东西方蜜蜂亲缘行为关系研究取得新进展

东方蜜蜂和西方蜜蜂是2个不同的种,二者的亲缘关系很近,但是二者的蜂王和幼虫均具有不同的遗传物质和气味信息素,蜜蜂的气味信息素对蜜蜂的社会行为和行为方式起到非常重要的作用。建立东方蜜蜂和西方蜜蜂的混合饲养蜂群,为研究东方蜜蜂和西方蜜蜂这2个近缘物种间的相互关系提供了一个很好的模式。近日,中国科学院西双版纳热带植物园协同进化组的高级访问学者谭垦教授等,通过测试和分析东方蜜蜂蜂王和西方蜜蜂蜂王的蜂王信息素主要成分的组成和差异,研究蜂王在混合饲养蜂群内对异种工蜂卵巢发育的抑制作用,并探讨了当混合蜂群失去蜂王后,2种工蜂对异种蜜蜂卵和幼虫气味的识别和反应机制。     

狄斯瓦螨和蜜蜂病毒对意大利蜜蜂蜂群越冬的影响

越冬期是蜂群损失最主要的阶段.通过比较分析45个意大利蜜蜂Apis mellifera ligustica蜂群在繁殖越冬蜂前的狄斯瓦螨Varroa destructor寄生率和病毒感染情况、越冬表现及越冬期存活蜂群的病毒感染情况等,探究与越冬期蜜蜂健康紧密相关的影响因素.结果表明,繁殖越冬蜂前蜂群的狄斯瓦螨寄生率与蜜蜂残翅病毒(DWV)和以色列急性麻痹病毒(IAPV)基因组拷贝数呈中等线性相关关系(pDWV=0.003,pIAPV=0.001),且狄斯瓦螨寄生率低于9％的蜂群与DWV感染程度相关性更高,而寄生率高于9％的蜂群与IAPV的相关性更高.越冬期死亡蜂群在繁殖越冬蜂前的狄斯瓦螨寄生率和IAPV病毒基因组拷贝数均显著高于存活蜂群.狄斯瓦螨和IAPV是本次实验中意蜂蜂群越冬期健康的首要影响因素.结合狄斯瓦螨寄生率和IAPV基因组拷贝数的正相关性,本研究认为在繁殖越冬蜂前将蜂螨寄生率控制在较低水平(9％以下)能有效减少越冬期意蜂蜂群损失.     

蜜蜂蜂王质量及其性状表现影响因素研究进展

作为重要的传粉昆虫,蜜蜂蜂群损失现象受到广泛关注。研究表明,蜂王问题是导致蜂群损失的主要因素之一。蜂王是蜂群中唯一雌性生殖器官发育完全的个体,是维持蜂群存续的关键。蜂王质量决定了蜂群的群势以及生产性能,对蜂群的发展和存活至关重要。本文详细介绍了表征蜂王质量的相关指标及其在蜂王选育过程中的应用,深入论述了幼虫日龄、营养、交尾、环境温度、病虫害以及农药等相关因素对蜂王质量及其性状表现的影响,以期为蜂王的培育和使用以及蜜蜂资源的保护和利用提供参考。     

