Thiacloprid-Nosema ceranae interactions in honey bees: host survivorship but not parasite reproduction is dependent on pesticide dose

Gina Retschnig; Peter Neumann; Geoffrey R Williams

doi:10.1016/j.jip.2014.02.008

Thiacloprid-Nosema ceranae interactions in honey bees: host survivorship but not parasite reproduction is dependent on pesticide dose

J Invertebr Pathol. 2014 May:118:18-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jip.2014.02.008. Epub 2014 Mar 1.

Authors

Gina Retschnig¹, Peter Neumann², Geoffrey R Williams²

Affiliations

¹ Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. Electronic address: gina.retschnig@gmail.com.
² Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

PMID: 24594300
DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2014.02.008

Abstract

Interactions between stressors contribute to the recently reported increase in losses of honey bee colonies. Here we demonstrated that a synergistic effect on mortality by the low toxic, commonly used neonicotinoid thiacloprid and the nearly ubiquitous gut parasite Nosemaceranae is dependent on the pesticide dose. Furthermore, thiacloprid had a negative influence on N.ceranae reproduction. Our results highlight that interactions among honey bee health stressors can be dynamic and should be studied across a broader range of combinations.

Keywords: Apis mellifera; Honey bee; Neonicotinoid; Nosema ceranae; Synergism; Thiacloprid.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Bees / drug effects*
Bees / parasitology*
Host-Parasite Interactions / drug effects*
Insecticides / toxicity*
Neonicotinoids
Nosema / drug effects*
Nosema / physiology
Pyridines / toxicity*
Reproduction / drug effects
Thiazines / toxicity*

Substances

Insecticides
Neonicotinoids
Pyridines
Thiazines
thiacloprid