Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1: Determine the nutrients in pollen that promote worker longevity. 1.A. Determine the effects of pollen mixtures on worker protein and lipid stores and longevity. 1.B. Characterize the chemical composition of pollen mixtures that optimize worker protein and lipid stores and longevity. 2: Determine the effects of undigested saccharides in high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) on worker physiology and longevity. 2.A. Identify the saccharides in HFCS. 2.B: Determine the effect of saccharides in HFCS on worker physiology and longevity. 3: Evaluate the effects of supplemental feeding on Varroa tolerance, queen production and foraging activity of honey bee colonies. 3.A. Modify the MegaBee diet by adding chemical components that were identified in the pollen mixture analysis. 3.B. Determine the effects of nutrition on Varroa infestation and reproduction in worker and drone cells. 3.C. Determine the role of nutrition on queen production and reproductive potential. 3.D. Evaluate the effects of supplemental protein feeding on the foraging rates of honey bee colonies. 3.E. Improving honey bee immune response to CCD by determining the role of symbiotic microbes in bee nutrition. 3.F. Develop IPM tools (e.g., "soft" miticides that are non-toxic to workers and queens, traps, and exclusion devices) and methodologies for control of key pests (especially Varroa mites), and miticide resistance management programs to preserve useful chemical options. 3.G. Determine the impact of the small hive beetle on colony development and longevity, and develop management systems for controlling the beetle in hives, including use of antifeedants for protection of protein supplements from small hive beetle damage. Develop effective control programs for management of small hive beetle in bee hives, with the goal to prevent contamination of bee products. Approach (from AD-416): 1. Nutritional value will be evaluated by measuring protein and lipid levels and on bee longevity. The chemical composition of pollens that are more nutritious than MegaBee will be determined. 2. Determine the effects of high fructose corn syrup containing higher saccharides on honey bee longevity. 3. Determine the effects of improved nutrition of the longevity of bees parasitized by Varroa, the reproductive potential of queens, and foraging activity of colonies used for pollination. REPLACING 5342-21000-014-00D (8/08). FY09 Program Increase $270,000. FY10 Program Increase $315,000. This project is currently undergoing NP305, Crop Production, Office of Scientific Quality Review. Our research focused on the effects of nutrition on colony growth, physiology, and vulnerability to disease and parasitism. We also investigated symbiotic microbes and their function in food storage and digestion. We found that colonies fed the protein supplement diet formulated by ARS researchers in Tucson grew at comparable rates to those fed pollen. Hemolymph protein titers and hypopharyngeal glands also were comparable to those in bees fed pollen. We found that virus titers are associated with protein availability. Virus titers were lower in bees fed pollen or our diet than in those fed only sugar syrup. Nutrition influences queen supersedure and the production of queen- associated volatile compounds. During pollen shortages, there are significantly more attempts by workers to replace queens compared with when colonies are well fed. Supersedure attempts were accompanied by declines in the production of a volatile pheromone (E)-�-ocimene, a key regulator of colony nutrition. We found that the nutritional value of pollen differs from the bee bread made from it. In general, protein values are lower in bee bread than in pollen but most amino acid levels are higher. Evaluating the nutritional value of pollen should include the bee bread made from it. Beekeepers feed colonies sugar syrup made with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) when flowering plants are not available. We found that bees lived longer when fed sucrose compared with undiluted HFCS-55 (55% HFCS). Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a heat-formed contaminant of HFCS that is toxic to honey bees was found in HFCS samples supplied to us by beekeepers. HMF forms rapidly at high temperatures and mortality rates of bees feeding on HFCS with HMF at any concentration was significantly higher than the sucrose controls. We examined the effects on queen emergence and virus titers when bees feed on pollen contaminated with sublethal levels of pesticide. Fewer queens emerged in colonies fed pollen contaminated with chlorpyrifos and emergence rates were even lower when the fungicide Pristine� was added. Deformed wing virus and black queen cell virus were found in queen larvae and emerged queens. The results suggest that sublethal exposure of chlorpyrifos alone but especially when Pristine� is added reduces queen emergence possibly due to compromised immunity in developing queens. Symbiotic microbes are essential for preserving pollen in the hive and converting it to bee bread. We found that the most abundant bacteria in stored pollen and in the bee�s crop are found in flowers. A subset of these bacteria is responsible for preserving bee bread and inhibiting the growth of pathogens in the colony. The results are important for understanding the role that microbes collected with nectar and pollen have in food processing and nutrient acquisition in the colony. The results also indicate that colony health and susceptibility to disease might be affected by environmental contaminants that inhibit the presence or growth of these beneficial microbes. Accomplishments 01 New challenges in controlling Varroa mites. Varroa mites are a major cause of colony losses because they parasitize bees and spread viruses in the colony. ARS bee researchers in Tucson, Arizona, devised a treatment schedule to control Varroa based on colony and Varroa population dynamics. We found that Varroa populations could be kept at low levels throughout most of the summer with this treatment schedule. By fall though, mite populations were much larger than predicted or could be accounted for by mite reproduction alone. Varroa appears to have become migratory and move between colonies with far greater frequency than previously supposed. This finding caused us to change recommendations on Varroa control to include a late fall treatment so that mite populations remain low over the winter so that colonies will not be lost in the spring. 