狄斯瓦螨和蜜蜂残翅病毒对蜜蜂健康的协同影响

世界各地大范围的西方蜜蜂Apis mellifera蜂群损失现象已引起科学界和公众的持续关注。狄斯瓦螨Varroa destructor和蜜蜂残翅病毒(Deformed wing virus,DWV)是西方蜜蜂群中最主要的两大生物威胁。尽管二者侵害蜜蜂均已有较长历史,但直至近十年来的研究才发现两者间的协同效应对蜂群健康的影响远超过其单独作用时所造成的危害:(1)蜜蜂残翅病毒可在狄斯瓦螨体内大量复制,继而进一步传播;(2)狄斯瓦螨的刺吸行为使病毒粒子跨越寄主的生理屏障而直接进入蜜蜂血淋巴;(3)狄斯瓦螨的寄生促使蜜蜂残翅病毒的高毒力毒株在蜂群中优势扩增和盛行;(4)狄斯瓦螨影响蜜蜂个体发育与免疫系统等生理机能,以致降低了蜂群对病毒的抵抗力;(5)蜜蜂残翅病毒对宿主造成的免疫抑制有利于狄斯瓦螨的寄生与繁殖。狄斯瓦螨、蜜蜂残翅病毒和西方蜜蜂间的关系已经成为昆虫外寄生物、病原体与寄主相互作用研究的一个典型模型。本文对近十年该领域的相关研究进行综述,以期为蜂群损失的原因调查以及昆虫寄生虫、病原微生物与寄主间关系的研究提供参考和借鉴。     

蜜蜂以色列急性麻痹病毒(IAPV)研究进展

2006年冬季至2007年春季,美国发生了大范围的蜜蜂突然消失现象,类似的情况也发生在欧洲的部分地区,引发了严重的授粉危机。科学家对此展开了深入细致的研究并推测以色列急性麻痹病毒(Israeli acute paralysisvirus,IAPV)很可能是蜂群崩溃失调病(colony collapse disorder,CCD)的致病因素。随着研究的深入,对CCD的致病因素及其发生机制有了更深入的认识,并趋向于认为多方面的致病因素可能导致了CCD的发生。本文综述了目前国内外对IAPV的研究进展。     

中国红光熊蜂(Bombus ignitus Smith)的饲养与观察

通过室内外饲养 ,观察了我国红光熊蜂蜂群的建立和发展动态。结果表明 ,在温度 2 8± 0 .5℃ ,相对湿度 70± 5 %和无光照的环境条件下 ,平均 84 .85 %越冬红光熊蜂蜂王在饲养后 11.83± 6 .13天开始产卵 ;加入欧洲熊蜂的幼工蜂能够刺激蜂王产卵 ,促使产卵期明显提前 ;健康且已受精的越冬蜂王一般在 2周内产卵 ;在开始饲养后 1个月左右开始出现工蜂 ,2月左右开始产生雄峰 ,雄峰出现后 7d左右产生蜂王。在采集并饲养的蜂王中 ,平均 78.79%的蜂王建立了蜂群 ,每群平均有蜂 180 .2 9± 80 .2 6头 ,其中工蜂 10 5 .90± 4 1.83头 ,雄蜂 6 5 .5 2± 4 5 .33头 ,蜂王 8.86± 12 .38头     

蜜蜂繁殖冲突与雌性蜜蜂信息素研究进展

在营造社会性生活的蜜蜂群体里,蜂王释放出蜂王信息素来控制工蜂卵巢发育及改造王台特性,并吸引雄蜂为之交配,使蜂群正常繁衍。本文在国内外相关研究的基础上,对蜜蜂各蜂种、亚种以及特殊蜂群无政府主义蜂群、海角蜜蜂等雌性蜜蜂信息素成分以及含量变化进行综合论述,并对蜂王主要信息素对工蜂和雄蜂生理影响以及今后的研究趋势作扼要介绍。     

育王框位置对中华蜜蜂蜂王质量的影响

蜂王质量的好坏决定了蜂群的群势和生产性能。培育优质的蜂王有利于蜂群的饲养管理及提高经济效益。在育王过程中,育王框所处位置对王台接受率以及蜂王质量均有所影响。本研究基于免移虫育王技术,以中华蜜蜂为研究对象,探究育王框在不同类型子脾之间的位置(封盖子脾之间、幼虫脾之间以及混合脾之间)对王台接受率、蜂王个体形态指标及蜂王卵巢卵黄原蛋白基因表达的影响。研究结果表明,育王框置于幼虫脾之间蜂王幼虫接受率和蜂王卵黄原蛋白表达量显著高于封盖子脾,但对蜂王个体指标无影响。     

