Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Basu, Priyadarshini

Committee Member

Harris, Jeffrey

Committee Member

Gore, Jeffery

Committee Member

Krishana, Natraj

Date of Degree

5-10-2024

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU only 2 years

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Agricultural Life Sciences (Biochemistry)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology

Abstract

Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) are the major insect pollinators of many different crops. A drastic decline in the honey bee populations has been reported over the past decade. While many factors have contributed to this decline, pesticides, poor nutrition, and Varroa mites are the most common concerns noted by scientists and beekeepers. Aside from direct toxicity from pesticides, it has been observed that sublethal pesticide doses have effects on honey bee physiology and behavior such as oxidative stress, disruption of foraging and homing, and changes to honey bee neurophysiology. The primary objectives of this project were to examine honey bee gut microbiome, physiology, and pesticide exposure along an agricultural intensification gradient and to examine the interactive impacts of pesticide exposure and poor nutrition on honey bees in a controlled laboratory cage setting. Sixteen honey bee colonies were placed in four locations across Mississippi with varying degrees of natural forage availability.

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