02 Overwintered beebread contains a comprehensive nitrogen-processing bacterial community. Overwintered beebread (pollen stored in cells for future colony growth) contains bacterial communities that cause a rapid degradation of beebread. These bacteria include those capable of digesting complex plant polymers (e.g. cellulose, pectin), providing access to the pollen protoplasm. The release of nitrogen rich cell contents of pollen is evidenced by the strong presence of a comprehensive nitrogen processing bacterial community (NPC). These NPC are present at much lower levels in corbicular pollen, suggesting that these bacterial groups are ubiquitous and continuously vectored from plants and the general pollination environment. These findings indicate a microbial connection between the environment and the preservation and nutritive value of beebread in the hive. 03 Crop bacteria of honey bee foragers is dominated by Acetobacteraceae Alpha 2.2, a non-gut bacteria also prevalent in larvae, beebread and honey. Bacteria associated with the pollination environment or floral nectar in particular, may play a major role in pollinator fitness. We used next generation amplicon sequencing to investigate bacteria communities from the honey bee gut, crop and corbicular pollen. Our results reveal that the most abundant bacteria found in corbicular pollen and the crop is Alpha 2.2, an Acetobacteraceae. We suggest that this bacteria is a mutualist involved in preserving beebread and inhibiting the growth of larval pathogens. The results are important for understanding the contribution to pollinator health of both environmentally vectored and core microbiota, and in identifying factors that may affect colony food storage and disease susceptibility. 04 Increased queen losses and disruption of queen pheromone release in pollen-starved colonies. ARS researchers at Tucson, Arizona, examined the effects of pollen deprivation on queen retention, pheromone production, and colony survival in honey bee colonies preparing for overwintering. Colonies were deprived of pollen during the production of overwintering bees. The colonies immediately ceased brood rearing and lost adult workers before disappearing entirely over a four week period. In pollen-deprived colonies, populations of older adult workers dwindled rapidly despite the presence of abundant brood and nectar stores. Queens from pollen-deprived colonies were attended by fewer workers and released lower amounts of the pheromone cis-�-ocimene than pollen-fed queens. These results demonstrate that colony stressors such as pollen malnutrition can destroy honey bee colonies by damaging the social cohesion of colonies in addition to effects on individual workers. 05 A rapid, non-destructive method for the quantification of Queen Mandibular Pheromone (QMP) emissions from honey bee queens. ARS researchers at Tucson, Arizona, developed a rapid, non-destructive method for the quantification of QMP emissions from honey bee queens. As the primary signal of a mated queen, QMP pheromones are used by worker bees to detect and replace failing or missing queens. Previous methods require destructive extraction of the mandibular glands to provide an estimate of QMP contents in the glands. By contrast, our method allows for the repeated, measurement of QMP release rates using pheromone exchange between the queen and her workers. Researchers can use this technique to track the effects of colony stressors (i.e. malnutrition, age, disease, agrochemicals) on QMP emissions in individual queens over time. This method will be used to determine the contributions of colony stressors to the excessive queen losses and premature queen replacements widely observed in the beekeeping industry. 06 Bacteria Alpha 2.2 genome sequencing reveals a reduced Acetobacteraceae genome well-evolved for life in the honey bee hive. The genome of Alpha 2.2 was sequenced to gain an understanding of its metabolic capabilities, and potential as a probiotic organism. A comparative genomics approach suggests that Alpha 2.2 has undergone substantial gene reduction while transitioning into an intimate functional relationship with its honey bee host. Alpha 2.2 possesses Aquaporin Z, a highly stable transmembrane protein channel that facilitates rapid osmoregulation, and resists denaturing due to voltage, heat, detergent, or extremes of pH. Alpha 2.2 possesses genes involved in biofilm production that may protect larva from infection and beebread from spoilage. There is potential for use in colonies through prebiotic or probiotic application. 07 In developing honey bee nurses, hypopharyngeal gland gene expression is largely unaffected by protein starvation. Commercial honey bees are subject to periods of nutritional stress and these are implicated in colony losses. We characterized diet-dependent differences in honey bee hypopharyngeal gland gene expression using whole transcriptome analysis. Expression in nurse bees fed pollen and honey differed little from those fed only honey. This research will contribute to our understanding of the genetic and physiological changes that occur due to malnutrition associated with commercial beekeeping practices, perhaps suggesting changes in food supplements and their application. 08 High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) and Colony Health. When flowering plants are unavailable, beekeepers feed colonies HFCS. We found significantly larger adult bee populations in colonies fed sucrose syrup compared with those fed HFCS. This finding complements earlier studies showing shorter lifespans in worker bees fed HFCS compared with sucrose. For commercial beekeepers, feeding HFCS instead of sucrose might reduce colony populations and leave them more vulnerable to loss from environmental fluctuations, parasites and pathogens.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Sammataro, D., Weiss, M. 2013. Comparison of productivity of colonies of honey bees, Apis mellifera, supplemented with sucrose or high fructose corn syrup. Journal of Insect Science. 13:19.
- Hoffman, G.D., Ahumada, F., Probasco, G., Shantz, L. 2012. The effects of beta acids from hops (Humulus lupulus L.)on mortality of Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae). Experimental and Applied Acarology. 58:407-421. DOI:10. 1007/s10493-012-9593-2.
- Hoffman, G.D., Chen, Y., Simonds, R. 2013. The effects of pesticides on queen rearing and virus titers in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). Insects. 4(1), 71-89.doi:10.3390/insects4010071.
- Donaldson-Matasci, M., Hoffman, G.D., Dornhaus, A. 2013. Bigger is better: honey bee colonies as distributed information-gathering systems. Journal of Animal Behavior. 85(3), 585-592.
- Carroll, M.J., Duehl, A.J. 2012. Collection of volatiles from honey bee larvae and adults enclosed on brood frames. Apidologie. 43: 715-730. doi: 10.1007/s13592-012-0153-x.
- Hoffman, G.D., Eckholm, B., Huang, M.H. 2012. A comparison of bee bread made by Africanized and European honey bees (Apis mellifera) and its effects on hemolymph protein titers. Apidologie. 44:52-63 DOI:10.1007/ s13592-012-0154-9.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1: Determine the nutrients in pollen that promote worker longevity. 1.A. Determine the effects of pollen mixtures on worker protein and lipid stores and longevity. 1.B. Characterize the chemical composition of pollen mixtures that optimize worker protein and lipid stores and longevity. 2: Determine the effects of undigested saccharides in high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) on worker physiology and longevity. 2.A. Identify the saccharides in HFCS. 2.B: Determine the effect of saccharides in HFCS on worker physiology and longevity. 3: Evaluate the effects of supplemental feeding on Varroa tolerance, queen production and foraging activity of honey bee colonies. 3.A. Modify the MegaBee diet by adding chemical components that were identified in the pollen mixture analysis. 3.B. Determine the effects of nutrition on Varroa infestation and reproduction in worker and drone cells. 3.C. Determine the role of nutrition on queen production and reproductive potential. 3.D. Evaluate the effects of supplemental protein feeding on the foraging rates of honey bee colonies. 3.E. Improving honey bee immune response to CCD by determining the role of symbiotic microbes in bee nutrition. Approach (from AD-416): 1. Nutritional value will be evaluated by measuring protein and lipid levels and on bee longevity. The chemical composition of pollens that are more nutritious than MegaBee will be determined. 2. Determine the effects of high fructose corn syrup containing higher saccharides on honey bee longevity. 3. Determine the effects of improved nutrition of the longevity of bees parasitized by Varroa, the reproductive potential of queens, and foraging activity of colonies used for pollination. We are in the final year of our 5-year plan with only sub-objectives under objective 3 remaining. ARS researchers in Tucson, AZ, made progress on understanding the role of nutrition in maintaining colony health by studying the effects of diet on the growth of parasitic Varroa mite populations, queen rearing, and gene expression in nurse bees. We also identified biomarkers associated with nutritional stress. Microbial communities associated with nutrient acquisition also were identified, and their role in digestion and immunity is being discerned. Under sub- objective 3b, we found that infestation levels and reproductive rates of Varroa were affected by diet. Brood from colonies fed pollen or from open foraging colonies had lower mite levels than colonies fed a supplemental protein diet. A second replicate of this study is underway to determine if results can be repeated. Pollen collected by honey bees often is contaminated with fungicides and pesticides. Under sub-objective 3c, we found that queen rearing was negatively affected when colonies were fed pollen contaminated with a commonly used pesticide alone and in combination with a fungicide. The percentage of queens that were reared to emergence was reduced and those that emerged had incidence of virus compared with queens reared in colonies without pesticide contamination. These results are underscored by findings that nutrition affects the expression of genes in nurse bees that are associated with immunity, protein breakdown and metabolic pathways. Under sub-objective 3d, we found that chronically-malnourished colonies that were completely dependent on supplemental protein diets had lower levels of �-ocimene, a volatile compound associated with brood and egg laying by queens. The decline was associated with cannibalism of young larvae by adult workers. Subsequent examination of nutrient stores in developing young adult workers revealed that their protein stores were much lower in the pollen- deprived colonies than the pollen-fed colonies. When pollen feeding was resumed, both brood and �-ocimene production increased. These results underscore the importance of feeding pollen to nutritionally-stressed colonies and further demonstrate the limitations of feeding protein supplements for extended periods. An important difference between pollen and protein supplements is the lack of beneficial microbes that honey bees acquire from collecting nectar and pollen. Studies conducted under sub-objective 3e showed that the most abundant bacteria found in stored pollen and the honey bee�s crop are typically found in the pollination environment or floral nectar. A subset of these bacteria might play a role in preserving pollen, converting it to beebread, inhibiting pathogens, and providing amino acids and other nutrients through metabolic activities. Our study on the protein and amino acid content of pollen before and after it was converted to bee bread showed lower protein levels and higher amino acid concentrations in the bee bread in most instances. These changes might be due to microbial activity during the making of bee bread that cannot be duplicated in protein supplements. Accomplishments 01 Gut microbiota of honey bee larva were isolated and sequenced. In honey bee colonies, larvae are fed pollen and a proteinaceous secretion called worker jelly that is made by nurse bees. During feeding, microbes are passed between adult bees and larvae. ARS researchers at the Carl Hayden Bee Research Center in Tucson, Arizona,investigated the overall distribution and abundance of gut bacteria in larvae of different ages a isolated and sequenced approximately 300 bacterial samples from larvae. One of the core bacteria (Alpha 2.2) has an intermittent presence in adults, but dominates the larval gut community. The growth of Alpha 2.2 enhanced in dilute honey or larval food (royal or worker jelly). The isolation and genome sequence of these bacteria can provide the basis fo determining their function in larval nutrition and immunity. 02 Gut microbiota increases larval survival in pathogen challenged honey be Honey bee larvae are targets for many pathogens, and because of the social environment in colonies, disease outbreaks can quickly become fat epidemics. Honey bees evolved with communities of microbes, many of whic likely prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. ARS scientis at the Carl Hayden Bee Research Center in Tucson, Arizona, and the University of Arizona investigated the role of gut microbiota in suppression of fungal pathogens of honey bee larvae. The larvae were reared outside the colony environment with and without their normal gut microbiota. When the larvae were exposed to the fungal pathogen that causes chalkbrood disease, larvae that were fed core gut microbiota were able to reduce the growth of the pathogenic fungus and survived longer than did larvae without the core microbiota. These results indicate that the microbiota in healthy larvae can reduce the growth of chalkbrood and possibly other common brood diseases. 03 Effects of sublethal exposure of pesticides on queen rearing and virus titers. Honey bees often are exposed to pesticides and fungicides when colonies are in agricultural areas, and these contaminants often are fou in pollen collected by honey bees. When ARS researchers at the Carl Hayd Bee Research Center in Tucson, Arizona, fed queen rearing colonies polle contaminated with a pesticide alone (chlorpyrifos) and with the addition of a fungicide, fewer queens were reared to emergence than when reared i colonies without contaminated pollen. Collaborators at the ARS Beltsvill Bee Lab found that those queens that did emerge had higher incidence of virus when they were reared in colonies fed pollen contaminated with an insecticide alone or in combination with a fungicide. Our study indicate that sublethal levels of contaminated pollen fed to queen rearing coloni could hamper commercial queen production and natural colony re-queening, which could cause colony loss. The study also indicates that the queens that do emerge carry virus that might shorten their lives and in some instances be transferred through their eggs to their offspring. 04 Beneficial bacteria shared between the pollination environment and the stored food of honey bees (Apis mellifera). Symbiotic microbes are essential for preserving pollen in the hive and converting it to a nutritious fermented food called bee bread. ARS researchers at the Carl Hayden Bee Research Center in Tucson, Arizona, determined that the most abundant bacteria found in stored pollen and in the honey bees� crop are also found in flowers. Our findings suggest that a subset of these bacteria is responsible for preserving bee bread and inhibiting the grow of pathogens in the colony. The results are important for understanding the role that microbes collected with nectar and pollen have in food processing and nutrient acquisition in the colony. The results also indicate that colony health and susceptibility to disease might be affected by environmental contaminants that inhibit the presence or grow of these beneficial microbes. 05 Changes in nutritional value of pollen after its conversion to bee bread Honey bees meet most of their nutritional requirements by collecting pollen, and converting it to a fermented honey and pollen mixture called bee bread. The nutritional value of pollen often is evaluated by the presence and concentration of essential amino acids. ARS researchers at the Carl Hayden Bee Research Center in Tucson, Arizona, used two genetically different races of honey bees, European (EHB) and African (A to determine if there were changes in the nutritional value of pollen once it became bee bread and whether the changes were affected by colony genetics. We found that the protein concentration in the bee bread made either race was significantly lower than in the pollen and that in gener amino acid concentrations were higher. There were differences in amino acid concentrations between bee bread made by EHB and AHB. Our study indicates that the nutritional value of pollen should be evaluated after its conversion to bee bread because protein and amino acid levels can change greatly during the fermentation process.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Anderson, K.E., Russell, J.A., Moreau, C.S., Kautz, S., Sullam, K.E., Hu, Y., Basinger, U., Mott, B.M., Buck, N., Wheeler, D. 2012. Highly similar microbial communities are shared among related and trophically similar ant species. Molecular Ecology. 21: 2282-2296.
- Anderson, K.E., Eckholm, B., Mott, B.M., Sheehan, T.H., Hoffman, G.D. 2011. An emerging paradigm of colony health: Microbial balance of the honey bee and hive (Apis mellifera). Insectes Sociaux. 58:431-444. DOI 10. 1007/s00040-011-0194-6.
- Hoffman, G.D., Eckholm, B., Anderson, K.E. 2012. Honey bee health: The potential role of microbes. In: Sammataro, D. and Yoder, J., editors. Honey Bee Colony Health: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions. Boca Raton, FL. CRC Press. p. 1-12.
- Sammataro, D. 2012. Global status of honey bee mites. In: Sammataro, D. and Yoder, J., editors. Honey Bee Colony Health: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions. Boca Raton, FL.CRC Press. p. 37-54.
- Yoder, J.A., Heydinger, D.J., Hedges, B.Z., Sammataro, D., Hoffman, G.D. 2012. The critical transition temperature (CTT) of chalkbrood fungi Ascosphaera apis and Ascosphaera aggregata, and its significance for disease incidence. In: Sammataro, D. and Yoder, J., editors. Honey Bee Colony Health: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions. Boca Raton, FL. CRC Press. p. 131-134.
- Yoder, J.A., Condon, M.R., Heydinger, D.J., Hedges, B.Z., Sammataro, D., Finley-Short, J.V., Hoffman, G.D., Olson, E. 2012. Fungicides reduce symbiotic fungi in bee bread and the beneficial fungi in colonies. In: Sammataro, D. and Yoder, J., editors. Honey Bee Colony Health: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions. Boca Raton, FL. CRC Press. p. 193-214.
- Yoder, J.A., Hedges, B.Z., Heydinger, D.J., Sammataro, D., Hoffman, G.D. 2012. Differences among commonly sprayed orchard fungicides in targeting the beneficial fungi associated with honey bee colony and bee bread provisions (in vitro). In: Sammataro, D. and Yoder, J., editors. Honey Bee Colony Health: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions. Boca Raton, FL. CRC Press. p. 181-192.
- Hoffman, G.D. 2012. Introduction. In: Sammataro, D. and Yoder, J., editors. Honey Bee Colony Health: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions. Boca Raton, FL. CRC Press. p. xv-xviii.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) 1: Determine the nutrients in pollen that promote worker longevity. 1.A. Determine the effects of pollen mixtures on worker protein and lipid stores and longevity. 1.B. Characterize the chemical composition of pollen mixtures that optimize worker protein and lipid stores and longevity. 2: Determine the effects of undigested saccharides in high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) on worker physiology and longevity. 2.A. Identify the saccharides in HFCS. 2.B: Determine the effect of saccharides in HFCS on worker physiology and longevity. 3: Evaluate the effects of supplemental feeding on Varroa tolerance, queen production and foraging activity of honey bee colonies. 3.A. Modify the MegaBee diet by adding chemical components that were identified in the pollen mixture analysis. 3.B. Determine the effects of nutrition on Varroa infestation and reproduction in worker and drone cells. 3.C. Determine the role of nutrition on queen production and reproductive potential. 3.D. Evaluate the effects of supplemental protein feeding on the foraging rates of honey bee colonies. 3.E. Improving honey bee immune response to CCD by determining the role of symbiotic microbes in bee nutrition. Approach (from AD-416) 1. Nutritional value will be evaluated by measuring protein and lipid levels and on bee longevity. The chemical composition of pollens that are more nutritious than MegaBee will be determined. 2. Determine the effects of high fructose corn syrup containing higher saccharides on honey bee longevity. 3. Determine the effects of improved nutrition of the longevity of bees parasitized by Varroa, the reproductive potential of queens, and foraging activity of colonies used for pollination. The nutritional requirements of honey bees are met by nectar and pollen and the presence of beneficial microbes (bacteria and fungi) that aid in food processing. Colonies used for pollination often experience nutritional stress and are exposed to environmental contaminants such as fungicides applied during bloom. Nutritional stress and contamination of nectar and pollen can cause colonies to be malnourished and communities of beneficial microbes to lack the diversity needed to enact their full function. We compared the nutritional content (protein and amino acids) of pollen before and after its conversion to bee bread to determine if there were changes in nutritional value. The pH of bee bread was lower than that of the pollen. The protein concentration of the pollen was significantly higher than in the bee bread. Amino acid concentrations also differed between pollen and bee bread. The results indicate that nutrient analysis of pollen might not be as indicative of its nutritional value as an analysis of the bee bread made from it. Malnutrition is a major cause of colony losses. However, malnutrition especially in its early stages is difficult to diagnose. We are identifying biomarkers associated with nutritional state to detect malnutrition. Based on the presence of these compounds, we can evaluate a colony�s nutritional state and determine the effects on vulnerability to disease and population decline. Beneficial microbes play an essential role in optimizing nutrition in colonies. We identified key bacterial communities needed by bees for food processing and digestion. We also identified and sequenced multiple bacterial genomes involved in the preservation and digestion of food. The functional roles of these beneficial bacteria are being explored relative to nutritional stress, social immunity, and fungicide contamination. We documented the effects of fungicide contamination of pollen on queen rearing in colonies. When colonies were fed pollen collected from orchards where fungicides were sprayed, less than 30% were able to rear new queens. The fungicides could be reducing the numbers of beneficial microbes needed for food processing thus causing a reduction in key nutrients needed for queen rearing. Beekeepers feed sugar syrup to colonies as a carbohydrate source. Our studies demonstrated that when colonies are fed during the winter with sugar syrup made with sucrose, there are higher rates of brood production in the spring compared with colonies fed high fructose corn syrup. Varroa is the most important pest of honey bee colonies. Studies are under way to determine if the effects of Varroa on adult bee longevity and virus transmission can be reduced through improved nutrition. In addition, under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, a product was developed (HopGuard) to reduce Varroa populations in colonies based on the miticidal activity of beta plant acids. An integrated pest management program is being developed that identifies timing of HopGuard application for maximum effectiveness. Use of the product in packaged bees and resulting mite levels throughout the year also is being investigated. Accomplishments 01 Reducing Varroa mite populations with beta plant acids. Varroa is the most important pest of honey bee colonies and causes major colony losses due to parasitism and transmitting viruses many of which are associated with Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Beekeepers need new methods to control Varroa because currently registered products are either inconsistent in their effectiveness, harmful to brood, contaminate wax combs, or no longer control Varroa because the mite is resistant. Under Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, ARS scientists in Tucson AZ developed a product (Hopguard) that uses beta plant acids to reduce Varroa populations in colonies. A Section-18 emergency registration was issued by EPA and HopGuard is now in commercial production and being use in honey bee colonies. 02 Colonies fed sucrose build faster than those fed high fructose corn syru Beekeepers feed high fructose corn syrup on sucrose to colonies as a carbohydrate source when flowering plants are not available. ARS scientists in Tucson, AZ demonstrated that colonies fed during the winte with sugar syrup made with sucrose had greater brood production in the spring compared with colonies fed high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). A hig rate if brood production in the spring is important for bulding strong colonies for the pollination of early season crops such as almonds.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Sammataro, D., Leblanc, B.W., Finley, J.V., Carroll, M.J., Torabi, M. 2010. Antioxidants in wax cappings of honey bee brood. Journal of Apiculture Research. 49(4):293-301.
- Cicero, J.M., Sammataro, D. 2010. The salivary glands of adult female Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae), an ectoparasite of the honey bee, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae). International Journal of Acarology. Vol. 36(5):377-386.
- Tarpy, D., Caren, J.R., Delaney, D.A., Sammataro, D., Finley, J.V., Loper, G., Hoffman, G.D. 2010. Mating frequencies of Africanized honey bees in the southwestern United States. Journal of Apiculture Research. Vol. 49(4) :302-310.
- Sammataro, D., Avitabile, A. 2011. Beekeepers Handbook. Cornell University Press. 380 p.
- Couvillon, M.J., Hoffman, G.D., Gronenberg, W. 2010. Africanized honey bees are slower learners than their European counterparts. Naturwissenschaften. 97:153-160.
- Eckholm, B.J., Anderson, K.E., Weiss, M., Hoffman, G.D. 2011. Intracolonial genetic diversity in honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies increases pollen foraging efficiency. Behavioral Ecology-Sociobiology. 65:1037-1044.
- Anderson, K.E., Wheeler, D., Yang, K., Linksvayer, T. 2011. Dynamics of an ant-ant obligate mutualism: Colony growth, density dependence and frequency dependence. Molecular Ecology. 20:1781-1793.
