Source: VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE submitted to NRP
IMPACT OF PESTICIDES ON HONEY BEE COLONIES IN VIRGINIA
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0227553
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jan 1, 2012
Project End Date
May 10, 2017
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
(N/A)
BLACKSBURG,VA 24061
Performing Department
Entomology
Non Technical Summary
The extensive use of pesticides in agricultural landscapes presents a threat to honey bee colonies and the essential ecosystem services provided by these pollinators for agriculture in the United States. For example, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the number of managed honey bee colonies has declined by approximately 50% since the late 1980s due to the introduction of parasitic mites. Over the past 10 years, colony losses have averaged 30% due in large part to mite infestations. To mitigate these in-hive pest infestations and colony losses, Virginia beekeepers and growers have become reliant on pesticide control strategies, often without regard to pest infestation levels. In turn, the excessive reliance on the use of pesticides has been implicated in numerous honey bee health problems. This project has relevance with respect to the characterization of pesticide consequences to honey bee colonies, the improvement of honey bee colony health, and the reduction of honey bee colony losses. A major goal of this project will be to provide information to beekeepers and growers, which they can use to improve the health of their honey bee colonies. This project will provide a better understanding of the ecological and chemical interactions towards pollinators and the application of ecologically- and chemically-based management strategies. In turn, these management strategies can enhance ecosystem services and environmental quality by improving pollinator health and reducing pesticide residue exposures. Moreover, this project can enhance the quality of life for Virginia beekeepers and growers by sustaining the economic viability of their agricultural operations to satisfy the food and fiber needs of society.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
21130101150100%
Knowledge Area
211 - Insects, Mites, and Other Arthropods Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
3010 - Honey bees;

Field Of Science
1150 - Toxicology;
Goals / Objectives
Pollinators are a critical component to the plant health and production of agricultural landscapes. Pesticide exposures to honey bees are implicated in the decline of these pollinators and their ecosystem services. However, knowledge of the toxicological consequences of pesticides to honey bees is limited. The long term goal of this project is to understand the impact of pesticides on honey bee colonies and elucidate the bacterial regulation of pesticides and their toxicological interactions to honey bees. The overall hypothesis behind this research proposal is that bacteria assist in the regulation of pesticides and their toxicological interactions to honey bees. The specific objectives of this proposal will provide a foundation for the characterization of pesticide residue consequences to pollinators by providing a better understanding of 1) the specific pesticide residues fluvalinate, coumaphos, chlorothalonil, and imidacloprid in honey bee colonies, 2) the bacterial inactivation, activation, or interaction of these pesticide residues and their toxicological consequences to honey bees, and 3) the effects of these pesticide residues on the bacterial species assemblages and health of honey bee colonies. Our project has relevance with respect to the characterization of pesticide consequences to honey bee colonies, the improvement of honey bee colony health, and the reduction of honey bee colony losses. We believe that this project will provide a better understanding of the ecological and chemical interactions towards pollinators and the application of ecologically- and chemically-based management strategies. In turn, these management strategies can enhance ecosystem services and environmental quality by improving pollinator health and reducing pesticide residue exposures. Moreover, our project can enhance the quality of life for beekeepers and growers by sustaining the economic viability of their agricultural operations to satisfy the food and fiber needs of society.
Project Methods
Objective 1. Quantify the specific pesticide residues in honey bees and their colony matrices in different agricultural landscapes. To provide a better understanding of the residues of the four pesticides fluvalinate, coumaphos, chlorothalonil, and imidacloprid that are routinely present in honey bee colonies, we will: A. collect wax, pollen, and honey bee samples from local beekeepers in three agricultural areas of Virginia, including Winchester, Suffolk, and Blacksburg; B. examine the presence and concentrations of the pesticide residues in the wax, pollen, and honey bee samples using GC/MS and HPLC-UV for multi-pesticide residue and instrumental analysis. Objective 2. Characterize the bacterial regulation of pesticide residues and their toxicological interactions to honey bees. To better understand the bacterial activation and inactivation of fluvalinate, coumaphos, chlorothalonil, and imidacloprid, alone and in combination, and their toxicological interactions to honey bees, we will: A. examine the acute and mixture toxicities of the pesticides to antibiotic-untreated and -treated honey bees; B. measure the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, esterase, and glutathione S-transferase metabolic activities of antibiotic-untreated and -treated honey bees towards the pesticides. Objective 3. Identify the bacterial species assemblages and the health of honey bee colonies exposed to pesticide residues. To provide a better understanding of fluvalinate, coumaphos, chlorothalonil, and imidacloprid effects, alone and in combination, on the bacterial species assemblages and health of honey bee colonies, we will: A. examine the bacterial species assemblages and their metabolic profiles in honey bee colonies using bacterial tag-encoded flex amplicon pyrosequencing and bacterial community structure and function analyses; B. measure the health of honey bee colonies based on nutrition and Nosema ceranae infection.