蜜蜂无政府主义蜂群的研究进展

西方蜜蜂Apis mellifera作为典型的社会性昆虫, 最重要的特征是生殖劳动分工。蜂王垄断蜂群的生殖权利, 工蜂生殖功能受到抑制, 从事除产卵和交配以外的所有职能。而在无政府主义蜂群中, 即使蜂王存在, 也有较多工蜂的卵巢激活并产卵, 蜂群中大多数雄蜂是工蜂的后代。这些特殊蜂群为正常蜂群工蜂不育机制研究提供了绝佳的反例材料。本文对无政府主义蜂群的行为特征、 产生条件、 遗传基础等研究进行了综述。无政府主义蜂群中有较多的工蜂产卵, 且工蜂所产卵能够逃避工蜂监督, 这种行为的产生受环境、 遗传组成、 基因表达等多种因素的影响, 并且遗传结构体系复杂, 参与调控的基因数量多。无政府主义蜂群行为机制的研究为工蜂不育机制的揭示及其他社会性昆虫工职不育基因的筛选和功能研究提供借鉴。     

烟曲霉素在防治蜜蜂孢子虫病中的应用研究进展

近年来,全球性蜂群损失严重,对蜜蜂授粉农业造成巨大冲击。东方蜜蜂微孢子虫Nosema ceranae,N.ceranae在成功实现由东方蜜蜂Apis cerana Fabr.向西方蜜蜂Apis mellifera L.的宿主转移后,成为严重威胁西方蜜蜂健康的一种新的寄生虫病原,并被认为是蜂群损失的一个重要原因。烟曲霉素是一种能够有效防治蜜蜂孢子虫病的药物,但作为一种抗生素类药物,其在蜂产品中的残留问题以及对蜂群和人类健康的影响也颇受关注。本文将围绕蜜蜂孢子虫病概况、烟曲霉素在治疗蜜蜂孢子虫病以及人类疾病中的应用及其潜在的问题等进行综述,以期为我国养蜂生产中蜜蜂孢子虫病的防治以及烟曲霉素在相关领域中的应用提供参考。     

The size of wild honeybee populations (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Apis mellifera</Emphasis>) and its implications for the conservation of honeybees

The density of wild honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera) in the African dry highland savannahs was estimated in three Nature Reserves in Gauteng, South Africa (Ezemvelo, Leeuwfontein, Suikerbosrand) based on the genotypes of drones which were caught at drone congregation areas. Densities were estimated to range between 12.4 and 17.6 colonies per square kilometer. In addition colony densities were estimated in two German National parks (Müritz and Hochharz) and a commercial mating apiary. The density of colonies was significantly lower at the German sampling sites with estimates of 2.4–3.2 colonies per square kilometer, which closely matches the nation-wide density of colonies kept by beekeepers. This shows that the densities of colonies observed in wild populations under the harsh conditions of the African dry savannahs exceeds that of Germany by far, in spite of intensive beekeeping. The intensity of apiculture in Europe is therefore unlikely to compensate for the loss of habitats suitable for wild honeybees due to agriculture, forestry and other cultivation of land.     

Determining colony densities in wild honeybee populations (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Apis mellifera</Emphasis>) with linked microsatellite DNA markers

Estimating the population size of social bee colonies in the wild is often difficult because nests are highly cryptic. Because of the honeybee (Apis mellifera) mating behaviour, which is characterized by multiple mating of queens at drone congregation areas (DCA), it is possible to use genotypes of drones caught at these areas to infer the number of colonies in a given region. However, DCAs are difficult to locate and we assess the effectiveness of an alternative sampling technique to determine colony density based on inferring male genotypes from queen offspring. We compare these methods in the same population of wild honeybees, Apis mellifera scutellata. A set of linked microsatellite loci is used to decrease the frequency of recombination among marker loci and therefore increase the precision of the estimates. Estimates of population size obtained through sampling of queen offspring is significantly larger than that obtained by sampling drones at DCAs. This difference may be due to the more extensive flying range of queens compared with drones on mating flights. We estimate that the population size sampled through queen offspring is about double that sampled through drones.     

