Exploring the Adverse Impact of Pesticides in Honey Bees and Their Virulence

Abstract

Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) significantly enhance seed production, fruit set, and yield through pollination. However, the world is facing a major challenge of honey bee loss due to the excessive use of pesticides facilitated by technological advancements. Pesticides are harmful to pollinators and can cause lethal and sublethal effects through dermal contact, ingestion, or inhalation of contaminated air. Pesticide exposure in agricultural fields has led to honey bee toxicity, which affects their neurophysiological and immune systems and, consequently, their life cycle. This toxicity also leads to contamination of bee products, which can negatively impact human health, affecting the nervous and digestive systems, among others. While there is limited knowledge about the impact of pesticides on wild honey bees, it is crucial to understand this to guide agricultural practices and legislation aimed at safeguarding these important pollinators. It is, therefore, essential to take major steps to control pesticide toxicity in honey bees and prevent further harm.