomes are all crucial to efforts aiming at establishing a balanced relationship between the invasive parasite and its new host.

scholarly journals Dominance of Nosema ceranae in honey bees in the Balkan countries in the absence of symptoms of colony collapse disorder

Apidologie ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jevrosima Stevanovic ◽  
Zoran Stanimirovic ◽  
Elke Genersch ◽  
Sanja R. Kovacevic ◽  
Jovan Ljubenkovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Nosema Ceranae ◽  
Colony Collapse Disorder ◽  
Balkan Countries ◽  
Colony Collapse

scholarly journals Can colony size of honeybees (Apis mellifera) be used as predictor for colony losses due to Varroa destructor during winter?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Coby van Dooremalen ◽  
Frank van Langevelde
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Colony Size ◽  
Varroa Destructor ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
Early Warning Signs ◽  
Parasitic Mite ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Early Predictor

AbstractFor more than three decades, honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera) experience high losses during winter, and these losses are still continuing. It is crucial that beekeepers monitor their colonies closely and anticipate losses early enough to apply mitigating actions. We tested whether colony size can be used as early predictor for potential colony losses, in particular due to the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. V. destructor is one of the most important causes for these losses. Such early predictor for potential V. destructor induced losses is especially relevant as measuring V. destructor load in colonies is difficult and cumbersome. During three years, we monitored colonies with high and low V. destructor load from July until March of the next year. We found that differences in colony size were only visible after November, even though we lost almost all colonies every winter in the group with high V. destructor load. In the Northern hemisphere, November is considered to be too late for beekeepers to strengthen colonies in preparation for winter. We therefore argue that early-warning signs for potential colony losses due to V. destructor are urgently needed to allow beekeepers preventing winter losses. We discuss the role of precision apiculture to monitor the health and productivity of honeybee colonies.

scholarly journals Direct Evidence for Infection of Varroa destructor Mites with the Bee-Pathogenic Deformed Wing Virus Variant B - but Not Variant A - via Fluorescence-in situ-Hybridization Analysis.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Gisder ◽  
Elke Genersch
Keyword(s):  
Salivary Glands ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Varroa Destructor ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Brain Infection ◽  
Biological Vector

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is a bee pathogenic, single- and positive-stranded RNA virus that has been involved in severe honey bee colony losses worldwide. DWV, when transmitted horizontally or vertically from bee to bee, causes mainly covert infections not associated with any visible symptoms or damage. Overt infections occur after vectorial transmission of DWV to the developing bee pupae through the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor. Symptoms of overt infections are pupal death, bees emerging with deformed wings and shortened abdomens, or cognitive impairment due to brain infection. So far, three variants of DWV, DWV-A, DWV-B, and DWV-C, have been described. While it is widely accepted that V. destructor acts as vector of DWV, the question of whether the mite only functions as a mechanical vector or whether DWV can infect the mite thus using it as a biological vector is hotly debated, because in the literature data can be found that support both hypotheses. In order to settle this scientific dispute, we analyzed putatively DWV-infected mites with a newly established protocol for fluorescence-in situ-hybridization of mites and demonstrated DWV-specific signals inside mite cells. We provide compelling and direct evidence that DWV-B infects the intestinal epithelium and the salivary glands of V. destructor. In contrast, no evidence for DWV-A infecting mite cells was found. Our data are key to understanding the pathobiology of DWV, the mite’s role as a biological DWV vector and the quasispecies dynamics of this RNA virus when switching between insect and arachnid host species. IMPORTANCE Deformed wing virus (DWV) is a bee pathogenic, originally rather benign, single- and positive-stranded RNA virus. Only the vectorial transmission of this virus to honey bees by the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor leads to fatal or symptomatic infections of individuals, usually followed by collapse of the entire colony. Studies on whether the mite only acts as a mechanical virus vector or whether DWV can infect the mite and thus use it as a biological vector have led to disparate results. In our study using fluorescence-in situ-hybridization we provide compelling and direct evidence that at least the DWV-B variant infects the gut epithelium and the salivary glands of V. destructor. Hence, the host range of DWV includes both, bees (Insecta) and mites (Arachnida). Our data contribute to a better understanding of the triangular relationship between honey bees, V. destructor and DWV and the evolution of virulence in this viral bee pathogen.

scholarly journals Interaction between Varroa destructor and imidacloprid reduces flight capacity of honeybees

2015 ◽  
Vol 282 (1820) ◽  
pp. 20151738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa J. Blanken ◽  
Frank van Langevelde ◽  
Coby van Dooremalen
Keyword(s):  
Varroa Destructor ◽  
Lethal Dose ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
Cascading Effects ◽  
Flight Capacity ◽  
Colony Collapse ◽  
Flight Mills ◽  
Neonicotinoid Insecticide ◽  
Parasitic Mite

Current high losses of honeybees seriously threaten crop pollination. Whereas parasite exposure is acknowledged as an important cause of these losses, the role of insecticides is controversial. Parasites and neonicotinoid insecticides reduce homing success of foragers (e.g. by reduced orientation), but it is unknown whether they negatively affect flight capacity. We investigated how exposing colonies to the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and the neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid affect flight capacity of foragers. Flight distance, time and speed of foragers were measured in flight mills to assess the relative and interactive effects of high V. destructor load and a field-realistic, chronic sub-lethal dose of imidacloprid. Foragers from colonies exposed to high levels of V. destructor flew shorter distances, with a larger effect when also exposed to imidacloprid. Bee body mass partly explained our results as bees were heavier when exposed to these stressors, possibly due to an earlier onset of foraging. Our findings contribute to understanding of interacting stressors that can explain colony losses. Reduced flight capacity decreases the food-collecting ability of honeybees and may hamper the use of precocious foraging as a coping mechanism during colony (nutritional) stress. Ineffective coping mechanisms may lead to destructive cascading effects and subsequent colony collapse.

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