Prospective Large-Scale Field Study Generates Predictive Model Identifying Major Contributors to Colony Losses

Over the last decade, unusually high losses of colonies have been reported by beekeepers across the USA. Multiple factors such as Varroa destructor, bee viruses, Nosema ceranae, weather, beekeeping practices, nutrition, and pesticides have been shown to contribute to colony losses. Here we describe a large-scale controlled trial, in which different bee pathogens, bee population, and weather conditions across winter were monitored at three locations across the USA. In order to minimize influence of various known contributing factors and their interaction, the hives in the study were not treated with antibiotics or miticides. Additionally, the hives were kept at one location and were not exposed to potential stress factors associated with migration. Our results show that a linear association between load of viruses (DWV or IAPV) in Varroa and bees is present at high Varroa infestation levels (>3 mites per 100 bees). The collection of comprehensive data allowed us to draw a predictive model of colony losses and to show that Varroa destructor, along with bee viruses, mainly DWV replication, contributes to approximately 70% of colony losses. This correlation further supports the claim that insufficient control of the virus-vectoring Varroa mite would result in increased hive loss. The predictive model also indicates that a single factor may not be sufficient to trigger colony losses, whereas a combination of stressors appears to impact hive health.     

Human factors facilitating the spread of a parasitic honey bee in South Africa

Workers of the honey bee subspecies Apis mellifera capensis (Eschscholtz) produce female offspring by thelytokous parthenogenesis and can parasitize colonies of other subspecies. In 1990, translocation of 400 colonies of A. m. capensis into the distribution area of A. m. scutellata by a commercial beekeeper triggered a dramatic parasitic phenomenon. Parasitized colonies died within a few months of infestation, and this resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of colonies by commercial beekeepers in the A. m. scutellata range in South Africa. To deal with the problem and to identify methods that would limit the impact of the social parasite, we investigated the link between beekeeping management and severity of parasitic infestations in terms of colony mortality and productivity. We demonstrate that colonies from apiaries subjected to migrations are very susceptible to infestation and consequently show dramatic mortality. Their productivity is also inferior to sedentary colonies and those in isolated apiaries in terms of honey yield and brood quantity. Furthermore, by concentrating hives in small areas and often in the vicinity of other beekeepers, cross-infestations can easily occur. This can undermine previously parasite-free beekeeping businesses. As a result of our surveys, we propose beekeeping practices based on locally trapped bees, reduced migration, and better control of parasite spread, thus promoting the conservation of these pollinators. If followed by all the South African beekeepers, these measures should limit the spread of the parasite until it is eliminated within a few years, after which full migratory beekeeping practices could resume.     

Resistance to Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) when mite-resistant queen honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were free-mated with unselected drones.

This study demonstrated (1) that honey bees, Apis mellifera L, can express a high level of resistance to Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman when bees were selected for only one resistant trait (suppression of mite reproduction); and (2) that a significant level of mite-resistance was retained when these queens were free-mated with unselected drones. The test compared the growth of mite populations in colonies of bees that each received one of the following queens: (1) resistant--queens selected for suppression of mite reproduction and artificially inseminated in Baton Rouge with drones from similarly selected stocks; (2) resistant x control--resistant queens, as above, produced and free-mated to unselected drones by one of four commercial queen producers; and (3) control--commercial queens chosen by the same four queen producers and free-mated as above. All colonies started the test with approximately 0.9 kg of bees that were naturally infested with approximately 650 mites. Colonies with resistant x control queens ended the 115-d test period with significantly fewer mites than did colonies with control queens. This suggests that beekeepers can derive immediate benefit from mite-resistant queens that have been free-mated to unselected drones. Moreover, the production and distribution of these free-mated queens from many commercial sources may be an effective way to insert beneficial genes into our commercial population of honey bees without losing the genetic diversity and the useful beekeeping characteristics of this population.     

