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Testing microbial pest control products in bees, a comparative study on different bee species and their interaction with two representative microorganisms

Background: The evaluation of the impact of pesticides on non-target species, like bees, is a crucial factor in registration procedures. Therefore, standardized test procedures have been developed on OECD level assessing the effects of chemicals on honey bees or bumble bees. Unfortunately, these protocols cannot directly be adapted for testing products that contain microorganisms. Interest…

Standard methods for European foulbrood research 2.0

European foulbrood (EFB) is a severe bacterial honey bee brood disease caused by the Grampositive bacterium Melissocccus plutonius. The disease is widely distributed worldwide, and is an increasing problem in some areas. Although the causative agent of EFB was described almost a century ago, many basic aspects of its pathogenesis are still unknown. Earlier studies…

Anatomical, phenological and genetic aspects of the host–parasite relationship between Andrena vaga (Hymenoptera) and Stylops ater (Strepsiptera)

Stylops ater is an endoparasite of the mining bee Andrena vaga with extreme sexual dimorphism and hypermetamorphosis. Its population structure, parasitization mode, genetic diversity and impact on host morphology were examined in nesting sites in Germany to better understand this highly specialized host–parasite interaction. The shift in host emergence due to stylopization was proven to…

The effect of major abiotic stressors on honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) queens and potential impact on their progeny

Queen health and quality play a significant role in the survival, expansion, and productivity of honey bee colonies. Nevertheless, modern beekeeping practices, intensified agriculture, and climate change can leave queens vulnerable to diverse stressors. These stressors can exert a negative impact on queens, resulting in a range of morphological and physiological abnormalities. The repercussions of…

New opinion article: Avenues towards reconciling wild and managed bee proponents

Ongoing pollinator declines call for urgent mitigation measures guided by adequate evidence-based policies. Recently, increasing concerns about negative impacts of managed bees on wild bees through resource competition and pathogen transmission have fueled intense scientific, societal and political debate. The complex and fragmented evidence around this topic, and how it is interpreted, is increasingly polarizing…

Characterisation of proteomic alterations in worker bees in response to amitraz treatment during summer to winter transition in Apis mellifera colonies

The application of treatments to reduce/control the number of Varroa destructor mites within Apis mellifera colonies is a common apicultural practice. The effectiveness of the treatments in reducing Varroa mites from colonies has been extensively studied, however, the effects of these treatments on the bees within the colonies are poorly characterised. This work utilised label-free…