By Jamie Martin
A new study has revealed that honeybee queens have a unique way of dealing with pesticide exposure. Researchers found that queens can transfer contaminants from their bodies into their eggs, helping protect themselves while potentially increasing risks for future bees.
The research was conducted by scientists at the University of California, Davis, working with experts from USDA-ARS and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Their findings were published in Current Biology.
According to senior researcher Sascha Nicklisch, this is the first time scientists have clearly documented this behavior in honeybees. The process, called maternal offloading, allows queens to reduce the amount of pesticide stored in their bodies by moving it into their eggs.
Lead author Angela Encerrado-Manriquez explained that worker bees usually help protect queens by filtering contaminants from the food they provide. However, new research suggests that this protection has limits. As exposure continues, pesticides can accumulate in queens and eventually be passed on to developing eggs.
Researchers used specially designed miniature colonies to observe pesticide movement within a hive. Each colony contained one queen and 60 worker bees. The bees received food containing small amounts of methyl parathion marked with a tracer for tracking.
The study showed worker bees initially removed most pesticide contamination, but their filtering ability decreased over time. As a result, more chemicals reached the queen.
Scientists say the findings are important because honeybee queens are responsible for producing the next generation of workers. A healthy queen is essential for colony survival and productivity.
The researchers believe long-term chemical accumulation could contribute to colony decline and reduced pollination services. Since honeybees support global food production, the findings may help beekeepers, farmers and pest management professionals make better decisions about pesticide exposure during critical periods of colony growth.
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Categories: National