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Bee pathogen transmission dynamics: deposition, persistence and acquisition on flowers
Laura L Figueroa1, Malcolm Blinder2, Cali Grincavitch2
11 Department of Entomology, Cornell University , Ithaca, NY 14853 , USA.
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|May 30, 2019
Summary
Bee pathogens spread through flowers, but plant species and flower parts affect transmission. Understanding floral variation can help create wildflower mixes that support bees while limiting disease spread.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Pathogen transmission
- Pollinator health
Background:
- Infectious diseases significantly contribute to global bee decline.
- Limited knowledge exists on how floral characteristics influence pathogen transmission dynamics among bees.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how host infection and plant species affect pathogen deposition on flowers.
- To determine the impact of plant species and flower parts on pathogen survival and acquisition.
Main Methods:
- Utilized bumblebees (Bombus impatiens) and the pathogen Crithidia bombi.
- Examined pathogen transmission dynamics across three plant species with varying floral morphology.
- Assessed pathogen deposition, survival, and acquisition on different flower parts.
Main Results:
- Infected bees exhibited increased defecation rates on flowers.
- Pathogen deposition varied among plant species, with more frequent deposition on bracts of Lobelia siphilitica and Lythrum salicaria than Monarda didyma.
- Bracts showed lower pathogen survival but higher infection intensity in bees.
- Sun exposure reduced pathogen survival on flower parts.
Conclusions:
- Pathogen transmission efficiency is influenced by deposition location, acquisition timing, and plant species.
- Environmental factors like sun exposure impact pathogen survival.
- Findings can inform the design of bee-friendly wildflower mixes to mitigate disease spread.
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