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Sub-lethal exposure to bioinsecticides impairs hypopharyngeal gland development in hybrid nurse bees (Apis mellifera L.)

Research Abstract

Microbial bioinsecticides are considered safer for the environment than traditional chemical pesticides. However, conducting the necessary studies to assess their impact on the honey bee is always essential. In this study, two bioinsecticides, Spinosad and Spinetoram, were examined and evaluated for their chronic exposure effects at sublethal concentrations on pollen consumption and the development of hypopharyngeal glands in two age groups: six-day-old and nine-day-old, caged honey bee workers under laboratory conditions. We found that Spinosad negatively affected pollen cumulative consumption and the glands’ volume, activity represented in histochemical structure, and nucleus area, with apparent effects observed in nine-day-old bees. As for Spinetoram, it did not affect pollen consumption or gland volume but showed a noticeable effect on gland histochemical structure and caused nucleus deformation in 9-day-old bees. Therefore, special attention needs to be paid to the sublethal effects of some microbial bioinsecticides on honey bees, and they should not be exempted from risk assessment analysis.

Research Authors
Eslam M Omar, Gamal A Abduallah, Amer I Tawfik, Abdulraouf M Amro
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Journal of Apicultural Research
Research Pages
1-11
Research Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.1080/00218839.2026.2631247
Research Year
2026