Cellular response in honey bees to non-pathogenic effects of pesticides

Abstract

Diff erent broadspectrum pesticides applied in agricultural settings or used in controlling bee pests could have drastic effects on bee colonies. Exposure to pesticides impacts foragers, shortens worker longevity, decreases queen survival, and affects colony vitality. Sublethal effects can lead to physiological modifications and changes in bee behavior and cellular physiology consistent with chemically induced stress responses. We present a summary of cellular damage to bees by pesticide exposure showing that pesticide use subjects pollinators to severe stress that can cause economic damage evidenced by a decrease in bee density. Research focuses on damage that can be repaired, cells that remain viable after intermediate level of damage, and cells that undergo apoptosis or necrosis after a high level of damage primarily to brain and gut. Cellular biomarkers have been developed to evaluate chronic exposure of bees to pesticides to understand the effects of synergistic action of xenobiotics in the environment and to separate the effects of pathogens and pesticides. These studies can bring substantial benefits to agroecosystems.