Phenomic analysis of the honey bee pathogen-web and its dynamics on colony productivity, health and social immunity behaviors.

ABSTRACT: Many pathogens and parasites have evolved to overwhelm and suppress their host's immune system. Nevertheless, the interactive effects of these agents on colony productivity and wintering success have been relatively unexplored, particularly in large-scale phenomic studies. As a defense mechanism, honey bees have evolved remarkable social behaviors to defend against pathogen and parasite challenges, which reduce the impact of disease and improve colony health. To investigate the complex role of pathogens, parasites and social immunity behaviors in relation to colony productivity and outcomes, we extensively studied colonies at several locations across Canada for two years. In 2016 and 2017, colonies founded with 1-year-old queens of diverse genetic origin were evaluated, which represented a

SUBMITTER: Borba RS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8803170 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature