Applied Sciences

Editorial

4 pages, 196 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue: “Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring)”

by Franco Mutinelli

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(22), 12357; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132212357 - 15 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1069

Abstract

In recent years, the attention paid to farmed honeybees has considerably increased based on new and different threats posed to this sector, i [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

11 pages, 934 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Efficacy of Common Treatments Used for Vairimorpha (Nosema) spp. Control

by Cody Prouty, Cameron Jack, Ramesh Sagili and James D. Ellis

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1303; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031303 - 18 Jan 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2779

Abstract

Vairimorpha (formerly Nosema) apis and V. ceranae are microsporidian pathogens that are of concern for managed honey bee colonies. Multiple treatments have been proposed to be effective in reducing the prevalence and intensity of Vairimorpha spp. infections. Here, we test the efficacy [...] Read more.

Vairimorpha (formerly Nosema) apis and V. ceranae are microsporidian pathogens that are of concern for managed honey bee colonies. Multiple treatments have been proposed to be effective in reducing the prevalence and intensity of Vairimorpha spp. infections. Here, we test the efficacy of these products in one lab-based experiment and three field experiments. In the lab experiment, we found no reductions in Vairimorpha spp. prevalence (proportion of individuals infected with Vairimorpha spp.) or intensity (number of Vairimorpha spp. spores per individual), but we did find a decrease in honey bee survival after treatment with Fumagilin-B, Honey-B-Healthy^®, and Nozevit Plus. The first field experiment showed increased Vairimorpha spp. intensity in colonies treated with Fumagilin-B and HiveAlive^® compared to a negative control (sucrose syrup alone). The second field experiment showed a weak reduction in Vairimorpha spp. intensity after 3 weeks post treatment with Fumagilin-B compared to Nozevit. However, Vairimorpha spp. intensity returned to levels comparable to those of other treatment groups after 5 weeks post treatment and remained similar to those of other groups for the duration of the experiment. The final field trial showed no positive or negative effects of treatment with Fumagilin-B or Nosevit on Vairimorpha spp. prevalence or intensity. These findings raise questions regarding the efficacy of the products currently being used by beekeepers to control Vairimorpha spp. We argue that the observed reduction of Vairimorpha spp. is more likely relevant to the phenology of spore prevalence and intensity in honey bee colonies than to chemical treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 38915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Importance of Context Awareness in Acoustics-Based Automated Beehive Monitoring

by Mahsa Abdollahi, Evan Henry, Pierre Giovenazzo and Tiago H. Falk

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010195 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3210

Abstract

The vital role of honeybees in pollination and their high rate of mortality in the last decade have raised concern among beekeepers and researchers alike. As such, robust and remote sensing of beehives has emerged as a potential tool to help monitor the [...] Read more.

The vital role of honeybees in pollination and their high rate of mortality in the last decade have raised concern among beekeepers and researchers alike. As such, robust and remote sensing of beehives has emerged as a potential tool to help monitor the health of honeybees. Over the last decade, several monitoring systems have been proposed, including those based on in-hive acoustics. Despite its popularity, existing audio-based systems do not take context into account (e.g., environmental noise factors), and thus the performance may be severely hampered when deployed. In this paper, we investigate the effect that three different environmental noise factors (i.e., nearby train rail squealing, beekeeper speech, and rain noise) can have on three acoustic features (i.e., spectrogram, mel frequency cepstral coefficients, and discrete wavelet coefficients) used in existing automated beehive monitoring systems. To this end, audio data were collected continuously over a period of three months (August, September, and October) in 2021 from 11 urban beehives located in downtown Montréal, Québec, Canada. A system based on these features and a convolutional neural network was developed to predict beehive strength, an indicator of the size of the colony. Results show the negative impact that environmental factors can have across all tested features, resulting in an increase of up to 355% in mean absolute prediction error when heavy rain was present. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Results of an International Survey for Risk Assessment of Honey Bee Health Concerning Varroa Management

by Alessandra De Carolis, Adam J. Newmark, Jieun Kim, Joseph Cazier, Ed Hassler, Marco Pietropaoli, Chris Robinette, Giovanni Formato and Junxia Song

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010062 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2832

Abstract

Here, we present the results of an online international survey concerning the adoption of good beekeeping practices and proper biosecurity measures for the management of varroosis in Apis mellifera. The survey was designed as a risk assessment tool by the Food and [...] Read more.

Here, we present the results of an online international survey concerning the adoption of good beekeeping practices and proper biosecurity measures for the management of varroosis in Apis mellifera. The survey was designed as a risk assessment tool by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Association (Apimondia), the Center for Analytics Research & Education (CARE) at Appalachian State University, and Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Lazio e Toscana (IZSLT). The data collected investigated the beekeeping techniques, treatments, and training beekeepers adopt concerning the varroa mite. The idea was to validate a tool able to collect and compare, in the different areas of the world, the management measures adopted by beekeepers to face this major parasitic disease of honey bees. The survey was disseminated online for a period of 14 months (January 2019–March 2020) through the FAO website. A total of 861 responses were received, most of them from the Americas (20.9%) and Europe (74.7%). Concerning the control measures useful in combating varroa, the results showed an overall awareness of the usefulness of biosecurity measures in beekeeping (BMBs), which we compare across regions. The majority of the beekeepers (89.9% in the Americas and 82.8% in Europe) were interested in additional bee health training and, at the same time, were willing to connect themselves with veterinary experts specialized in bees. This is an indication that beekeepers recognize the importance of training and experts’ advice. This study revealed the efficacy of the survey adopted as a useful assessment tool that will be further disseminated, even in geographic regions heretofore not investigated, to provide useful information on the status of the beekeeping sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1848 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Varroa destructor on Hemolymph Sugars and Secondary Infections in Honeybees (Apis mellifera)

by Antoine Cournoyer, Laurence Plamondon, Liza Bau-Gaudreault, Annie Deschamps, Pascal Dubreuil and Marie-Odile Benoit-Biancamano

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(22), 11630; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122211630 - 16 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2995

Abstract

The European honeybee contributes to the agriculture by its pollination; however, the overwintering loss rate over the last decades is worrisome. Varroa destructor is considered one of the most important causes of bee colony declines. This project aims to correlate the infestation by [...] Read more.

The European honeybee contributes to the agriculture by its pollination; however, the overwintering loss rate over the last decades is worrisome. Varroa destructor is considered one of the most important causes of bee colony declines. This project aims to correlate the infestation by varroa to the hemolymph sugar concentrations and bacterial and viral coinfections. Six highly infested and six control hives were compared over time. Pooled hemolymph samples from honeybees were collected for sugar concentration measurements using a previously validated portable glucometer. The hemolymph samples were submitted for bacteriology. Multiplex RT-PCR analysis was performed on honeybees for six viruses: DWV-A, DWV-B, BQCV, ABPV, KBV, and IAPV. There was also no predominance of pathogenic bacteria. In September, sugar concentrations in hemolymph were significantly lower in highly infested hives than in control hives. Infested hives showed markedly higher viral loads except for ABPV. DWV-A and BQCV viral loads from highly infested hives were significantly higher in September compared to July. A continued and severe exposure to varroa leads to increased viral charges and decreased sugar concentrations, suggesting alterations in immunity, metabolism, and reserve mobilization. These parameters contribute to the weakening and mortality of the colonies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1378 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae Natural Infection on Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and Bee Bread Microbiota

by Irini Georgi, Nikos Asoutis Didaras, Marios Nikolaidis, Tilemachos G. Dimitriou, Leonidas Charistos, Fani Hatjina, Grigoris D. Amoutzias and Dimitris Mossialos

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(22), 11476; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122211476 - 11 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2481

Abstract

Honey bees face new challenges, ranging from climate crisis to emerging pathogens such as Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae that synergistically cause a syndrome designated as colony collapse disorder (CCD). This study employed a metataxonomic approach in order to investigate if V. ceranae [...] Read more.

Honey bees face new challenges, ranging from climate crisis to emerging pathogens such as Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae that synergistically cause a syndrome designated as colony collapse disorder (CCD). This study employed a metataxonomic approach in order to investigate if V. ceranae affects gut microbiota (bacteria and fungi) of adult A. mellifera honey bees as well as microbiota of bee bread (BB) stored in colonies demonstrating severe V. ceranae infection (spore counts >2,500,000 per bee) as compared with colonies exhibiting very low spore counts (<40,000 per bee). Alpha-diversity analysis revealed an overall decrease in microbial diversity reflected by number of observed unique operating taxonomic units (OTUs) regarding both bacteria and fungi in honey bee and ΒΒ samples. Further analysis demonstrated that Podosphaera spp. were absent in BB samples collected from colonies with high spore counts, while relative abundance of Blumeria spp. was significantly decreased. Interestingly, relative abundance of Rosenbergiella spp. was increased in BB samples collected from colonies with high spore counts. The reason for these findings remains elusive. Although further research is warranted, overall reduced microbial diversity and relative abundance of certain microbial groups may serve as biomarkers of colony collapse. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Acute Toxicity Bioassay and Field Trial to Evaluate Compounds for Small Hive Beetle Control

by Kaylin Kleckner, Alessandra De Carolis, Cameron Jack, Charles Stuhl, Giovanni Formato and James D. Ellis

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(19), 9905; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12199905 - 1 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2680

Abstract

Beekeepers need new registered products to control the small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida, a significant pest of western honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. Few approved chemical controls exist, and there is no standardized system for screening compounds against SHBs. [...] Read more.