Progress 01/01/12 to 05/10/17

Outputs
Target Audience: Pollinator decline has created a need for increased education. This research, education, and outreach program conducts discovery research for the delivery of real solutions to the challenges facing pollinator health and protection and, ultimately, enhance pollination productivity and profitability for the apiculture and agriculture communities. These program activities are advancing the discovery and knowledge of pesticide consequences to managed bee colonies, the improvement of bee colony health, and the reduction of bee colony losses. This program has developed outreach activities to enhance the teaching, training, and learning of four principal groups including (i) K-12 and university students, (ii) the general public, (iii) the apiculture and agriculture industries, and (iv) the pesticide-use policy makers in Virginia and the U.S. The goal of these activities is to provide a better understanding of the pesticide effects to bee health and the application of ecologically- and chemically-based management practices. These management practices will not only minimize the threat of pesticide exposures to bees colonies, but also to native, wild bee species, thereby improving pollinator health and enhancing their ecosystem services. This program is improving the quality of life for beekeepers and growers by sustaining the economic viability of their agricultural operations to satisfy the food and fiber needs of society. Changes/Problems:Early termination of project, PD left the University. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This program has developed opportunities to enhance the teaching, training, and learning of four principal groups including (i) K-12 and university students, (ii) the general public, (iii) the apiculture and agriculture industries, and (iv) the pesticide-use policy makers in Virginia and the U.S. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The primary goal of this program was to translate research findings into utilizable management practices that will help reduce bee colony losses for the apiculture and agriculture industries. The research, education, and outreach program is at the forefront of advancing the discovery and knowledge of bee colony health in Virginia and the U.S. To accomplish this task, a multifaceted program was developed that involved presentations and workshops at local, state, regional, national, and international pollinator conferences. The research findings have been published in peer-reviewed and non-technical industry journals. In addition, this program worked with faculty, staff, and students to prepare and publish a reference guide for stakeholders (i.e., pesticide applicators, growers, and beekeepers) that provide utilizable management practices for the maintenance of healthy bee colonies in Virginia and the U.S. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The major accomplishments of this project include: (i) pesticide extraction and analysis techniques for the quantification of the pesticide residues in wax, pollen, and bee samples collected from established and experimental hives; (ii) pesticide-mediated impairment of beneficial microbes in bee colonies; (iii) pesticide-mediated nutritional deficiencies in bee colonies; and (iv) pesticide-mediated immunodeficiencies in bee colonies. The microbiota structure and function of bee colonies are important for sustaining a healthy nutritional and immune status. The structural and functional impairment of the microbiota via pesticide exposures can result in bee malnutrition and, thus, elicit immunodeficiencies that increase their susceptibility to parasite and pathogen infections. This program has provided evidence that in-hive pesticide exposures reduce the microbiota of bee colonies in addition to reducing protein, carbohydrate, and lipid contents of bees. In addition, the data reveal these nutritional deficiencies to affect the immunocompetence of bees leading to increased pathogen susceptibility.