- Sammataro, D., Cicero, J.M. 2010. Functional morphology of the honey stomach wall of European honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 103(6):979-987.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) 1: Determine the nutrients in pollen that promote worker longevity. 1.A. Determine the effects of pollen mixtures on worker protein and lipid stores and longevity. 1.B. Characterize the chemical composition of pollen mixtures that optimize worker protein and lipid stores and longevity. 2: Determine the effects of undigested saccharides in high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) on worker physiology and longevity. 2.A. Identify the saccharides in HFCS. 2.B: Determine the effect of saccharides in HFCS on worker physiology and longevity. 3: Evaluate the effects of supplemental feeding on Varroa tolerance, queen production and foraging activity of honey bee colonies. 3.A. Modify the MegaBee diet by adding chemical components that were identified in the pollen mixture analysis. 3.B. Determine the effects of nutrition on Varroa infestation and reproduction in worker and drone cells. 3.C. Determine the role of nutrition on queen production and reproductive potential. 3.D. Evaluate the effects of supplemental protein feeding on the foraging rates of honey bee colonies. 3.E. Improving honey bee immune response to CCD by determining the role of symbiotic microbes in bee nutrition. Approach (from AD-416) 1. Nutritional value will be evaluated by measuring protein and lipid levels and on bee longevity. The chemical composition of pollens that are more nutritious than MegaBee will be determined. 2. Determine the effects of high fructose corn syrup containing higher saccharides on honey bee longevity. 3. Determine the effects of improved nutrition of the longevity of bees parasitized by Varroa, the reproductive potential of queens, and foraging activity of colonies used for pollination. REPLACING 5342-21000-014-00D (8/08). FY09 Program Increase $270,000. FY10 Program Increase $315,000. We investigated the diversity of symbiotic microbes in the honey stomach and the stored pollen in honey bee colonies. Thirteen unique Lactobacillus species in the honey stomachs of worker bees have been isolated by our collaborators. These bacteria are used to inoculate the stored pollen and begin the fermentation process that converts the pollen to bee bread. The bees feed on the bee bread and use it to produce the brood food they use to raise larvae. We are in the process of sequencing the DNA from the Lactobacillus to determine gene function that plays a role in the processing and digestion of pollen. We have determined that bee bread differs in protein concentration and amino acid content from the pollens used to create it. We also are examining the effects of antibiotics, fungicide contamination in pollen, and feeding bees high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) on the presence and diversity of Lactobacillus and other symbiotic microbes and the consequences on worker protein levels, longevity, immune response and nutritional composition bee bread and brood food. We examined the effects of supplemental carbohydrate feeds of worker longevity and colony growth. Worker bees lived an average of six days longer when fed sucrose syrup than those fed HFCS in laboratory bioassays. Results were similar regardless of manufacturer, formulation (HFCS55 or HFCS42), or dilution. We also fed colonies HFCS or sucrose in an enclosed flight area to test for effects on colony growth. Colonies fed sucrose built significantly more honeycomb and trended towards greater food storage than those fed HFCS. In a separate study, colonies supplemented through the winter and spring with sucrose had increased brood production and slightly higher bee populations than those fed HFCS. HFCS does not appear to have an acute toxic affect upon bee colonies, and does sustain them when it is provided as an exclusive or supplemental carbohydrate source. However, if beekeepers want to increase brood production they should not feed HFCS as the sole carbohydrate source. Accomplishments 01 Commercialization of a Varroa mite treatment. Varroa mites are an extern parasite of honey bees and the major cause of colony losses throughout t U.S. A formulation using plant acids was created by ARS scientists in Tucson, AZ, that is highly effective in reducing Varroa populations in colonies. The plant acids are food grade compounds and are on the GRAS list. The product does not cause mortality in either adults or immature life stages nor does it disrupt queen egg laying or colony growth. The delivery system causes bees throughout the colony to have levels of product that results in Varroa mortality in <48hrs. The product does not accumulate in the wax comb and was not found in honey samples in most cases. When the product was found in honey, it was in very low amounts ( 100 ppb). The product was developed under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement and is in commercial production under the name HopGuard.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Hoffman, G.D., Chen, Y., Huang, E., Huang, M.H. 2010. The Effect of Diet on Protein Concentration, Hypopharyngeal Gland Development and Virus Load in Worker Honey ees (Apis mellifera L.). Journal of Insect Physiology, 56:1184-1191.
- Leblanc, B.W., Eggleston, G., Sammataro, D., Cornett, C., Dufault, R., Deeby, T.A., St Cyr, E.L. 2009. Formation of Hydroxymethylfurfural in Domestic High Fructose Corn Syrup and Its Toxicity to the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 57:7369-7376.