Beekeepers need new registered products to control the small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida, a significant pest of western honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. Few approved chemical controls exist, and there is no standardized system for screening compounds against SHBs. We outline a detailed method for an acute toxicity bioassay that delivers compounds via pollen. We provide a detailed method for a field trial that delivers treated pollen in traps made from modified compact disc cases. We applied both methods in proof-of-concept experiments to assess acetamiprid as a SHB control agent. Using the laboratory bioassay, we found acetamiprid (

{LC}_{50}

= 20.5 µg/g) to be more toxic to SHBs than coumaphos was (

{LC}_{50}

= 1250 µg/g), yet less toxic to SHBs than fipronil was (

{LC}_{50}

= 1.78 µg/g). In our field trial, colonies treated with acetamiprid and fipronil significantly reduced (p < 0.001) live SHB populations over those of control colonies. Traps containing acetamiprid retained significantly higher (p < 0.001) numbers of dead SHBs than did traps containing fipronil. We outline the first detailed methods to assess the toxicity of compounds delivered in pollen for adult SHB control. Our proof-of-concept experiments showed acetamiprid to be a promising control agent for SHBs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 1007 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Probe-Based qPCR Method, Targeting 16S rRNA Gene, for the Quantification of Paenibacillus larvae Spores in Powdered Sugar Samples

by Elena Carra, Giorgio Galletti, Emanuele Carpana, Federica Bergamini, Giulio Loglio, Filippo Bosi, Stefano Palminteri and Stefano Bassi

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(19), 9895; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12199895 - 1 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3093

Abstract

Paenibacillus larvae (P. larvae) is responsible for American foulbrood (AFB), the most severe bacterial disease of honeybees. The enumeration of P. larvae spores in substrates taken from hives allows for the identification of the contamination levels of the colonies, mostly in [...] Read more.

Paenibacillus larvae (P. larvae) is responsible for American foulbrood (AFB), the most severe bacterial disease of honeybees. The enumeration of P. larvae spores in substrates taken from hives allows for the identification of the contamination levels of the colonies, mostly in those with atypical symptoms or with asymptomatic infections; in these cases, it is essential for the effective control of American foulbrood (AFB). In this work we described a new quantitative TaqMan^® probe-based real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, targeting the 16S rRNA gene of P. larvae, used for the quantification of P. larvae spores in powdered sugar samples collected from hives, in comparison to the culture. A total of 105 colonies were selected, belonging to 10 apiaries with different levels of infection, located in northern Italy. The proportions of positive colonies was 54% (57/105) with the culture and 66% (69/105) with qPCR. A significant difference between the two methods was found with McNemar’s test (p = 0.02). Out of the 51 positive samples by both methods, 45 showed higher infection by qPCR compared to the culture. A close concordance with the clinical–epidemiological status of the hives was observed by both methods, with higher infection levels found by qPCR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Varroa Control by Means of a Hyperthermic Device

by Marco Porporato, Aulo Manino, Davide Cuttini, Simone Lorenzon, Silvia Ciaudano and Valerio Parodi

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(16), 8138; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12168138 - 14 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4506

Abstract

Hyperthermia is the use of heat to control Varroa destructor. Various apparatuses have been proposed to effectively apply heat and recently the Bee Ethic system was developed in Italy. The Bee Ethic system is a technological hive consisting of a set of [...] Read more.

Hyperthermia is the use of heat to control Varroa destructor. Various apparatuses have been proposed to effectively apply heat and recently the Bee Ethic system was developed in Italy. The Bee Ethic system is a technological hive consisting of a set of heated frames and an electronic control unit. Trials were carried out in the years 2018, 2020 and 2021 to compare colony strength and mite infestation in heat-treated and untreated control bee-hives. In addition, the influence of repeated heat treatments on the development of bee colonies and mite populations was verified by means of a mathematical model. Both in apiary and in silica results show that hyperthermia can be effectively used for V. destructor control within an IPM approach, even in the presence of substantial re-infestation phenomena. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2455 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Presence of Known and Emerging Honey Bee Pathogens in Apiaries of Veneto Region (Northeast of Italy) during Spring 2020 and 2021

by Fulvio Bordin, Laura Zulian, Anna Granato, Mauro Caldon, Rosa Colamonico, Marica Toson, Laura Trevisan, Laura Biasion and Franco Mutinelli

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(4), 2134; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12042134 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 4150

Abstract

A progressive honey bee population decline has been reported worldwide during the last decades, and it could be attributed to several causes, in particular to the presence of pathogens and parasites that can act individually or in synergy. The health status of nine [...] Read more.