Publications


    Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

    Outputs
    Target Audience: These program activities are advancing the discovery and knowledge of pesticide consequences to managed bee colonies, the improvement of bee colony health, and the reduction of bee colony losses. This program has developed outreach activities to enhance the teaching, training, and learning of four principal groups including (i) K-12 and university students, (ii) the general public, (iii) the apiculture and agriculture industries, and (iv) the pesticide-use policy makers in Virginia and the U.S. Changes/Problems:The PD is nolonger at Virginia Tech so this project will be terminated early. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This program has developed opportunities to enhance the teaching, training, and learning of four principal groups including (i) K-12 and university students, (ii) the general public, (iii) the apiculture and agriculture industries, and (iv) the pesticide-use policy makers in Virginia and the U.S.The goal of these activities is to provide a better understanding of the pesticide effects to bee health and the application of ecologically- and chemically-based management practices. These management practices will not only minimize the threat of pesticide exposures to bees colonies, but also to native, wild bee species, thereby improving pollinator health and enhancing their ecosystem services. This program is improving the quality of life for beekeepers and growers by sustaining the economic viability of their agricultural operations to satisfy the food and fiber needs of society. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The primary goal of this program was to translate research findings into utilizable management practices that will help reduce bee colony losses for the apiculture and agriculture industries. The research, education, and outreach program is at the forefront of advancing the discovery and knowledge of bee colony health in Virginia and the U.S. To accomplish this task, a multifaceted program was developed that involved presentations and workshops at local, state, regional, national, and international pollinator conferences. The research findings have been published in peer-reviewed and non-technical industry journals. In addition, this program worked with faculty, staff, and students to prepare and publish a reference guide for stakeholders (i.e., pesticide applicators, growers, and beekeepers) that provide utilizable management practices for the maintenance of healthy bee colonies in Virginia and the U.S. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?This Project will be terminated early as the PD is no longer with Virginia Tech.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? The major accomplishments of this project include: (i) pesticide extraction and analysis techniques for the quantification of the pesticide residues in wax, pollen, and bee samples collected from established and experimental hives; (ii) pesticide-mediated impairment of beneficial microbes in bee colonies; (iii) pesticide-mediated nutritional deficiencies in bee colonies; and (iv) pesticide-mediated immunodeficiencies in bee colonies. The microbiota structure and function of bee colonies are important for sustaining a healthy nutritional and immune status. The structural and functional impairment of the microbiota via pesticide exposures can result in bee malnutrition and, thus, elicit immunodeficiencies that increase their susceptibility to parasite and pathogen infections. This program has provided evidence that in-hive pesticide exposures reduce the microbiota of bee colonies in addition to reducing protein, carbohydrate, and lipid contents of bees. In addition, the data reveal these nutritional deficiencies to affect the immunocompetence of bees leading to increased pathogen susceptibility.

    Publications

    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: H. K. Feazel-Orr, K. M. Catalfamo, C. C. Brewster, R. D. Fell, T. D. Anderson, and B. E. Traver. 2016. Effects of pesticide treatments on nutrient levels in worker honey bees (Apis mellifera). Insects DOI:10.3390/insects7010008
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Anderson, T. D. 2016. Protecting honey bees. Field Crops Pest Management Guide. Virginia Cooperative Extension University (No. 456-016).
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Anderson, T. D. 2016. Protecting honey bees. Horticulture and Forest Crops Pest Management Guide. Virginia Cooperative Extension University (No. 456-017).
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Anderson, T. D. 2016. Protecting honey bees. Home Grounds and Animals Pest Management Guide. Virginia Cooperative Extension University (No. 456-018).
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: Williams, J. R., Fell, R. D., Brewster, C. C., and Anderson, T. D. 2016. Laboratory and field treatments of atrazine elicit oxidative stress responses in bees. Oral Presentation (0192) by JRW at the XXV International Congress of Entomology, Orlando, FL, September 26.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: Williams, J. R., Brewster, C. C., and Anderson, T. D. 2016. In-hive herbicide exposure elicits oxidative stress response in honey bees. Poster presentation (AGRO 150) by JRW at the 252nd American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition, Philadelphia, PA, August 22.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: Gabriel, B. and Anderson, T. D. 2016. Symbiont-mediated pesticide tolerance in honey bees. Oral presentation by BG at the 12th Annual Southern Appalachian Honeybee Research Consortium Meeting, Clemson University, Greenville, SC, April 16.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: Langberg, K. and Anderson, T. D. 2016. Honey bee glutathione S-transferases and imidacloprid tolerance. Oral presentation by KL at the 12th Annual Southern Appalachian Honeybee Research Consortium Meeting, Clemson University, Greenville, SC, April 16.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: Williams, J. R., Brewster, C. C., Fell, R. D., and Anderson, T. D. 2016. Herbicide-induced oxidative stress in honey bees: A comparative analysis. Oral presentation by JRW at the Southeastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Raleigh, NC, March 14.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Kakumanu, M. L., A. M., Anderson, T. D., Rodrigues, R., Reeves, A. M., and Williams, M. A. 2016. Honey bee gut microbiome is altered by in-hive pesticide exposures. Frontiers in Microbiology DOI:10.3389/fmicb.2016.01255.


    Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

    Outputs
    Target Audience: Pollinator decline has created a need for increased education. This research, education, and outreach program conducts discovery research for the delivery of real solutions to the challenges facing pollinator health and protection and, ultimately, enhance pollination productivity and profitability for the apiculture and agriculture communities. These program activities are advancing the discovery and knowledge of pesticide consequences to managed bee colonies, the improvement of bee colony health, and the reduction of bee colony losses. This program has developed outreach activities to enhance the teaching, training, and learning of four principal groups including (i) K-12 and university students, (ii) the general public, (iii) the apiculture and agriculture industries, and (iv) the pesticide-use policy makers in Virginia and the U.S. The goal of these activities is to provide a better understanding of the pesticide effects to bee health and the application of ecologically- and chemically-based management practices. These management practices will not only minimize the threat of pesticide exposures to bees colonies, but also to native, wild bee species, thereby improving pollinator health and enhancing their ecosystem services. This program is improving the quality of life for beekeepers and growers by sustaining the economic viability of their agricultural operations to satisfy the food and fiber needs of society. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This program has developed opportunities to enhance the teaching, training, and learning of four principal groups including (i) K-12 and university students, (ii) the general public, (iii) the apiculture and agriculture industries, and (iv) the pesticide-use policy makers in Virginia and the U.S. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The primary goal of this program is to translate research findings into utilizable management practices that will help reduce bee colony losses for the apiculture and agriculture industries. The research, education, and outreach program is at the forefront of advancing the discovery and knowledge of bee colony health in Virginia and the U.S. To accomplish this task, a multifaceted program has been developed that involves presentations and workshops at local, state, regional, national, and international pollinator conferences. The research findings have been published in peer-reviewed and non-technical industry journals. In addition, this program is working with faculty, staff, and students to prepare and publish a reference guide for stakeholders (i.e., pesticide applicators, growers, and beekeepers) that provide utilizable management practices for the maintenance of healthy bee colonies in Virginia and the U.S. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?There are several gaps in knowledge with respect to pesticide exposures and the health of bee colonies. It is necessary to gather information relevant to the areas where knowledge is lacking to enhance the ability to predict conditions that are either favorable or unfavorable for bee colony health. Therefore, multivariate statistical methods will be utilized to analyze the data gathered for this program. This information will be translated into utilizable management practices for pesticide applicators, growers, and beekeepers, to reduce the loss of managed colonies for the beekeeping industry. These management practices will not only minimize the threat of pesticide exposures to bees, but also to native bee species, thereby improving pollinator health and enhancing their ecosystem services. This project is improving the quality of life for beekeepers and growers by sustaining the economic viability to satisfy the food and fiber needs of Virginia and the U.S.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? The major accomplishments of this project include: (i) pesticide extraction and analysis techniques for the quantification of the pesticide residues in wax, pollen, and bee samples collected from established and experimental hives; (ii) pesticide-mediated impairment of beneficial microbes in bee colonies; (iii) pesticide-mediated nutritional deficiencies in bee colonies; and (iv) pesticide-mediated immunodeficiencies in bee colonies. The microbiota structure and function of bee colonies are important for sustaining a healthy nutritional and immune status. The structural and functional impairment of the microbiota via pesticide exposures can result in bee malnutrition and, thus, elicit immunodeficiencies that increase their susceptibility to parasite and pathogen infections. This program is providing evidence that in-hive pesticide exposures reduce the microbiota of bee colonies in addition to reducing protein, carbohydrate, and lipid contents of bees. In addition, our data reveal these nutritional deficienciesaffect the immunocompetence of bees leading to increased pathogen susceptibility.