- Ruiz-Matute, A.I., Weiss, M., Sammataro, D., Finley, J.V., Sanz, M.L. 2010. Carbohydrate composition of high fructose corn syrups (HFCS) used for bee feeding. Effect on honey composition.. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 58:7317-7322.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) 1: Determine the nutrients in pollen that promote worker longevity. 1.A. Determine the effects of pollen mixtures on worker protein and lipid stores and longevity. 1.B. Characterize the chemical composition of pollen mixtures that optimize worker protein and lipid stores and longevity. 2: Determine the effects of undigested saccharides in high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) on worker physiology and longevity. 2.A. Identify the saccharides in HFCS. 2.B: Determine the effect of saccharides in HFCS on worker physiology and longevity. 3: Evaluate the effects of supplemental feeding on Varroa tolerance, queen production and foraging activity of honey bee colonies. 3.A. Modify the MegaBee diet by adding chemical components that were identified in the pollen mixture analysis. 3.B. Determine the effects of nutrition on Varroa infestation and reproduction in worker and drone cells. 3.C. Determine the role of nutrition on queen production and reproductive potential. 3.D. Evaluate the effects of supplemental protein feeding on the foraging rates of honey bee colonies. 3.E. Improving honey bee immune response to CCD by determining the role of symbiotic microbes in bee nutrition. Approach (from AD-416) 1. Nutritional value will be evaluated by measuring protein and lipid levels and on bee longevity. The chemical composition of pollens that are more nutritious than MegaBee will be determined. 2. Determine the effects of high fructose corn syrup containing higher saccharides on honey bee longevity. 3. Determine the effects of improved nutrition of the longevity of bees parasitized by Varroa, the reproductive potential of queens, and foraging activity of colonies used for pollination. REPLACING 5342-21000-014-00D (8/08). FY09 Program Increase $270,000. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations We conducted a study to determine population growth in colonies fed exclusively on our protein supplement diet. The colonies thrived for approximately 6 weeks, and then brood rearing stopped and workers were in the process of superseding the queen. After confirming that the cause of the colony decline was not disease related, we tested whether adding frames of stored pollen (i.e., bee bread) could cause a resumption of brood rearing and halt the supersedure behaviors. Bees do not store protein supplement diets, thus there was no medium for the bees to grow the symbiotic microbes they need for food processing and storage. Adding the frames of bee bread caused brood rearing and colony growth to resume. These results have led us to investigate the role of symbiotic microbes in food processing in honey bee colonies, and how factors such as environmental contamination and antibiotics might affect the growth and diversity f these microbes. Our analyses of the nutritional value of pollen will be conducted on bee bread rather than the pollen itself. An analysis of saccharides in high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) revealed that in addition to glucose and fructose there also was maltose, palatinose and isomaltose. Some of the disaccharides we detected are probably from the incomplete hydrolysis of starch during HFCS production or from transglucosylation reactions.� However, identification of all these carbohydrates could not be carried out due to the absence of commercial standards.� Difructose anhydrides (DFAs) were detected in HFCS for the first time and are pseudodisaccharides. The presence of these saccharides in addition to other compounds might be affecting longevity of adult worker bees. Feeding studies with HFCS were conducted at both the small cage and the colony level. The HFCS used in our trials had levels of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) well below those previously described as toxic to honey bees.� When HFCS was supplied to day-old bees maintained in cages, the mean lifespan was 16 days regardless of the HFCS source, formulation (HFCS55 or HFCS42), or dilution; the mean lifespan for bees on sucrose was 28 days.� In the field trials, colony founding success was measured between package bees installed in a closed arena and supplied exclusively with HFCS or sucrose.�Those colonies fed sucrose built significantly more honeycomb and trended towards greater food storage than those supplied with HFCS.� When colonies were supplemented through the winter and spring with either HFCS or sucrose, there was a trend towards greater brood production in colonies supplied with sucrose compared with those fed HFCS. � Technology Transfer Number of Active CRADAS: 1
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Huang, M.H., Hoffman, G.D., Le Blanc, B.W. 2009. Comparisons of the queen volatile compounds of instrumentally inseminated versus naturally mated honey bee (Apis mellifera) queens. Apidologie 40:464-471.
- Hoffman, G.D., Lucas, T., Gronenberg, W., Caseman, D.L. 2008. Brains and brain components in African and European honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) - a volumetric comparison. Journal of Apicultural Research 47:281-285.
- Sammataro, D., Finley, J.V., Leblanc, B.W., Wardell, G., Ahumada-Segura, F. , Carroll, M.J. 2009. Feeding Essential Oils and 2-Heptanone in Sugar Syrup and Protein Diets to Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.) as Potential Varroa Mite (Varroa destructor) Controls and Traced by SPME (Solid Phase Micro Extraction) Fibers. Journal of Apicultural Research 48(4):256-262.
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