A progressive honey bee population decline has been reported worldwide during the last decades, and it could be attributed to several causes, in particular to the presence of pathogens and parasites that can act individually or in synergy. The health status of nine apiaries located in different areas of the Veneto region (northeast of Italy) was assessed for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021) in spring, during the resumption of honey bee activity, for determining the presence of known (Nosema spp., Varroa mite and viruses) and less known or emerging pathogens (Lotmaria passim and Crithidia mellificae) in honey bees. After honey bees sampling from each of the nine apiaries, Nosema apis, Nosema ceranae, L. passim, C. mellificae, ABPV, CBPV, IAPV, KBV, BQCV, SBV, DWV-A, DWV-B and V. destructor were investigated either by microscopic observation or PCR protocols. The viruses BQCV, SBV, CBPV followed by N. ceranae and L. passim were the most prevalent pathogens, and many of the investigated hives, despite asymptomatic, had different degrees of co-infection. This study aimed to highlight, during the resumption of honey bee activity in spring, the prevalence and spreading in the regional territory of different honey bee pathogens, which could alone or synergistically alter the homeostasis of bees colonies. The information gathered would increase our knowledge about the presence of these microorganisms and parasites in the territory and could contribute to improve beekeepers practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Lactobacillus plantarum in Preventing Clinical Cases of American and European Foulbrood in Central Italy

by Marco Pietropaoli, Emanuele Carpana, Marcella Milito, Massimo Palazzetti, Marcella Guarducci, Sofia Croppi and Giovanni Formato

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1388; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031388 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3278

Abstract

American and European Foulbrood (AFB and EFB) are considered the most contagious infectious diseases affecting honeybees worldwide. New sustainable strategies need to be implemented for their prevention and control, and probiotics may represent one solution to investigate. In our study, we evaluated the [...] Read more.

American and European Foulbrood (AFB and EFB) are considered the most contagious infectious diseases affecting honeybees worldwide. New sustainable strategies need to be implemented for their prevention and control, and probiotics may represent one solution to investigate. In our study, we evaluated the efficacy of one strain of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) isolated from northern Italy, orally administered to the bees for AFB and EFB prevention. From March to September 2014, a total of 979 honeybee colonies (9.6% of Viterbo province—Central Italy) were taken under observation from 22 apiaries. Overall prevalence of AFB was 5.3% in treated colonies and 5.1% in the untreated ones. On the contrary, EFB prevalence was lower in the treated colonies (2.5%) compared to the untreated ones (4.5%). L. plantarum showed a significant effect in reducing insurgence of cases of EFB up to 35 days after the end of the treatment (p-value: 0.034). Thanks to this study we could investigate the preventive efficacy of L. plantarum in controlling AFB and EFB, and obtain official data on their clinical prevalence in Central Italy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1952 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Polymorphism of 16s rRNA Gene: Any Effect on the Biomolecular Quantitation of the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L., 1758) Pathogen Nosema ceranae?

by Giovanni Cilia, Giacomo Luchetti and Antonio Nanetti

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(1), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12010422 - 2 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2361

Abstract

The microsporidian Nosema ceranae is a severe threat to the western honey bee Apis mellifera, as it is responsible for nosemosis type C, which leads the colonies to dwindle and collapse. Infection quantification is essential to clinical and research aims. Assessment is [...] Read more.

The microsporidian Nosema ceranae is a severe threat to the western honey bee Apis mellifera, as it is responsible for nosemosis type C, which leads the colonies to dwindle and collapse. Infection quantification is essential to clinical and research aims. Assessment is made often with molecular assays based on rRNA genes, which are present in the N. ceranae genome as multiple and polymorphic copies. This study aims to compare two different methods of Real-Time PCR (qPCR), respectively relying on the 16S rRNA and Hsp70 genes, the first of which is described as a multiple and polymorphic gene. Young worker bees, hatched in the laboratory and artificially inoculated with N. ceranae spores, were incubated at 33 °C and subject to different treatment regimens. Samples were taken post-infection and analyzed with both qPCR methods. Compared to Hsp70, the 16S rRNA method systematically detected higher abundance. Straightforward conversion between the two methods is made impossible by erratic 16s rRNA/Hsp70 ratios. The 16s rRNA polymorphism showed an increase around the inoculated dose, where a higher prevalence of ungerminated spores was expected due to the treatment effects. The possible genetic background of that irregular distribution is discussed in detail. The polymorphic nature of 16S rRNA showed to be a limit in the infection quantification. More reliably, the N. ceranae abundance can be assessed in honey bee samples with methods based on the single-copy gene Hsp70. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 2460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Particulate Matter Contamination of Bee Pollen in an Industrial Area of the Po Valley (Italy)

by Giulia Papa, Giancarlo Capitani, Marco Pellecchia and Ilaria Negri

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(23), 11390; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112311390 - 1 Dec 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3263

Abstract

The global demand for bee pollen as a dietary supplement for human nutrition is increasing. Pollen, which comprises proteins and lipids from bees’ diets, is rich in essential amino acids, omega fatty acids, and bioactive compounds that can have beneficial effects on human [...] Read more.