Predictive markers of honey bee colony collapse

Across the Northern hemisphere, managed honey bee colonies, Apis mellifera, are currently affected by abrupt depopulation during winter and many factors are suspected to be involved, either alone or in combination. Parasites and pathogens are considered as principal actors, in particular the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor, associated viruses and the microsporidian Nosema ceranae. Here we used long term monitoring of colonies and screening for eleven disease agents and genes involved in bee immunity and physiology to identify predictive markers of honeybee colony losses during winter. The data show that DWV, Nosema ceranae, Varroa destructor and Vitellogenin can be predictive markers for winter colony losses, but their predictive power strongly depends on the season. In particular, the data support that V. destructor is a key player for losses, arguably in line with its specific impact on the health of individual bees and colonies.     

Negative correlation between Nosema ceranae spore loads and deformed wing virus infection levels in adult honey bee workers

Interactions between pathogens might contribute to honey bee colony losses. Here we investigated if there is an association between the microsporidian Nosema ceranae and the deformed wing virus (DWV) in different body sections of individual honey bee workers (Apis mellifera ligustica) under exclusion of the vector Varroa destructor. Our data provide correlational evidence for antagonistic interactions between the two pathogens in the midgut of the bees.     

Selection for varroatosis resistance in honeybees

The parasitic mite Varroa jacobsoni is a major problem for beekeeping worldwide. It can be controlled efficiently with a variety of ocaracides. However, Robin F.A. Moritz argues that, owing to the risk of honey contamination and the costs involved with continuous treatment of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies, there is a pressing need to find alternative ways of varroatosis control. A variety of physiological and behavioural traits of the honeybee are known to control efficiently the development and spread of V. jacobsoni infestation. Breeding of a varroatosis-resistant honeybee seems possible and selection could offer swift results if one capitalizes on the male haploid population structure of the honeybee.     

Demographics of the European Apicultural Industry

Over the last few years, many European and North American countries have reported a high rate of disorders (mortality, dwindling and disappearance) affecting honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera). Although beekeeping has become an increasingly professional activity in recent years, the beekeeping industry remains poorly documented in Europe. The European Union Reference Laboratory for Honeybee Health sent a detailed questionnaire to each Member State, in addition to Kosovo and Norway, to determine the demographics and state of their beekeeping industries. Based on data supplied by the National Reference Laboratory for honeybee diseases in each European country, a European database was created to describe the beekeeping industry including the number and types of beekeepers, operation size, industry production, and health (notifiable diseases, mortalities). The total number of beekeepers in Europe was estimated at 620 000. European honey production was evaluated at around 220 000 tons in 2010. The price of honey varied from 1.5 to 40 €/kg depending on the country and on the distribution network. The estimated colony winter mortality varied from 7 to 28% depending on the country and the origin of the data (institutional survey or beekeeping associations). This survey documents the high heterogeneity of the apicultural industry within the European Union. The high proportion of non-professional beekeepers and the small mean number of colonies per beekeeper were the only common characteristics at European level. The tremendous variation in European apicultural industries has implication for any comprehensive epidemiological or economic analysis of the industry. This variability needs to be taken into account for such analysis as well as for future policy development. The industry would be served if beekeeping registration was uniformly implemented across member states. Better information on the package bee and queen production would help in understanding the ability of the industry to replace lost honey bee stocks.     

Incidence and Geographical Distribution of Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) Pests in Jordan

The occurrence and distribution of pests of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) in Jordan were surveyed during the agricultural seasons of 1999 and 2000. A total of 800 colonies in 112 apiaries were chosen from different geographical regions that support beekeeping in Jordan. Honeybee colonies are attacked by 21 pest species in different areas of Jordan. The most distributed pests which cause considerable damage are Varroa destructor, Vespa orientalis, Galleria melonella, Dorylus fulvus, Braula orientalis, Merops apiaster, Hirundo rustica, Hirundo daurica and Merops orientalis. Other pests of minor importance to beekeeping were also recorded. Most of the recorded pests were appeared in both the Jordan Valley and Irbid regions.