Terpenoid-Induced Feeding Deterrence and Antennal Response of Honey Bees

Authors

NIcholas R. Larson, Virginia TechFollow
Scott T. O'Neal, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Ulrich R. Bernier, USDA, Agricultural Research ServiceFollow
Jeffrey R. Bloomquist, University of FloridaFollow
Troy D. Anderson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2020

Citation

Insects 2020, 11, 83

Comments

© 2020 by the authors.

Open access

doi:10.3390/insects11020083

Abstract

Multiple interacting stressors negatively affect the survival and productivity of managed honey bee colonies. Pesticides remain a primary concern for beekeepers, as even sublethal exposures can reduce bee immunocompetence, impair navigation, and reduce social communication. Pollinator protection focuses on pesticide application guidelines; however, a more active protection strategy is needed. One possible approach is the use of feeding deterrents that can be delivered as an additive during pesticide application. The goal of this study was to validate a laboratory assay designed to rapidly screen compounds for behavioral changes related to feeding or feeding deterrence. The results of this investigation demonstrated that the synthetic Nasonov pheromone and its terpenoid constituents citral, nerol, and geraniol could alter feeding behavior in a laboratory assay. Additionally, electroantennogram assays revealed that these terpenoids elicited some response in the antennae; however, only a synthetic Nasonov pheromone, citral, and geraniol elicited responses that differed significantly from control and vehicle detections.