The global demand for bee pollen as a dietary supplement for human nutrition is increasing. Pollen, which comprises proteins and lipids from bees’ diets, is rich in essential amino acids, omega fatty acids, and bioactive compounds that can have beneficial effects on human health. However, bee pollen may also contain contaminants due to environmental contamination. To date, data on bee pollen contamination by environmental pollutants refer almost exclusively to pesticides and heavy metals, and very little information is available on the potential contamination of bee pollen by airborne particulate matter (PM), a ubiquitous pollutant that originates from a wide range of anthropogenic sources (e.g., motor vehicles, industrial processes, agricultural operations). In the present study, pollen grains collected by forager bees living in an industrial area of the Po Valley (Northern Italy) were analyzed for contamination by inorganic PM. The morpho-chemical characterization of inorganic particles using SEM/EDX allowed us to identify different emission sources and demonstrate the potential risk of PM entering the food chain and exposing bees to its ingestion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Diverse Natural Products on Honey Bee Viral Loads and Health

by Dawn L. Boncristiani, James P. Tauber, Evan C. Palmer-Young, Lianfei Cao, William Collins, Kyle Grubbs, Jillian A. Lopez, Lyndel W. Meinhardt, Vy Nguyen, Sungtaek Oh, Raymond J. Peterson, Halondra Zamora, Yanping Chen and Jay D. Evans

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10732; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112210732 - 13 Nov 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5348

Abstract

Western honey bees (Apis mellifera), a cornerstone to crop pollination in the U.S., are faced with an onslaught of challenges from diseases caused by parasites, pathogens, and pests that affect this economically valuable pollinator. Natural products (NPs), produced by living organisms, [...] Read more.

Western honey bees (Apis mellifera), a cornerstone to crop pollination in the U.S., are faced with an onslaught of challenges from diseases caused by parasites, pathogens, and pests that affect this economically valuable pollinator. Natural products (NPs), produced by living organisms, including plants and microorganisms, can support health and combat disease in animals. NPs include both native extracts and individual compounds that can reduce disease impacts by supporting immunity or directly inhibiting pathogens, pests, and parasites. Herein, we describe the screening of NPs in laboratory cage studies for their effects on honey bee disease prevention and control. Depending on the expected activity of compounds, we measured varied responses, including viral levels, honey bee immune responses, and symbiotic bacteria loads. Of the NPs screened, several compounds demonstrated beneficial activities in honey bees by reducing levels of the critical honey bee virus deformed wing virus (DWV-A and-B), positively impacting the gut microbiome or stimulating honey bee immune responses. Investigations of the medicinal properties of NPs in honey bees will contribute to a better understanding of their potential to support honey bee immunity to fight off pests and pathogens and promote increased overall honey bee health. These investigations will also shed light on the ecological interactions between pollinators and specific floral food sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

7 pages, 852 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Updates on the Mobile Divider and Its Use in Calabria Region to Monitor and Control Aethina tumida Infestation

by Camilla Di Ruggiero, Ziad Mezher, Franco Mutinelli, Alessandra De Carolis, Naomi Pocci and Giovanni Formato

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10637; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112210637 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1802

Abstract

The small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida was first detected in the Calabria and Sicily region (Southern Italy) in 2014. In this regard, a more effective and faster inspection method than the Official one (Ministry of Health) was tested to detect the beetle [...] Read more.

The small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida was first detected in the Calabria and Sicily region (Southern Italy) in 2014. In this regard, a more effective and faster inspection method than the Official one (Ministry of Health) was tested to detect the beetle in the hive. In collaboration with Calabria beekeepers’ association, a “mobile divider”-based method was tested, in order to facilitate the detection of A. tumida and save time during hive inspection. In this short communication, we provide an update on the mobile divider technique and its related inspection procedure, which was first proposed and used in Calabria (Southern Italy) from 2014 to 2016. We report preliminary data concerning the number of detected SHBs and the time spent for their detection, based on the inspection of two apiaries in Calabria region, using both methods (official method and mobile divider method). The preliminary data presented here show that, on average, the mobile divider method seems to be able to recover a slightly higher number of beetles (0.9 adults) per inspected hive, in a shorter time (25 s). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy and Toxicity of VarroMed^® Used for Controlling Varroa destructor Infestation in Different Seasons and Geographical Areas

by Maja Ivana Smodiš Škerl, Jorge Rivera-Gomis, Ivana Tlak Gajger, Jernej Bubnič, Gabriela Talakić, Giovanni Formato, Alessandra Baggio, Franco Mutinelli, Wim Tollenaers, Dries Laget, Valeria Malagnini, Livia Zanotelli and Marco Pietropaoli

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8564; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188564 - 15 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4447

Abstract

VarroMed^® is a soft acaricide registered for honey bees on the European Union market since 2017 for Varroa control. Researchers involved were partners of different countries of the Varroa control task force of the COLOSS Association. Our goal was to evaluate performances [...] Read more.