    Publications

    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Li, Y., Kelley, R. A., Anderson, T. D., and Lydy, M. J. 2015. Development and comparison of two multi-residue methods for the analysis of select pesticides in honey bees, pollen, and wax by gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry. Talanta DOI:10.1016/j.talanta.2015.03.031.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Kakumanu, M. L., Anderson, T. D., and Williams, M. A. 2015. Sensitivity to pesticide exposure in the honey bee microbiome. Applied Environmental Microbiology.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Reeves, A. M., Brewster, C. C., Fell, R. D., and Anderson, T. D. 2015. Biochemical markers of sub-optimal nutrition and immunity in honey bee colonies exposed to tau-fluvalinate and coumaphos. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Engel, P.,Waldan K. Kwongb,c, Quinn McFrederickd, Troy Anderson Engel, P., Kwong, K. W., McFrederick, Q., Anderson, T. D., and 29 other authors. 2015. The bee microbiome: impact on bee health and model for evolution and ecology of host-microbe interactions. TREE.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Anderson, T. D. and Traver, B. E. 2015. Protecting honey bees. Home Grounds and Animals Pest Management Guide. Virginia Cooperative Extension (No. 456-018).
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Anderson, T. D. 2015. Impact of pesticides on the decline of honey bees in Virginia. Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Richmond, VA, March 19.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Submitted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Williams, J. R., Brewster, C. C., Fell, R. D., and Anderson, T. D. 2015. Comparative analysis of herbicide-induced oxidative stress on honey bees. Poster presentation by JRW at the 250th American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition, Boston, MA, August 18.
    • Type: Other Status: Submitted Year Published: 2015 Citation: Anderson, T.D. Protecting Pollinator Health in Virginia, Virginia Science Festival Exhibit, Virginia Tech, September 26.
    • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Kill bees, kill the economy, Virginia Public Radio. http://virginiapublicradio.org/2015/03/19/kill-the-bees-kill-the-economy/
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Anderson, T. D. and Traver, B. E. 2015. Protecting honey bees. Field Crops Pest Management Guide. Virginia Cooperative Extension (No. 456-016).
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Anderson, T. D. and Traver, B. E. 2015. Protecting honey bees. Horticulture and Forest Crops Pest Management Guide. Virginia Cooperative Extension (No. 456-017).


    Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

    Outputs
    Target Audience: Bee decline has created a need for increased education. Thus, we continue our collaborative research, education, and outreach program to advance the discovery and knowledge of pesticide residue consequences to honey bee colonies, the improvement of bee colony health, and the reduction of bee colony losses. In turn, this project continues to enhance the teaching, training, and learning of four principal groups including (i) K-12 and university students, (ii) general public, (iii) apiculture and agriculture industries, and (iv) the pesticide use regulators and policy makers in Virginia and the U.S. This study is providing a better understanding of the in-hive pesticide residue interactions towards bee colony health and the application of ecologically- and chemically-based management strategies. These management practices will not only minimize the threat of pesticide exposures to bees, but also to native bee species, thereby improving pollinator health and enhancing their ecosystem services. This project is improving the quality of life for beekeepers and growers by sustaining the economic viability of their agricultural operations to satisfy the food and fiber needs of society. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This project continues to provide teaching, training, and learning opportunities of four principal groups, including (i) K-12 and university students, (ii) general public, (iii) apiculture and agriculture industries, and (iv) pesticide regulators in Virginia. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The research findings of this project have been disseminated at the following activities and events (October 1, 2013 - September 30, 2014): American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition, Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting, Hokie Bugfest, Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech, Virginia Science Festival at Virginia Tech, Virginia Cooperative Extension Pesticide Safety Educators Workshop; Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Pesticide Services Bee Investigator Training Program. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? There are several gaps in our knowledge with respect to pesticide exposures and the health of bee colonies. It is necessary to gather information relevant to the areas where knowledge is lacking to enhance our ability to predict conditions that are either favorable or unfavorable for bee colony health. Thus, multivariate statistical methods will be utilized to analyze the data gathered for this project. In turn, this information will be translated into utilizable management practices for pesticide applicators, growers, and beekeepers, to reduce the loss of managed colonies for the beekeeping industry. These management practices will not only minimize the threat of pesticide exposures to honey bees, but also to native bee species, thereby improving pollinator health and enhancing their ecosystem services. In addition, this project is improving the quality of life for beekeepers and growers by sustaining the economic viability to satisfy the food and fiber needs of Virginia and the United States.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? The major accomplishments of this project include: (i) pesticide extraction and analysis techniques for the quantification of the pesticide residues in wax, pollen, and bee samples collected from established and experimental hives; (ii) pesticide-mediated impairment of beneficial microbes in bee colonies; (iii) pesticide-mediated nutritional deficiencies in bee colonies; (iv) pesticide-mediated immunodeficiencies in bee colonies; and (v) pesticide-mediated pathogen susceptibility of bee colonies. The microbiota structure and function of bee colonies are important for sustaining a healthy nutritional and immune status. The structural and functional impairment of the microbiota via pesticide exposures can result in bee malnutrition and, thus, elicit immunodeficiencies that increase their susceptibility to parasite and pathogen infections. For example, Nosema ceranae is a causative agent of infectious disease in bee colonies and has been linked to their decline in the United States. The prevalence and potential impact of N. ceranae in bee colonies is unclear; however, malnutrition, immunodeficiencies, and pesticide exposures may contribute to the emergence, or re-emergence, of this pathogen. Our research team is providing evidence that in-hive pesticide exposures reduce the bacteria and fungi of bee colonies in addition to reducing protein, carbohydrate, and lipid contents of bees. In addition, our data reveal these nutritional deficiencies to affect the immunocompetence of bees leading to increased pathogen susceptibility.

