Acta Entomologica Sinica

Pollinators: Research progress and prospects

HOU Xin-Tong, ZHENG Hao, WANG Kai

2025, 68(3): 253-259. doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.03.001

Abstract ( 16 )

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Pollinators (including bees, butterflies, beetles, flies, moths, etc.) play an irreplaceable and important role in ecosystems, and they directly affect plant reproduction and ecological balance. With the rapid growth of global population and social development, serious problems such as ecological damage and environmental pollution have occurred and exacerbated challenges for pollinators, such as habitat loss and the use of chemical pesticides, synergistic effects of climate change and pathogen transmission, which have many negative impacts on the stability of ecosystems. Therefore, strengthening research on pollinators and exploring their physiological, morphological, behavioural and ecological characteristics as well as their coevolutionary relationship with plants not only contribute to an indepth understanding of the functional mechanisms of biodiversity and ecosystems, but also provide a fundamental scientific basis for the conservation and use of pollinator resources. This special issue of pollinators presented some latest domestic research progress of pollinators, which may promote exchanges and cooperation in the field of pollinators research and advance the development of the discipline in this field, so as to provide a scientific basis for the construction of China’s ecological civilization and the sustainable development of the environment.

Target gene and functional analysis of piR-ame-1186994 in Apis mellifera ligustica (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

ZHANG Yi-Qiong, NA Zhi-Hao, LI Qi-Ming, WANG Meng-Yi, LI Jing-Xian, DAI Meng-Yuan, QIU Jian-Feng, ZHANG Rong-Hua, LU Zhao-Hui, CHEN Da-Fu, YAN Ti-Zhen, GUO Rui

2025, 68(3): 260-270. doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.03.002

Abstract ( 9 )

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【Aim】 The objective of this study is to elucidate the regulatory function of piR-ame-1186994 of Apis mellifera ligustica, so as to offer a scientific basis for further investigation of the underlying regulatory mechanism of piR-ame-1186994. 【Methods】 The expression and sequence authenticity of piR-ame-1186994 in the 6-day-old adult worker’s midgut, 12-day-old adult drone’s testis and 7-day-old adult queen’s ovary of A. m. ligustica were verified by Stem-loop RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing, respectively. Relevant software was utilized to predict the target mRNAs of piR-ame-1186994 followed by GO and KEGG database annotation. Regulatory networks related to developmental signaling pathways, energy metabolism pathways and cellular and humoral immune pathways were further constructed. Newly emerged adult workers were fed with mimic and mimic-NC (negative control) of piR-ame-1186994, followed by the detection of the relative expression levels of piR-ame-1186994 and its key target genes (YAP1 and PLD2) in the midguts of adult workers using RT-qPCR. 【Results】 The specific fragment of piR-ame-1186994 was amplified from the 6-day-old adult worker’s midgut, 12-day-old adult drone’s testis and 7-day-old adult queen’s ovary of A. m. ligustica. piR-ame-1186994 targeted 1 097 mRNAs, which could be annotated to 30 GO terms involved in metabolic process, binding, cell, etc., and 182 KEGG pathways including Wnt signaling pathway, endocytosis and oxytocin signaling pathway. Thirty-six and 16 target mRNAs were respectively involved in five developmental-related signaling pathways (mTOR, Wnt, Hippo, AMPK and Notch signaling pathways) and four pathways related to energy metabolism (amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, fructose and mannose metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and pentose phosphate pathway), respectively. Additionally, 29 and eight target mRNAs were engaged in four cellular immune pathways (lysosome, endocytosis, phagosome and ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation) and three humoral immune pathways (PI3K-Akt, MAPK and FoxO signaling pathways), respectively. In the mimic-piR group, the expression level of piR-ame-1186994 was significantly up-regulated in the 1-, 3- and 5-day-old workers’ midguts and up-regulated extremely significantly in the 2- and 4-day-old workers’ midguts, the expression level of the target gene YAP1 was extremely significantly down-regulated in the 1-, 3-, 4- and 5-day-old workers’ midguts and significantly down-regulated in the 2-day-old worker’s midgut, and the expression level of target gene PLD2 was significantly down-regulated in the 2-, 3- and 5-day-old workers’ midguts and downregulated extremely significantly in the 4-day-old worker’s midguts as compared with those in the mimic-NC group. 【Conclusion】 piR-ame-1186994 exists and expresses in the worker’s midgut, drone’s testes and queen’s ovary of A. m. ligustica. piR-ame-1186994 potentially modulates the development and immunity of worker’s midgut through targeting and negatively regulating the expression of YAP1 and PLD2.

