Lethal and sublethal effects on stingless bee (Partamona helleri) larvae caused by chronic exposure to three agrochemicals
Lorena Lisbetd Botina et.al.
UFV: Universidade Federal de Vicosa
Research Square
Key research conclusions:
● Agrochemicals like copper sulfate, glyphosate, and spinosad can cause harm to stingless bees.
● Chronic exposure to recommended field doses of copper sulfate and spinosad can reduce the survival of stingless bees.
● Spinosad can also cause deformities and reduce the body mass of bees.
● The behavior and gut microbiota of adult bees can be changed by exposure to agrochemicals.
● Metals like copper can accumulate in the bodies of bees.
● The effects of agrochemicals on bees depend on the type and amount of the chemical ingested.
● The study suggests that in vitro rearing of stingless bee larvae can be a useful tool to study the sublethal effects of agrochemicals.