VarroMed^® is a soft acaricide registered for honey bees on the European Union market since 2017 for Varroa control. Researchers involved were partners of different countries of the Varroa control task force of the COLOSS Association. Our goal was to evaluate performances (acaricide efficacy and toxic effects on honey bees) of VarroMed^® in different climatic conditions. Our results in the tested apiaries showed an efficacy ranging from 71.2 to 89.3% in summer/autumn, and from 71.8 to 95.6% in winter. No toxic effects on bees were observed, except in one apiary, where severe cold climatic conditions played a crucial role. The treatment could be efficiently applied in broodright as well as in broodless colonies. Integrated pest management (IPM) recommendations for beekeepers are provided in order to apply the best Varroa control protocol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 3602 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Definition of a Protocol to Manage and Officially Confirm SHB Presence in Sentinel Honeybee Colonies

by Giovanni Formato, Giovanni Federico, Camilla Di Ruggiero, Marco Pietropaoli, Marcella Milito and Franco Mutinelli

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 8260; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11178260 - 6 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2443

Abstract

Given the consolidated circulation of Aethina tumida (SHB) in Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia provinces of Calabria region (Southern Italy), the need for a more effective and less time-consuming approach to SHB surveillance emerged. Accordingly, honeybee sentinel colonies were established in the infested [...] Read more.

Given the consolidated circulation of Aethina tumida (SHB) in Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia provinces of Calabria region (Southern Italy), the need for a more effective and less time-consuming approach to SHB surveillance emerged. Accordingly, honeybee sentinel colonies were established in the infested areas under the supervision and management of the Veterinary Services of the Local Health Unit. In this short communication, we present the protocol adopted in the Calabria region to manage the SHB positive sentinel honeybee colonies. The procedures for safely packing and transport the SHB infested sentinel honeybee colonies from the field to the official laboratory and the subsequent procedure for their careful inspection in the laboratory are illustrated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conducting an International, Exploratory Survey to Collect Data on Honey Bee Disease Management and Control

by Ziad Mezher, Jernej Bubnic, Roberto Condoleo, Filippo Jannoni-Sebastianini, Andrea Leto, Francesco Proscia and Giovanni Formato

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7311; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167311 - 9 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3041

Abstract

The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana (IZSLT) and the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations (Apimondia) set up a worldwide survey in 2015–2017 to gather information on beekeepers’ perceptions concerning good beekeeping practices, the main honey bee diseases, and the technical [...] Read more.

The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana (IZSLT) and the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations (Apimondia) set up a worldwide survey in 2015–2017 to gather information on beekeepers’ perceptions concerning good beekeeping practices, the main honey bee diseases, and the technical assistance they receive. The on-line dissemination of the survey was facilitated by the “Technologies and Practices for Small Agricultural Producers” platform (TECA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). In total, 248 questionnaires were received from the European region and the results are reported here. Varroosis remains the biggest concern and is the most important reason for beekeepers’ use of veterinary medicines. However, a sustainable approach to managing Varroa was detected. American foulbrood (AFB) and European foulbrood (EFB) infections are mainly managed through the shook swarm technique or burning the hives. Concerning technical assistance for disease management, beekeepers were mainly supported by their associations or expert beekeepers. Relevant data were collected and analyzed but information from many low-income countries in Africa or Asia is still missing, and more efforts are needed to fill the knowledge gaps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1281 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Honey Bee: An Active Biosampler of Environmental Pollution and a Possible Warning Biomarker for Human Health

by Marianna Martinello, Chiara Manzinello, Nicoletta Dainese, Ilenia Giuliato, Albino Gallina and Franco Mutinelli

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(14), 6481; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11146481 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6661

Abstract

Member states of the European Union are required to ensure the initiation of monitoring programs to verify honey bee exposure to pesticides, where and as appropriate. Based on 620 samples of dead honey bees—42 of pollen, 183 of honey and 32 of vegetables—we [...] Read more.

