Aims: The aims of this study were to design universal markers for different protozoan parasites of Bombus spp. based on the phylogenetic position of two important bumblebee parasites Crithidia bombi and Apicystis bombi.
Methods and Results: Standard PCR and extraction techniques were used to amplify and sequence 18S rDNA. Phylogenetic analysis of the rDNA was performed in order to predict the parasite range of the primers.
Conclusions: Crithidia bombi phylogenetically clusters with the trypanosomatids with slowly‐evolving SSU‐rRNA sequences (SE), while A. bombi is the closest sister group of Mattesia. A multiplex was designed containing an internal control and two broad‐range primer pairs, detecting C. bombi and other SE trypanosomatids and also A. bombi and other neogregarines.
Significance and Impact of the Study: Sequence data generated will further improve the current systematics of insect trypanosomatids and gregarines that remain troublesome. Broad‐range markers for bumblebee parasites are necessary tools enabling the screening of commercially imported colonies and thus controlling their worldwide distribution and to discover related emerging parasites.
The results with kurstaki and aizawai demonstrated that, in general, the Bt strains are safe to B. terrestris bumblebees, although in some cases there were detrimental effects that depended on strain and route of exposure. In addition, the authors believe that to draw firm conclusions regarding the hazards of Bt to bumblebees would require more information on relevant concentrations of Bt products in the environment. Hence, routine testing for lethal and sublethal effects is recommended to ascertain combined use of Bt products and bumblebees in modern agriculture.
The results demonstrated that, with the use of the newly developed dispenser, bumblebee workers carried high amounts of MCA, and this resulted in a successful dissemination of MCA into strawberry flowers.
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