Project Number: 1245-21000-090-21
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Mar 23, 2011
End Date: Aug 31, 2013

Objective:
Investigate the cause(s) of collapse of managed European honey bees, Apis mellifera L. and find appropriate strategies to reduce colony loss. A USDA AFRI Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP), granted to the University of Georgia, has two objectives that directly relate to the ARS interest: 1) investigate the epidemiology and pathogenesis of Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV), a virus that was found to be strongly associated with Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD, and develop RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics for the treatment of the viral disease; and 2) develop diagnostic tools for high-throughput detection and monitoring of honey bee diseases. The cooperator (representing a consortium of researchers on the funded AFRI grant) is interested in the synergistic interactions between honey bee microsproidian parasites, Nosema and viruses. ARS-BRL will work with the cooperators of the grant toward these common objectives.

Approach:
We will use genomic approaches to: 1) investigate the transmission routes of IAPV in honey bees; 2) determine the spread and replication of IAPV infection under different host physiological conditions, develop the host genetic markers for diseases; 3) develop RNAi-based l therapeutics for the treatment of viral diseases; and 4) develop an economic screening tool and streamlined screening system for high-throughput detection and monitoring of honey bee diseases.