    Publications

    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Traver, B. E. Johnson, N. G., Anderson, T. D., and Fell, R. D. 2013. Effects of pesticide exposure on pathogens and immunity in honey bee colonies. Science of Bee Culture 5(1):11.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Catalfamo, K. M., Traver, B. E., Feazel-Orr, H. K., Johnson, N. G., Anderson, T. D., and Fell, R. D. 2014. Virus prevalence in honey bees following colony treatment with chlorothalonil, fumagillin, and tau-fluvalinate. American Bee Journal 154(4): 453.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Feazel-Orr, H. K., Traver, B. E., Catalfamo, K. M., Brewster, C. C., Anderson, T. D., and Fell, R. D. 2014. Nutrient levels in individual bees following colony exposure to different pesticides. American Bee Journal 154(4): 453
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Traver, B. E., Johnson, N. G., Anderson, T. D., and Fell, R. D. 2014. Nosema ceranae levels and immune responses in bees following hive treatment with different pesticides. American Bee Journal 154(4): 453.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Fairbrother, A., Purdy, J., Anderson, T., and Fell, R. 2014. Risks of neonicotinoid insecticides to honey bees. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 33(4):719-731.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Catalfamo, K. M., Traver, B. E., Feazel-Orr, H. K., Johnson, N. G., Anderson, T. D., and Fell, R. D. 2014. Virus prevalence in honey bees following colony treatment with chlorothalonil, fumagillin, and tau-fluvalinate. Kelley Beekeeping Newsletter 45:15.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Feazel-Orr, H. K., Traver, B. E., Catalfamo, K. M., Brewster, C. C., Anderson, T. D., and Fell, R. D. 2014. Nutrient levels in individual bees following colony exposure to different pesticides. Kelley Beekeeping Newsletter 45:17.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Traver, B. E., Johnson, N. G., Anderson, T. D., and Fell, R. D. 2014. Nosema ceranae levels and immune responses in bees following hive treatment with different pesticides. Kelley Beekeeping Newsletter 48:17.
    • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: The Effects of Pesticide Exposures on the Nutritional and Immune Health of the Honey Bee, Apis mellifera L.
    • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Anderson, T. D. 2013. Pollinators, pesticides, and pathogens: Linking bee colony health to chemical exposures. Department of Entomology and Nematology Fall Seminar Series, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, October 3.
    • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Anderson, T. D. 2013. Pollinators, pesticides, and pathogens: Linking bee colony health to chemical exposures. Department of Entomology Fall Seminar Series, Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, October 15.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: Anderson, T. D. 2014. Comparative analysis of varroacides and honey bee colony health: A rationale for the development of new varroacide treatments. IUPAC: Emerging Issues and Challenges Symposium, 13th IUPAC International Congress of Pesticide Chemistry and 248th American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition, San Francisco, CA, August 13.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2014 Citation: Anderson, T. D. 2014. Pollinators, pesticides, and parasites: A bee health and protection partnership at Virginia Tech. 22nd Annual Virginia Pesticide Safety Educators Workshop, Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and Virginia Cooperative Extension, Roanoke, VA, September 3.


    Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

    Outputs
    Target Audience: Bee decline has created a need for increased education. Thus, we continue our collaborative research, education, and outreach program to advance the discovery and knowledge of pesticide residue consequences to honey bee colonies, the improvement of bee colony health, and the reduction of bee colony losses. In turn, this project continues to enhance the teaching, training, and learning of four principal groups including (i) K-12 and university students, (ii) general public, (iii) apiculture and agriculture industries, and (iv) the pesticide use regulators and policy makers in Virginia and the U.S. This study is providing a better understanding of the in-hive pesticide residue interactions towards bee colony health and the application of ecologically- and chemically-based management strategies. These management practices will not only minimize the threat of pesticide exposures to bees, but also to native bee species, thereby improving pollinator health and enhancing their ecosystem services. This project is improving the quality of life for beekeepers and growers by sustaining the economic viability of their agricultural operations to satisfy the food and fiber needs of society. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This project continues to provide teaching, training, and learning opportunities of four principal groups, including (i) K-12 and university students, (ii) general public, (iii) apiculture and agriculture industries, and (iv) pesticide regulators in Virginia and the United States. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The research findings of this project have been disseminated at the following activities and events (October 1, 2012 - September 30, 2013): American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition, Indianapolis, IN; Entomological Society of America 61st Annual Meeting, Austin, TX; Entomological Society of America 60th Annual Meeting, Knoxville, TN, Hokie Bugfest, Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA; Ohio State University, Department of Entomology Seminar Series, Wooster, OH; Pesticide Stewardship Alliance, Mobile, AL; Quebec Apimondia Symposium, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; University of Florida, Department of Entomology and Nematology Seminar Series, Gainesville, FL; Virginia Cooperative Extension Pesticide Safety Educators Workshop, Roanoke, VA; Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Pesticide Services Bee Investigator Training Program, Blacksburg, VA. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? There are several gaps in our knowledge with respect to pesticide exposures and the health of bee colonies. It is necessary to gather information relevant to the areas where knowledge is lacking to enhance our ability to predict conditions that are either favorable or unfavorable for bee colony health. Thus, multivariate statistical methods will be utilized to analyze the data gathered for this project. In turn, this information will be translated into utilizable management practices for pesticide applicators, growers, and beekeepers, to reduce the loss of managed colonies for the beekeeping industry. These management practices will not only minimize the threat of pesticide exposures to honey bees, but also to native bee species, thereby improving pollinator health and enhancing their ecosystem services. In addition, this project is improving the quality of life for beekeepers and growers by sustaining the economic viability to satisfy the food and fiber needs of Virginia and the United States.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? The major accomplishments of this project include: (i) pesticide extraction and analysis techniques for the quantification of the pesticide residues in wax, pollen, and bee samples collected from established and experimental hives; (ii) pesticide-mediated impairment of beneficial microbes in bee colonies; (iii) pesticide-mediated nutritional deficiencies in bee colonies; (iv) pesticide-mediated immunodeficiencies in bee colonies; and (v) pesticide-mediated pathogen susceptibility of bee colonies. The microbiota structure and function of bee colonies are important for sustaining a healthy nutritional and immune status. The structural and functional impairment of the microbiota via pesticide exposures can result in bee malnutrition and, thus, elicit immunodeficiencies that increase their susceptibility to parasite and pathogen infections. For example, Nosema ceranae is a causative agent of infectious disease in bee colonies and has been linked to their decline in the United States. The prevalence and potential impact of N. ceranae in bee colonies is unclear; however, malnutrition, immunodeficiencies, and pesticide exposures may contribute to the emergence, or re-emergence, of this pathogen. Our research team is providing evidence that in-hive pesticide exposures reduce the bacteria and fungi of bee colonies in addition to reducing protein, carbohydrate, and lipid contents of bees. In addition, our data reveal these nutritional deficiencies to affect the immunocompetence of bees leading to increased pathogen susceptibility.

    Publications

    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Anderson, T. D. 2013. Pollinators, pesticides, and pathogens: Linking bee colony health to chemical exposures. Division of Agrochemicals: Pollinators and Pesticides Symposium, 246th American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition, Indianapolis, IN, September 10.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Anderson, T. D. 2013. Pollinators, pesticides, and pathogens: Linking bee colony health to chemical exposures. Virginia Cooperative Extension Pesticide Safety Educators Workshop, Roanoke, VA, September 4.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Anderson, T. D. 2013. Environmental toxicology of pesticide residues to pollinators. Activities to Further Understand Bee Health Concerns Symposium, The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance, Mobile, AL, February 6.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2012 Citation: Reeves, A. M., Williams, J. R., Traver, B. E., Brewster, C. C., Fell, R. F. and Anderson, T. D. 2012. Multifactorial assessment of nutrition and immunity in honey bees exposed to in-hive pesticides. Poster presentation by AMR at the Quebec Apimondia Symposium: Queen Breeding, Selection, and Honey Bee Health, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, November 16-18.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2012 Citation: Reeves, A. M., Williams, J. R., Traver, B. E., Brewster, C. C., Fell, R. F. and Anderson, T. D. 2012. Nutrition and immune responses of honey bees exposed to pesticides. Oral presentation by AMR at the Entomological Society of America 60th Annual Meeting, Knoxville, TN, November 11-14.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2012 Citation: Williams, J. R., Fell, R. F., and Anderson, T. D. 2012. Toxicological effects of in-hive pesticides to honey bees. Oral presentation by JRW at the Entomological Society of America 60th Annual Meeting, Knoxville, TN, November 11-14.


    Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: Honey bee decline is a nationally-recongnized problem that demands attention from the scientific community and beekeeping industry. Pesticide residue exposures to honey bees are implicated in the decline of these pollinators and their ecosystem services. Our study demonstrates adverse interactions between beekeeper- and grower-applied pesticides to honey bees. Our current studies are focusing on the adverse health effects of pesticides to honey bees, alone and in combination, in natural colonies using standard beekeeping practices. Our research findings are being translated into utilizable management practices that will help reduce colony losses for the beekeeping industry. The research findings of this study have been disseminated at the following activities and events: Quebec Apimondia Symposium: Queen Breeding, Selection, and Honey Bee Health, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, November 16-18, 2012. Entomological Society of America 60th Annual Meeting, Knoxville, TN, November 11-15, 2012. Hokie Bugfest, Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, October 20, 2012. Causal analysis of honey bee declines: A workshop. Sponsored by Bayer CropScience and Exponent, Inc., Warrenton, VA, September 24-27, 2012. Managing pests and diseases of honey bees: A workshop. Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, September 14-15, 2012. Insect Biology (ENT 3014), Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, September 11-13, 2012. Virginia Pesticide Education and Safety Workshop, Roanoke, VA, September 5, 2012. 244th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, August 19-23, 2012. Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Pesticide Services, Richmond, VA January 18, 2012. Insect Physiology (ENT 6154), Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, Spring Semester (January-May), 2012. Undergraduate Research (ENT 4994), Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, January - Present, 2012. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Troy D. Anderson, Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech Dr. Richard D. Fell, Professor Emeritus, Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech Dr. Charles Hagedorn, Professor, Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech Dr. Carlyle C. Brewster, Associate Professor, Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech Dr. Michael J. Lydy, Professor Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Dr. Brenna E. Traver, Post-Doctoral Associate, Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech Ms. Alison M. Reeves, Master's of Life Sciences Candidate, Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech Ms. Jennifer R. Williams, Master's of Life Sciences Candidate, Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech Mr. Cameron Rose, Bachelor of Science Candidate, Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences: Pesticide use policy makers, beekeeping industry (i.e., beekeepers and growers), general public, K-12 and university students. Efforts: Formal classroom instruction; undergraduate research opportunities; graduate student and post-doctoral training; state and national workshops; state, national, and international conferences; and state extension and outreach. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

    Impacts
    Our collaborative research, education, and outreach program is advancing the discovery and knowledge of the pesticide residue consequences to honey bee colonies, the improvement of honey bee colony health, and the reduction of honey bee colony losses. In turn, this project will continue to enhance the teaching, training, and learning of four principal groups including (i) K-12 and university students, (ii) the general public, (iii) the beekeeping industry (i.e., beekeepers and growers), and (iv) the pesticide use policy makers in Virginia and the United States. This study is providing a better understanding of the in-hive pesticide residue interactions towards honey bee colony health and the application of ecologically- and chemically-based management strategies. These management strategies can minimize the ecological threat of pesticide residue exposures to not only honey bees, but also to native bee species, thereby improving pollinator health and enhancing their economic services. Moreover, this project will improve the quality of life for beekeepers and growers by sustaining the economic viability of their agricultural operations to satisfy the food and fiber needs of society.

    Publications

    • Reeves, A. M., Williams, J. R., Traver, B. E., Brewster, C. C., Fell, R. F. and Anderson, T. D. 2012. Multifactorial assessment of nutrition and immunity in honey bees exposed to in-hive pesticides. Quebec Apimondia Symposium: Queen Breeding, Selection, and Honey Bee Health, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, November 16-18 (Abstract).
    • Williams, J. R., Fell, R. D., and Anderson, T. D. 2012. Toxicological effects of in-hive pesticides to honey bees. Entomological Society of America 60th Annual Meeting, Knoxville, TN, November 11-15 (Abstract 0433).
    • Williams, J. R., Fell, R. D., and Anderson, T. D. 2012. Toxicological effects of in-hive pesticides to honey bees. 244th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, August 19-23 (Abstract 95).
    • Reeves, A. M., Williams, J. R., Traver, B. E., Brewster, C. C., Fell. R. D., and Anderson, T. D. 2012. Multifactorial assessment of nutrition and immunity in honey bees exposed to in-hive pesticides. 244th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, August 19-23 (Abstract 96).