Project
HoneyRoad
Brief description
HoneyRoad investigates how honey bees recover after exposure to acaricides and whether some biological effects persist over time.
Project Context
Acaricides are used to control Varroa mites, but residues can also affect bees. HoneyRoad examined whether bees fully recover after exposure and whether some effects remain.
Approach
Acaricide residues were measured using mass spectrometry and chemical profiling, while RNA sequencing followed changes in brain gene activity during recovery. The two data streams were compared over time to identify restored and persistent effects.
Outcome
The project developed a way to measure delayed effects of acaricide exposure and identify biological signs of incomplete recovery. The results contribute to bee-health assessment and safer treatment practices.
Associated publications and Outcome
- Brodschneider, R., Schlagbauer, J., Arakelyan, I., Patalano, S., et al. (2022). Spatial clusters of Varroa destructor control strategies in Europe. J Pest Sci. DOI: 10.1007/s10340-022-01523-2
- Hatjina, F., Adjlane, N., Charistos, L., Dall’Olio, R., Drazic, M.M., Filipi, J., Patalano S. & Kezic, N., (2021). Citizen Scientist Initiative for Measuring Varroa Damage Thresholds: Common Efforts for Data Collection - CSI Varroa, Bee World, 98:4, 132-135, DOI: 10.1080/0005772X.2021.1935611
Partners and Funders
ELGO DIMITRA, BSRC Alexander Fleming, General Secretariat of Research and Technology
External Project Website