Genetic Analysis Reveals Stressors Affecting Bumblebees in the Next-Gen Era
York University Study Reveals Pesticide and Pathogen Exposure in Yellow-Banded Bumblebees
A recent study conducted at York University in Toronto, Ontario, has shed light on the declining health of the yellow-banded bumblebee. The research, published in the journal Molecular Ecology under the title "Conservation genomics reveals pesticide and pathogen exposure in the declining bumble bee Bombus terricola", employs a conservation genomic approach, a new method in the field of conservation biology.
The study, led by scientists from York University, found evidence of pesticide exposure, specifically neonicotinoids, and pathogens in the yellow-banded bumblebee. The researchers sequenced the RNA of 30 yellow-banded worker bees in both agricultural and non-agricultural areas.
Bumblebees, particularly the yellow-banded species, are important pollinators, excelling at buzz pollination and tolerating cooler temperatures. Their decline could have significant implications for the ecosystem.
The technology used in the study has the potential to help detect new diseases and stressors quickly, preventing further losses of species like the rusty-patched bumblebee, which hasn't been spotted in Canada since 2009.
According to the study's findings, five pathogens were discovered in the abdomens of worker bees, three of which are common in managed honey bee and bumblebee colonies. This finding supports the theory that spillover of pathogens from commercial operations can affect the health of wild bees.
The study at York University builds on previous research into the declining health of the yellow-banded bumblebee, focusing on pesticide exposure, specifically neonicotinoids, and pathogens. The study's conclusions suggest that expanding the scope of conservation genomic studies can help better understand how multiple stressors influence the health of other bumblebee populations.
York University is known for its diverse community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners, and for its focus on solving societal challenges and preparing students for success. The university's mission is to make things right for communities, the planet, and the future.
In addition to its main campus in Toronto, York University has campuses in Costa Rica and India, offering exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. The Glendon Campus of York University is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.
While the current director of the Centre for Bee Ecology, Evolution and Conservation at York University, who is also the corresponding author of the study revealing pesticide and pathogen exposure in bumblebees, is not explicitly named in the provided search results, their work underscores the university's commitment to conservation and environmental research.
Zayed, a researcher involved in the study, emphasized the importance of this approach for managing and conserving bumblebees. As the world continues to face challenges related to declining biodiversity, research like this at York University is crucial for understanding and addressing these issues.
