Evaluating the Impact of Neonicotinoid and Sulfoximine Pesticides on Honey Bee Workers, Apis mellifera L., under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

Application of pesticides can have a negative impact on pollinating honey bees, Apis mellifera L., ranging from sublethal to lethal concentrations. Consequently, it is important to comprehend any possible impacts of pesticides. Herein, we evaluated the toxicity of specific pesticides (Sulfoxaflor, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, and acetamiprid) on A. mellifera workers after exposure of 24, 48, 72, and 96 hrs under laboratory conditions. As a result, sulfoxaflor was considered the most toxic compound among the tested pesticides after 24-h of exposure. Further, acetamiprid was found least toxic pesticide. The same trend of toxicity on A. mellifera was observed after 48, 72, and 96 hrs of exposure. These results of the current investigation suggested that sulfoxaflor might be harmful to honey bee workers. This demonstrates the extraordinary sensitivity of local honey bee to routinely applied agricultural pesticides, which may have an impact on the colony level due to the extensive usage of these pesticides in Egypt.