Honey Bee Gut Microbiome Is Altered by In-Hive Pesticide Exposures.

ABSTRACT: Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are the primary pollinators of major horticultural crops. Over the last few decades, a substantial decline in honey bees and their colonies have been reported. While a plethora of factors could contribute to the putative decline, pathogens, and pesticides are common concerns that draw attention. In addition to potential direct effects on honey bees, indirect pesticide effects could include alteration of essential gut microbial communities and symbionts that are important to honey bee health (e.g., immune system). The primary objective of this study was to determine the microbiome associated with honey bees exposed to commonly used in-hive pesticides: coumaphos, tau-fluvalinate, and chlorothalonil. Treatments were replicated at three independent locations near Bl

SUBMITTER: Kakumanu ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4985556 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature