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Landscape Composition and Fungicide Exposure Influence Host-Pathogen Dynamics in a Solitary Bee
Erin Krichilsky1, Mary Centrella2, Brian Eitzer3
1Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
Environmental Entomology
|November 28, 2020
Summary
Bee health is threatened by multiple stressors. This study found that fungicides and landscape changes interact, impacting solitary bees (Osmia cornifrons) and increasing chalkbrood disease. Understanding these interactions is crucial for bee conservation.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Agricultural Science
- Entomology
Background:
- Bee populations are declining due to land use change, pesticides, and pathogens, impacting ecosystem services and agriculture.
- Most studies examine stressors in isolation, hindering effective management strategies for pollinator health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effects of landscape composition and fungicide exposure on chalkbrood disease in Osmia cornifrons.
- To evaluate interactions between landscape, fungicides, and Ascosphaera pathogens on bee mortality.
Main Methods:
- Field studies and laboratory assays were conducted to assess the impact of environmental factors on Osmia cornifrons.
- Phylogenetic methods were used to identify Ascosphaera species associated with the bees.
Main Results:
- Chalkbrood incidence decreased with more natural habitat but increased with forest cover and fungicide concentration.
- Fungicide and pathogen exposure showed an additive effect on bee mortality in laboratory settings.
- Four Ascosphaera species were identified in Osmia cornifrons.
Conclusions:
- Fungicides significantly impact bee health, particularly in conjunction with landscape alterations.
- Interactions among stressors are critical for understanding and mitigating bee declines.
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