Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Impairs the Development of Honeybee (Apis cerana)

Abstract

Increasing ELF-EMF pollution in the surrounding environment could impair the cognition and learning ability of honeybees, posing a threat to the honeybee population and its pollination ability. In a social honeybee colony, the numbers of adult bees rely on the successful large-scale rearing of larvae and continuous eclosion of new adult bees. However, no studies exist on the influence of ELF-EMFs on honeybee larvae. Therefore, we investigated the survival rate, body weight, and developmental duration of first instar larvae continuously subjected to ELF-EMF exposure. Moreover, the transcriptome of fifth instar larvae were sequenced for analyzing the difference in expressed genes. The results showed that ELF-EMF exposure decreases the survival rate and body weight of both white-eye pupae and newly emerged adults, extends the duration of development time and seriously interferes with the process of metamorphosis and pupation. The transcriptome sequencing showed that ELF-EMF exposure decreases the nutrient and energy metabolism and impedes the degradation of larvae tissues and rebuilding of pupae tissues in the metamorphosis process. The results provide an experimental basis and a new perspective for the protection of honeybee populations from ELF-EMF pollution.

Biodiversity and Challenges of Honey Bee Population in Pakistan

“…Electromagnetic radiations also decline the colony strength of honeybees [10]. Li et al [157] reported that the exposure of A. cerana larvae to extremely low-frequency EMF reduced their survival rate and development. Research in Pakistan has also reported the effect of electromagnetic pollution on human, animal, and plant health [158][159][160][161], however, the investigations regarding honey bees are not yet available.…”

Biological Effects of Magnetic Storms and ELF Magnetic Fields

“…TVMFs can disrupt embryogenesis in invertebrates [153]. PMPs reduce the survival rate of honey bees and slow down their development [154].…”

Low-level EMF effects on wildlife and plants: What research tells us about an ecosystem approach

“…For nearly 100 years, researchers have known that bees have an acute sense of the Earth's DC magnetic fields (40,(112)(113)(114)(115) and rely on that perception for survival. Because of bees' outsize pollinator significance to human food supplies, and their current significant population declines, they are a much-studied model for ELF EMF and RFR effects (see below).…”

“…Early studies were conducted in the ELF ranges (24) and are ongoing. For an excellent review of ELF/RFR-EMF effects to insects, including bees, see Balmori (16) and a recent article by Li et al (114) for ELF-EMF exposure/developmental defects.…”