Plant compounds protect bees from "lost" viruses

Plant compounds protect bees from "lost" viruses

Plant compounds protect bees from "stray" viruses Plant compounds protect bees from "lost" viruses

All over the world, bees are dying in large numbers, partly because of a deadly virus infection
.

This virus can kill bees or weaken their ability to return to the hive after foraging

Researchers say that bees fed the compound before infection are 9 times more likely to survive 5 days after infection
.

By monitoring the hives in real time, they also found that bees fed the compound are more likely to return to the hives after the day of foraging

The bee malwing virus is transmitted by a parasite called Varroa mites, and bees may be infected throughout their life cycle
.

Severely infected bees will die within a few days, or their wings will not develop well, which will impair their ability to fly and forage

"For bees, pathogens are definitely a source of stress
," said Tang Zhengkang (transliteration) of Taiwan University, the first author of the paper.

"Usually, beekeepers don't want to use pesticides for food safety reasons

The study showed that the virus inhibited the expression of genes related to neuronal signal transmission, as well as several other biological processes related to learning and memory functions
.

Sodium butyrate (NaB) is a compound found in many plants.

To study the effects of NaB on bees, Wu Yuelong's team at Taiwan University of China fed the bees with sugar water containing NaB for a week before the malwing virus infects the bees
.

The results showed that more than 90% of the infected bees were still alive after 5 days, while 90% of the infected bees that were not fed NaB died during the same period

"This discovery shows that feeding insects with NaB before exposure to viruses can offset the negative effects of pathogens
.

" Wu Yuelong said, "We also found that NaB can upregulate some immune response genes of bees, thereby inhibiting virus replication and improving the chances of survival of bees.

The researchers also conducted experiments in an apiary
.

They have placed monitors at the entrances of several different beehives, each of which has thousands of bees foraging

"This is a very interesting study because we tested the effects of NaB on bees of different sizes from the genetic level to laboratory behaviors, and then to natural scenarios
.
" Wu Yuelong said
.
Next, they wanted to observe whether bees respond differently to NaB supplements in different seasons, because bees change their behavior throughout the year
.

"NaB is very cheap
.
So, if its benefits can be proven, it will be a simple and affordable way for beekeepers to ensure the survival of bees
.
" Wu Yuelong said
.
Bees are key pollinators of economically important fruits and vegetables, and they are vital to maintaining the balance of the ecosystem
.
(Source: Feng Lifei, China Science News)

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