The IMPACT OF HONEYBEE GUT BACTERIA ON THE SURVIVAL OF HONEYBEES EXPOSED TO INSECTICIDES

Abstract

The widespread use of insecticides poses a significant threat to the health and sustainability of honeybees (Apis mellifera). This study aimed to isolate, identify, and investigate the potential of honeybee gut bacterial strains in mitigating the detrimental effects of insecticides on honeybees and extending their lifespan. The efficacy of seven honeybee gut bacterial strains in reducing insecticide toxicity was evaluated. Through the identification of honeybee gut bacterial isolates using 16s rRNA, seven strains were identified, namely Priestia endophytica, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, Peribacillus frigoritolerans, B. subtilis, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus tequilensis. The experimental results revealed that bees treated with these gut bacteria significantly reduced oxidative stress markers and detoxification enzyme levels compared to untreated bees. Moreover, the treated bees demonstrated enhanced immune responses. The bees treated with deltamethrin + intestinal bacteria showed an increase in bees' lifespan to 6.33 days compared to a lifespan of 4 days with deltamethrin only.  Similarly, bees treated with acetamiprid intestinal bacteria had further extended to 10.33 days compared to a lifespan of 7.67 days with acetamiprid. These findings suggest that using honeybee gut bacterial strains may serve as a sustainable strategy to mitigate the harmful impacts of insecticides on honeybees, thereby promoting their overall health and contributing to the preservation of pollination services and apiculture. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize the application of these natural products in honeybee management practices.