Impact of Nosema Infection and Insecticides on Honeybee Mortality
Author Information
Author(s): Vidau Cyril, Diogon Marie, Aufauvre Julie, Fontbonne Régis, Viguès Bernard, Brunet Jean-Luc, Texier Catherine, Biron David G., Blot Nicolas, El Alaoui Hicham, Belzunces Luc P., Delbac Frédéric
Primary Institution: Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement
Hypothesis
Can Nosema ceranae infection increase honeybee mortality when exposed to sublethal doses of fipronil and thiacloprid?
Conclusion
Nosema ceranae-infected honeybees showed significantly higher mortality rates when exposed to sublethal doses of fipronil and thiacloprid compared to uninfected honeybees.
Supporting Evidence
- Nosema ceranae infection significantly increased honeybee mortality when exposed to insecticides.
- Fipronil exposure reduced spore production in infected bees, while thiacloprid increased it.
- GST activity was significantly higher in infected honeybees, indicating a response to infection.
Takeaway
If honeybees get sick from a tiny bug called Nosema and then eat some bug spray, they are much more likely to die than healthy bees that eat the same spray.
Methodology
Honeybees were divided into experimental groups, some infected with Nosema ceranae and others exposed to insecticides, with daily monitoring of mortality and insecticide consumption.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the selection of honeybee colonies and environmental conditions during the experiment.
Limitations
The study did not explore the long-term effects of insecticide exposure on honeybee health beyond the 20-day observation period.
Participant Demographics
Honeybees from three Buckfast colonies, approximately 2000 bees used in total.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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