Are bee diseases linked to pesticides? — A brief review. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sánchez-Bayo, Francisco; Goulson, Dave; Pennacchio, Francesco; Nazzi, Francesco; Goka, Koichi; Desneux, Nicolas
• Is Part Of: Environment international. Volume 89/90(2016:Apr.)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 11
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Infections -- Parasites -- Viruses -- Immune-suppression -- Neonicotinoids -- Fungicides; Environmental protection -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental Monitoring -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Protection -- Périodiques; Hygiène du milieu -- Périodiques; Environnement -- Surveillance -- Périodiques; Environmental health; Environmental monitoring; Environmental protection; Periodicals; 333.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.01.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-4120

Abstract

Abstract: The negative impacts of pesticides, in particular insecticides, on bees and other pollinators have never been disputed. Insecticides can directly kill these vital insects, whereas herbicides reduce the diversity of their food resources, thus indirectly affecting their survival and reproduction. At sub-lethal level (< LD50), neurotoxic insecticide molecules are known to influence the cognitive abilities of bees, impairing their performance and ultimately impacting on the viability of the colonies. In addition, widespread systemic insecticides appear to have introduced indirect side effects on both honey bees and wild bumblebees, by deeply affecting their health. Immune suppression of the natural defences by neonicotinoid and phenyl-pyrazole (fipronil) insecticides opens the way to parasite infections and viral diseases, fostering their spread among individuals and among bee colonies at higher rates than under conditions of no exposure to such insecticides. This causal link between diseases and/or parasites in bees and neonicotinoids and other pesticides has eluded researchers for years because both factors are concurrent: while the former are the immediate cause of colony collapses and bee declines, the latter are a key factor contributing to the increasing negative impact of parasitic infections observed in bees in recent decades. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Wild and managed bees have been declining in recent years. Parasites and pathogens are the main cause of the current bee demise. Stress agents acting on bees can promote pathogen spread and virulence. Sublethal doses of immunosuppressive pesticides favour the diffusion of bee diseases. Pesticides and their interactions contribute to stress-induced colony losses.