Science updates: Short-term hyperthermia & adult honeybees

 

Science updates:

Short-term hyperthermia & adult honeybees

 

The study finds that hyperthermia applied during the larval stage significantly reduces sucrose responsiveness in adult bees, particularly when treatment occurs early or late in larval development. Despite this reduction, the treatment does not negatively impact foraging behavior, as measured by radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Interestingly, hyperthermia treatment, especially when applied early in larval development, can increase the lifespan of worker bees.

 

The researchers suggest that while hyperthermia is an effective method for controlling Varroa destructor, it may have unintended consequences on the sensory responsiveness of honeybees, which could potentially affect their foraging decisions and learning performance. They recommend further research to determine the optimal timing for hyperthermia treatment to minimize these side effects while maximizing its benefits for honeybee health and colony management.

 

The study's significance lies in its contribution to understanding the effects of temperature on honeybee development and behavior, which is crucial for beekeepers and researchers working on sustainable methods to control Varroa mites without harming the bees. The findings also highlight the potential for hyperthermia to be a non-chemical, effective control strategy against Varroa destructor, with the added benefit of potentially prolonging the life of worker bees.

 

Reference:

Kablau, A., Berg, S., Rutschmann, B., & Scheiner, R. (2020). Short-term hyperthermia at larval age reduces sucrose responsiveness of adult honeybees and can increase life span. Apidologie, 51, 570-582.

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