Member states of the European Union are required to ensure the initiation of monitoring programs to verify honey bee exposure to pesticides, where and as appropriate. Based on 620 samples of dead honey bees—42 of pollen, 183 of honey and 32 of vegetables—we highlighted the presence, as analyzed by liquid and gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometric detection, of many active substances, mainly tau-fluvalinate, piperonyl butoxide, chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl, permethrin and imidacloprid. Among the active substances found in analyzed matrices linked to honey bee killing incidents, 38 belong to hazard classes I and II, as methiocarb, methomyl, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin and permethrin, thus representing a potential risk for human health. We have shown that, at different times between 2015 and 2020, during implementation of the Italian national guidelines for managing reports of bee colony mortality or depopulation associated with pesticide use, pesticide pollution events occurred that could raise concern for human health. Competent authorities could, as part of a One Health approach, exploit the information provided by existing reporting programs on honey bees and their products, in view of the close correlation to human health, animal health and ecosystem health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1999 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Italian National Beekeeping Registry (BDNA) as a Tool to Identify Areas Suitable for Controlled Mating of Honey Bees in Italy

by Franco Mutinelli, Matteo Mazzucato, Marco Barbujani, Emanuele Carpana, Vincenzo Di Salvo, Tiziano Gardi, Daniele Greco, Luca Bonizzoni, Massimo Benvenuti, Claudia Casarotto, Laura Bortolotti and Cecilia Costa

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 5279; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11115279 - 7 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5483

Abstract

Honey bee mating is difficult to control as it occurs in flight, several kilometers away from the hive of origin of both queens and drones. In recent years, there has been an increase in the introduction into Italy of queen bees and swarms [...] Read more.

Honey bee mating is difficult to control as it occurs in flight, several kilometers away from the hive of origin of both queens and drones. In recent years, there has been an increase in the introduction into Italy of queen bees and swarms originating from interracial crossings (especially those known as “Buckfast”), or belonging to non-native subspecies. Consequently, there is a strong need to establish areas suitable for controlled mating. The Italian national beekeeping registry (BDNA) has been recently set up to monitor the position of apiaries and movement of hives, with the purpose of economic and sanitary protection and improvement of bee heritage and food safety. The BDNA was, thus, deemed a suitable tool to explore the availability of areas that could be used as mating stations. Specific criteria, such as not be classified as wetlands, altitude below 1500 m a.s.l., distance of at least 6000 m from an apiary, and distance of at least 1500 m from the national terrestrial border, were selected for defining the mating stations. Furthermore, all the remaining Italian national territory was considered suitable for settlement of mating stations, including towns, industrial settlements, and roads. Based on these criteria, the following methodological framework was applied: (1) collection of the required data (i.e., apiaries coordinates, geospatial data on soil classification, geospatial data on terrain altitude, Italian boundary geospatial data); (2) calculation for the excluded areas according with the criteria listed above; (3) calculation of the mating areas by means of the difference between the entire Italian territory and the excluded areas. The database of BDNA was used to identify them. Appropriate databases and software were used to exclude the areas of the Italian national territory that did not fulfill the established criteria. In this paper, we report the procedure applied to identify on maps the areas suitable for controlled mating of queen bees in the Italian national territory based on data currently available in the BDNA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 772 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Two Commonly Used Field Tests to Assess Varroa destructor Infestation on Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Colonies

by Marco Pietropaoli, Ivana Tlak Gajger, Cecilia Costa, Dariusz Gerula, Jerzy Wilde, Noureddine Adjlane, Patricia Aldea-Sánchez, Maja Ivana Smodiš Škerl, Jernej Bubnič and Giovanni Formato

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 4458; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11104458 - 14 May 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4644

Abstract

Assessment of colony infestation by Varroa destructor is a crucial part of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) applied to beekeeping. Natural mite fall, quantified by counting the mites on sticky sheets, is considered a reference method to estimate varroa infestation level in honey [...] Read more.

Assessment of colony infestation by Varroa destructor is a crucial part of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) applied to beekeeping. Natural mite fall, quantified by counting the mites on sticky sheets, is considered a reference method to estimate varroa infestation level in honey bee colonies. However, in recent years, alternative methods that can be used in field conditions have been investigated. In this paper, we report the results of the evaluation of two different methods to estimate the levels of varroa infestation. The experiment involved 151 honey bee colonies in nine apiaries of four countries (Algeria, Croatia, Italy, Poland). After the main honey flow, we compared the 10-day natural mite fall and the powdered sugar roll methods with the varroa population in each colony. According to our results, the powdered sugar roll method could be suggested to beekeepers as a suitable IPM tool for varroa control, while natural mite fall represents a more accurate method that could be adopted for selection/research purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Other

14 pages, 531 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nosemosis in Honeybees: A Review Guide on Biology and Diagnostic Methods

by Ewa Danuta Mazur and Anna Maria Gajda

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(12), 5890; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12125890 - 9 Jun 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4553

Abstract

Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae are dangerous parasites of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). N. ceranae is more pathogenic and, nowadays, more widespread than N. apis. There are also cases of mixed infections or infections of only N. apis. [...] Read more.

Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae are dangerous parasites of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). N. ceranae is more pathogenic and, nowadays, more widespread than N. apis. There are also cases of mixed infections or infections of only N. apis. Both N. apis and N. ceranae can lead to the weakening or death of A. mellifera colonies. It is crucial to make a fast and reliable diagnosis to monitor the disease and to start the correct treatment. Additionally, there is a need for further research on the pathogenicity of Nosema spp. and also on their prevalence in different regions of the world. In this paper, we present reliable diagnostic methods for Nosema spp. infection in honey bees and list the advantages and disadvantages of each method. We have also included basic information about nosemosis and the majority of diagnostic methods in order to provide a source of knowledge for veterinarians and researchers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nosemosis Prevention and Control

by Giovanni Formato, Jorge Rivera-Gomis, Jernej Bubnic, Raquel Martín-Hernández, Marcella Milito, Sofia Croppi and Mariano Higes

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(2), 783; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12020783 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6174

Abstract

Nosemosis is a serious microsporidian disease of adult European honey bees caused by the spore-forming unicellular fungi Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae. In this paper we describe the currently known techniques for nosemosis prevention and control including Good Beekeeping Practices (GBPs) and biosecurity [...] Read more.

Nosemosis is a serious microsporidian disease of adult European honey bees caused by the spore-forming unicellular fungi Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae. In this paper we describe the currently known techniques for nosemosis prevention and control including Good Beekeeping Practices (GBPs) and biosecurity measures (BMBs). Topics such as queen renewal, nosema-resistant bees and hygienic and control methods are described. Strong efforts are currently provided to find more a sustainable solution than the use of antibiotics. So far, it seems that the best way to approach nosemosis is given by an “integrated pest management strategy”, which foresees the contemporary application of different, specific GBPs and BMBs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

Other

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Review

22 pages, 790 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Automated Beehive Acoustics Monitoring: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Future Work

by Mahsa Abdollahi, Pierre Giovenazzo and Tiago H. Falk

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(8), 3920; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12083920 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 6599

Abstract

Bees play an important role in agriculture and ecology, and their pollination efficiency is essential to the economic profitability of farms. The drastic decrease in bee populations witnessed over the last decade has attracted great attention to automated remote beehive monitoring research, with [...] Read more.

Bees play an important role in agriculture and ecology, and their pollination efficiency is essential to the economic profitability of farms. The drastic decrease in bee populations witnessed over the last decade has attracted great attention to automated remote beehive monitoring research, with beehive acoustics analysis emerging as a prominent field. In this paper, we review the existing literature on bee acoustics analysis and report on the articles published between January 2012 and December 2021. Five categories are explored in further detail, including the origin of the articles, their study goal, experimental setup, audio analysis methodology, and reproducibility. Highlights and limitations in each of these categories are presented and discussed. We conclude with a set of recommendations for future studies, with suggestions ranging from bee species characterization, to recording and testing setup descriptions, to making data and codes available to help advance this new multidisciplinary field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

5 pages, 403 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Molecular Detection of Acarapis woodi Using Hive Debris as Innovative and Non-Invasive Matrix

by Marco Pietropaoli, Silvia Tofani, Giovanni Formato, Roberta Carlotta Rubino, Gabriele Pietrella, Camilla Di Ruggiero, Marcella Milito, Carmine Merola, Michele Amorena and Antonella Cersini

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(6), 2837; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12062837 - 10 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2650

Abstract

Acarapis woodi is a pathogen affecting honey bees health worldwide. Its prevalence may be underestimated due to the time-consuming traditional method for its diagnosis and the attitude in focusing the attention only onto Varroa destructor. New PCR techniques have allowed for the [...] Read more.

Acarapis woodi is a pathogen affecting honey bees health worldwide. Its prevalence may be underestimated due to the time-consuming traditional method for its diagnosis and the attitude in focusing the attention only onto Varroa destructor. New PCR techniques have allowed for the verification of the presence of A. woodi in 44 samples of honey bees and 11 samples of hive debris collected from 17 apiaries by the veterinary services of the Latium region (Central Italy). Overall, 9.1% of adult honey bee samples (all belonging to one apiary) and 6.3% of hive debris samples (belonging to 6 apiaries) were positive in an end point PCR and presence of the pathogen was confirmed through Sanger sequencing. Results demonstrated the potential underestimation of A. woodi occurrence in Italian apiaries and reported the first detection of A. woodi in hive debris samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Frontier Research in Apiculture (Diagnosis and Control of Bee Diseases, Bee Products, Environmental Monitoring)

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (25 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI