Location: Bee Research Laboratory
Project Number: 8042-21000-291-080-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2023
End Date: Sep 30, 2025
Objective:
Two parasitic mites, Varroa destructor and Tropilaelaps spp., are external parasites that feed on the brood stages of the honey bees and have been linked to the decline of European honey bee colonies. Due to the heightened reproductive capacity and swift movement within honey bee colonies, Tropilaelaps mites are acknowledged as the more dominant and reproductively successful parasites of honey bees when compared to Varroa mites. In recent decades, the research and mitigation efforts have predominantly centered on Varroa mites as Tropilaelaps mites are exclusively found in Asia. However, Tropilaelaps’ distribution has been expanding over the past 50 years. Tropilaelaps can be found in Apis mellifera colonies well beyond the mite’s native range, underscoring Tropilaelaps mites’adaptability to varying climatic and host conditions. Given the frequent relocation of commercial bee colonies, the globalization of the bee trade, the natural expansion of bee populations, and the ongoing global warming trends, it's conceivable that Tropilaelaps mites could eventually extend beyond Asia like Varroa mites, highlighting a significant risk to North America's beekeeping industries. Nonetheless, the understanding of Tropilaelaps remains significantly constrained at this time. Substantial knowledge gaps exist regarding various aspects of this parasite, including its genetic diversity, biological life cycle, feeding behaviors, sex determination/differentiation, disease mechanisms, and transmission pathways through which it spreads among bee colonies and apiaries.
Additionally, the effects of simultaneous infestations by both Varroa and Tropilaelaps on bee health are also not well understood. Furthermore, the surveillance and monitoring of Tropilaelaps infestations in honey bee populations are still in their early stages. With the goal of enhancing our preparedness for the possible inadvertent arrival of Tropilaelaps mites in the United States, BRL proposes to employ comprehensive multidisciplinary and multifaceted approaches. These approaches are intended to bridge knowledge gaps and formulate strategies for prevention, early detection, and swift response to protect bee colonies and the beekeeping industry as a whole.
Approach:
ARS goal is to use multi-omics technologies and integrate interdisciplinary approaches to fill the critical knowledge gaps in parasite biology and transmission and develop novel control strategies for preventing and controlling parasitic mite infestation in honey bees. ARS will accomplish this broad objective by fulfilling the following specific research objectives:
OBJECTIVE I: To develop a deeper understanding of the population dynamics and structure of Tropilaelaps mercedesae through whole genome sequencing analysis.
OBJECTIVE II: To explore the risk factors associated with the severity of Tropilaelaps mercedesae infestation in Apis mellifera colonies.
OBJECTIVE III: To develop new and improved strategies for prevention, early detection, and swift response to Tropilaelaps mercedesae infestation.The proposed research is directly relevant to the BRL OSQR plan 1275-21000-291-00D “Managing honey bees against diseases and colony stress” especially to Objective 1: Develop diagnostic and data management tools for use in mitigating the effects of current and emerging honey bee diseases and pests and Objective 2: Develop novel and effective treatment solutions that reduce the incidence and prevalence of bee diseases and disorders to help beekeepers maximize pollination services and honey production.”
