Sünteetiliste ja bioloogiliste pestitsiidide mõjud meemesilastele ja kimalastele

A Thesis for applying for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in AgricultureThe current thesis investigated whether different pesticide residues, and at which concentrations, can be found in different honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colony components collected from different land use types (I, II). Also, effects of different pesticides and their mixtures on honey bees and bumble bees (Bombus terrestris L.) were investigated (III, IV, V). Results showed that different pesticide residues were found from different honey bee colony components (I, II). Although residues found were generally not correlated with landscape parameters or plant species visited, some positive correlations were observed between the proportion of oilseed rape in the landscape and residues detected (I). In addition, honey samples analysed were relatively free of pesticides; only some herbicide residues were found (II). Field realistic concentrations of the fungicide tebuconazole and the insecticide tau-fluvalinate had significant impacts on developing honey bee queens. Tebuconazole decreased queen cell acceptance and tau-fluvalinate increased queen weight significantly. Interestingly, no synergistic effects were observed, but rather an antagonism between the two pesticides was observed (III). The fungicide imazalil synergised the effect of three out of four insecticides tested on bumble bees, increasing mortality significantly. These included fipronil, thiamethoxam and cypermethrin. Despite the high concentrations used, imidacloprid’s lethal effect was not synergised by imazalil, and no mortality was observed (IV). In general, different microbiological preparations had similar effects on honey bee and bumble bee longevity and physiological parameters (V). Most of the used powders had similar effect on both bee species, however PrestopMix decreased only honey bee longevity significantly. There exist major behavioural and physiological differences between the two bee species studied here, as well as there are major differences between various pesticides. It must be taken into account that the effects of pesticides cannot simply be extrapolated from one species to another, nor can we extrapolated the effects of one pesticide to another, even within a specific class (e.g. neonicotinoids).Käesoleva töö raames uuriti kas ja kui, siis millistes kogustes erinevaid pestitsiidide jääke võib esineda erinevates mesindussaadustes, mis olid kogutud erineva põllumajandusliku intensiivsusega aladelt (I, II). Lisaks hinnati pestitsiidide ja nende segude mõjusid meemesilase (Apis mellifera L.) ja karukimalase (Bombus terrestris L.) erinevatele parameetritele (III, IV, V). Tulemustest selgus, et kogutud proovidest leiti küll mitmete erinevate pestitsiidide jääke (I, II), kuid puudus korrelatsioon leitud pestitsiidijääkide, maakasutuse tüübi ja taimeliikide vahel. On tähelepanuväärne, et kuigi raps moodustas märkimisväärse osa kogutud õietolmu- ja meeproovidest, puudus korrelatsioon leitud pestitsiidijääkidega (I, II). Selgus ka, et kogutud meeproovid sisaldasid vaid väikestes kogustes herbitsiidide jääke, mis annab tunnistust Eesti mee puhtusest ja kvaliteedist ning ühtlasi ka tarbijale julguse eelistada eestimaist mett (II). Katsetulemustest selgus, et fungitsiidi tebukonasool ja insektitsiidi tau-fluvalinaat subletaalsed doosid mõjutasid oluliselt mesilasema kogu arengutsüklit. Tebukonasooliga töötlus vähendas oluliselt mesilasema kuppude vastuvõttu ja tau-fluvalinaat suurendas oluliselt koorunud mesilasemade kaalu. Nimetatud kahe pestitsiidi eeldatavate sünergeetiliste mõjude asemel täheldati hoopis nende antagonistlikke mõjusid, mis annab alust arvata, et erinevad pestitsiidide segud võivad üksteise mõjusid teatud juhtudel hoopis vähendada (III). Seda, et vastastikused toimed on liigispetsiifilised, näitas fungitsiid imasaliil, mis sünergeerus kolme kasutatud insektitsiidiga neljast, mille tulemusena karukimalase suremus suurenes oluliselt. Vaatamata kõrgele kontsentratsioonile ei mõjutanud neonikotinoid imidaklopriid üksiku ainena ega ka segus imasaliiliga kimalaste suremust oluliselt (IV). Erinevatel mikrobioloogilistel preparaatidel olid küll sarnased mõjud meemesilase ja karukimalase suremusele ja füsioloogilistele näitajatele, kuid kuna nende kahe liigi käitumuslikud ja füsioloogilised näitajad on sedavõrd erinevad, ei saa pestitsiidide katsetest saadud tulemusi ühelt liigilt teisele üle kanda (V).The English language was edited by Jonathan Willow and the Estonian by Reet Karise. Publication of this thesis is supported by the Estonian University of Life Sciences

1.13 Using respiratory physiology techniques in assessments of pesticide effects

The determination of sub-lethal effects of pesticides on beneficial insects is challenging topic because the vast number of different possible endpoints. Traditionally measured endpoints reflect the basic outcome but do not give any information about the mode of actions or the real non-harming dosages of the studied toxicants. Physiological changes, however, reflect even small deviations from normal state. The gas exchange patterns are sensitive cues to determine the sub-lethal toxicosis in insects. Methods of respiratory physiology have been used to detect sub-lethal toxic effects of many chemicals, but information for biological preparations is also needed, especially when bees are used in entomovectoring task. The aims of this study were i) to clarify which are the effects of three microbiological preparations on two bee species, honey bees Apis mellifera L. and bumble bees Bombus terrestris L. and ii) could we compare the effects of the same preparations on different bee species. We saw that honey bees and bumble bees react similarly on microbiological preparations, however the reaction strength differed. We found that kaolin affects the survival of bumble bees and honey bees as much as did entomopathogenic preparations, whereas pure spores of a non-hazardous fungus and wheat flour did not. Bumble bees seem to be more tolerant to microbiological preparations than honey bees.The determination of sub-lethal effects of pesticides on beneficial insects is challenging topic because the vast number of different possible endpoints. Traditionally measured endpoints reflect the basic outcome but do not give any information about the mode of actions or the real non-harming dosages of the studied toxicants. Physiological changes, however, reflect even small deviations from normal state. The gas exchange patterns are sensitive cues to determine the sub-lethal toxicosis in insects. Methods of respiratory physiology have been used to detect sub-lethal toxic effects of many chemicals, but information for biological preparations is also needed, especially when bees are used in entomovectoring task. The aims of this study were i) to clarify which are the effects of three microbiological preparations on two bee species, honey bees Apis mellifera L. and bumble bees Bombus terrestris L. and ii) could we compare the effects of the same preparations on different bee species. We saw that honey bees and bumble bees react similarly on microbiological preparations, however the reaction strength differed. We found that kaolin affects the survival of bumble bees and honey bees as much as did entomopathogenic preparations, whereas pure spores of a non-hazardous fungus and wheat flour did not. Bumble bees seem to be more tolerant to microbiological preparations than honey bees

Bee health field tool

The Bee health field tool (related with the most important and actual technical constraint in beekeeping are the technical features related with bee diseases and nutrition) was developed in a format that can be easily used in the field by all beekeepers, independent of their background, using an innovative learning strategy - gamification – that provides an effective, informal learning environment, and helps learners practice real-life situations and challenges in a safe environment. The Bee health field is part of the contents of the MOOC course curriculum allowing to achieve a training skill and specialization in bee health and nutrition. The expected impact is related with the possibility of enabling beekeepers to acquire the best and innovative beekeeping techniques and skills in this area of the production itinerary. This knowledge and skills are essential for the professionalization of beekeepers as the survival of the bees is compromised by the pressures related with these issues. Furthermore, the Bee health is the main factor for improving the beekeeping performance and for increasing the production and quality of the bee products in order to achieve adequate economic profits. It is also expected to have an impact in the active learning sector, by the development and use of gamifications as training tool.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Honey recipes

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Professional Training in Beekeeping: A Cross-Country Survey to Identify Learning Opportunities

first_pagesettingsOrder Article Reprints Open AccessArticle Professional Training in Beekeeping: A Cross-Country Survey to Identify Learning Opportunities by Raquel P. F. Guiné 1ORCID,Jorge Oliveira 1ORCID,Catarina Coelho 1,2,*ORCID,Daniela Teixeira Costa 1,Paula Correia 1ORCID,Helena Esteves Correia 1ORCID,Bjørn Dahle 3,Melissa Oddie 3,Risto Raimets 4,Reet Karise 4ORCID,Luis Tourino 5,Salvatore Basile 6,Emilio Buonomo 6,Ivan Stefanic 7 andCristina A. Costa 1ORCID 1 CERNAS Research Centre, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal 2 CECAV, Animal and Veterinary Research Center, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, Apartado 1013, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal 3 Norwegian Beekeepers Association, 2040 Kløfta, Norway 4 Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia 5 Eosa Estrategia y Organización SA, 36202 Vigo, Spain 6 Bio-Distretto Cilento, 84052 Salerno, Italy 7 Tera Tehnopolis, 31000 Osijek, Croatia * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8953; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118953 Received: 21 April 2023 / Revised: 24 May 2023 / Accepted: 31 May 2023 / Published: 1 June 2023 (This article belongs to the Special Issue Prospects Challenges and Sustainability of the Agri-Food Supply Chain in the New Global Economy II) Download Browse Figures Review Reports Versions Notes Abstract Habitat loss, climate change, and other environmental degradations pose severe challenges to beekeepers. Therefore, this sector needs to rely on updated information so that the intervening actors can deal with the problems. In this context, and assuming that professional training can greatly help those acting in the beekeeping sector, this work intended to investigate the gaps in the updated knowledge of beekeepers and how these can be filled through lifelong learning. The research was conducted in seven European countries (Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, and Spain). The data were collected through a questionnaire survey translated into the native languages of all participating countries. The results revealed that the topics of highest interest are apiary health and pest control and the management of the colonies throughout the year. The beekeepers update their knowledge through family, complemented by professional training, with participants preferring in-person courses as well as, in the workplace or in internships. The learning methodologies they consider most useful are project-based learning and learning through gamification. The videos and paper books or manuals are particularly valued as learning materials, and practical exercises are considered the most helpful assessment format. Finally, considering the effect of sociodemographic variables on the learning experiences and preferences of beekeeping actors, it was observed that the country was the most influential of the variables under study. In conclusion, this work revealed valuable information that should be used to design professional training actions to help the professionals in the beekeeping sector enhance their competencies and be better prepared to manage their activities successfully.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Impact of landscape configuration and composition on pollinator communities across different European biogeographic regions

IntroductionHeterogeneity in composition and spatial configuration of landscape elements support diversity and abundance of flower-visiting insects, but this is likely dependent on taxonomic group, spatial scale, weather and climatic conditions, and is particularly impacted by agricultural intensification. Here, we analyzed the impacts of both aspects of landscape heterogeneity and the role of climatic and weather conditions on pollinating insect communities in two economically important mass-flowering crops across Europe. MethodsUsing a standardized approach, we collected data on the abundance of five insect groups (honey bees, bumble bees, other bees, hover flies and butterflies) in eight oilseed rape and eight apple orchard sites (in crops and adjacent crop margins), across eight European countries (128 sites in total) encompassing four biogeographic regions, and quantified habitat heterogeneity by calculating relevant landscape metrics for composition (proportion and diversity of land-use types) and configuration (the aggregation and isolation of land-use patches). ResultsWe found that flower-visiting insects responded to landscape and climate parameters in taxon- and crop-specific ways. For example, landscape diversity was positively correlated with honey bee and solitary bee abundance in oilseed rape fields, and hover fly abundance in apple orchards. In apple sites, the total abundance of all pollinators, and particularly bumble bees and solitary bees, decreased with an increasing proportion of orchards in the surrounding landscape. In oilseed rape sites, less-intensively managed habitats (i.e., woodland, grassland, meadows, and hedgerows) positively influenced all pollinators, particularly bumble bees and butterflies. Additionally, our data showed that daily and annual temperature, as well as annual precipitation and precipitation seasonality, affects the abundance of flower-visiting insects, although, again, these impacts appeared to be taxon- or crop-specific. DiscussionThus, in the context of global change, our findings emphasize the importance of understanding the role of taxon-specific responses to both changes in land use and climate, to ensure continued delivery of pollination services to pollinator-dependent crops

Emerging threats and opportunities to managed bee species in European agricultural systems: a horizon scan

Managed bee species provide essential pollination services that contribute to food security worldwide. However, managed bees face a diverse array of threats and anticipating these, and potential opportunities to reduce risks, is essential for the sustainable management of pollination services. We conducted a horizon scanning exercise with 20 experts from across Europe to identify emerging threats and opportunities for managed bees in European agricultural systems. An initial 63 issues were identified, and this was shortlisted to 21 issues through the Horizon Scanning process. These ranged from local landscape-level management to geopolitical issues on a continental and global scale across seven broad themes - Pesticides & pollutants, Technology, Management practices, Predators & parasites, Environmental stressors, Crop modification, and Political & trade influences. While we conducted this Horizon Scan within a European context, the opportunities and threats identified will likely be relevant to other regions. A renewed research and policy focus, especially on the highest-ranking issues, is required to maximise the value of these opportunities and mitigate threats to maintain sustainable and healthy managed bee pollinators within agricultural systems

Impact of landscape configuration and composition on pollinator communities across different European biogeographic regions

Introduction: Heterogeneity in composition and spatial configuration of landscape elements support diversity and abundance of flower-visiting insects, but this is likely dependent on taxonomic group, spatial scale, weather and climatic conditions, and is particularly impacted by agricultural intensification. Here, we analyzed the impacts of both aspects of landscape heterogeneity and the role of climatic and weather conditions on pollinating insect communities in two economically important mass-flowering crops across Europe. Methods: Using a standardized approach, we collected data on the abundance of five insect groups (honey bees, bumble bees, other bees, hover flies and butterflies) in eight oilseed rape and eight apple orchard sites (in crops and adjacent crop margins), across eight European countries (128 sites in total) encompassing four biogeographic regions, and quantified habitat heterogeneity by calculating relevant landscape metrics for composition (proportion and diversity of land-use types) and configuration (the aggregation and isolation of land-use patches). Results: We found that flower-visiting insects responded to landscape and climate parameters in taxon- and crop-specific ways. For example, landscape diversity was positively correlated with honey bee and solitary bee abundance in oilseed rape fields, and hover fly abundance in apple orchards. In apple sites, the total abundance of all pollinators, and particularly bumble bees and solitary bees, decreased with an increasing proportion of orchards in the surrounding landscape. In oilseed rape sites, less-intensively managed habitats (i.e., woodland, grassland, meadows, and hedgerows) positively influenced all pollinators, particularly bumble bees and butterflies. Additionally, our data showed that daily and annual temperature, as well as annual precipitation and precipitation seasonality, affects the abundance of flower-visiting insects, although, again, these impacts appeared to be taxon- or crop-specific. Discussion: Thus, in the context of global change, our findings emphasize the importance of understanding the role of taxon-specific responses to both changes in land use and climate, to ensure continued delivery of pollination services to pollinator-dependent crops