Preliminary report of honeybee physiological changes pre- and post-hybrid lavender season in high and low weight gain colonies

Abstract

Pollinators foraging on monocultures like hybrid lavender are suspected to suffer physiological stress. We used biomarkers to assess changes in honeybee physiology pre- and post-hybrid lavender season, in high and low weight gain colonies. We observed post-season increased levels of enzymes involved in antioxidant defenses: catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase; increased levels of acetylcholinesterase, a biomarker of neural transmission; and decreased levels of alkaline phosphatase associated with the loss of midgut homeostasis. Compared to low weight gain colonies, high weight gain colonies showed lower levels of almost all analyzed biomarkers. We discuss the environmental and beekeeping factors likely underlying observed changes for which cause and effect remain to be established.