Identification of humoral immune pathway-associated genes and their splice variants in the larval guts of Apis cerana cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

LI Kun-Ze, DU Li-Ting, WANG Meng-Yi, HU Yan-Wen, WU Han-Yu, QIU Jian-Feng, YAN Ti-Zhen, LU Zhao-Hui, CHEN Da-Fu, LUO Qing-Ming, GUO Rui

2025, 68(3): 271-281. doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.03.003

Abstract ( 7 )

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【Aim】This study aims to identify the humoral immune pathway-associated genes and their splice variants in the larval guts of Apis cerana cerana, so as to provide the resource and basis for the molecular cloning and functional study of genes and splice variants related to the humoral immune pathways in A. c. cerana. 【Methods】All of the identified full-length transcripts based on previous nanopore sequencing data of the gut transcriptome of A. c. cerana worker larvae were respectively aligned to the KEGG and Nr databases to screen out the genes and their splice variants related to the humoral immune signaling pathway by Blast. The identified humoral immune signaling pathway-associated genes were mapped to the A. cerana reference genome (version number: ACSNU-2.0) to optimize the structure of annotated genes using GffCompare software. Astalavista software was used to identify the types of alternative splicing (AS) events of the humoral immune signaling pathway-associated genes, followed by calculation of the numbers of different types of AS events. RT-PCR was employed to verify the authenticity of AS events. TAPIS pipeline software was utilized to predict the alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites contained in the genes related to the humoral immune signaling pathways, and the motifs of 50 bp upstream of the APA sites were identified by MEME software. The authenticity of the APA site was validated through 3′RACE. 【Results】 A total of 23 genes and 135 splice variants related to JNK-p38-MAPK signaling pathway, 21 genes and 130 splice variants related to Toll signaling pathway, 12 genes and 53 splice variants related to JAK/STAT signaling pathway, and 10 genes and 46 splice variants related to IMD signaling pathway were identified. The 5′UTRs of 18 genes related to the humoral immune pathways on the reference genome of A. cerana were extended, the 3′UTRs of 19 genes were extended, and the 5′UTRs and 3′UTRs of 8 genes were simultaneously extended. A total of 60 AS events of 16 genes related to humoral immune signaling pathways were identified, of which the most abundant type was alternative 5′splice site (A5SS) (26 events). The authenticity of the AS events of the randomly selected three genes was confirmed by RT-PCR. A total of 47 genes associated with humoral immune signaling pathways were detected to contain one or more APA sites, of which the genes containing one APA site were the largest group. Three consensus sequences were identified upstream of the APA sites: ATATA WAWWTATATRWATNYD, HVVNVNNDBDNBHNDDDNWNNNWNNHH and BSHDVWDRDBDDDKK NVWDRDKHHVKHDVNNVWDNDBHWHB. The results of 3′RACE confirmed the authenticity of the APA sites contained in two randomly selected genes. 【Conclusion】 For the first time, 66 genes and 364 splice variants related to humoral immune signaling pathways of A. c. cerana larval gut were identified. The structures of 29 genes annotated to humoral immune pathways on the A. cerana reference genome were optimized. Sixty AS events and 139 APA sites associated with humoral immune were discovered. The authenticity of AS events and APA sites of humoral immune genes was confirmed.

Molecular characteristics and expression profiling of matrix metalloproteinase-14 gene AcMMP14 in Apis cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

LIU Zhi-Tan, YE Dao-You, MI Shi-Yu, WANG Ning, ZHENG Yi-Di, JIANG Hai-Bin, WU Ying, XU Xi-Jian, CHEN Da-Fu, QIU Jian-Feng, GUO Rui

2025, 68(3): 282-290. doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.03.004

Abstract ( 6 )

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【Aim】 This study aims to clone the matrix metalloproteinase-14 gene AcMMP14 in Apis cerana and to analyze its molecular characteristics and expression pattern, so as to offer the reference and basis for continuous and further functional study of AcMMP14. 【Methods】 Total RNA from the 6-day-old larval gut of A. cerana workers was extracted, and the coding sequence (CDS) of AcMMP14 was amplified by PCR. Relevant bioinformatic software was employed to predict the physicochemical property and molecular characteristics of AcMMP14, to identify structural domains and conserved motifs in MMP14s from A. cerana and other bee species, followed by phylogenetic analysis. RT-qPCR was utilized to detect the relative expression levels of AcMMP14 in egg, larva, prepupa, pupa and different day-old adult workers, and antenna, brain, cuticle, fat body, venom gland, midgut and hypopharyngeal gland of the adult workers, and the relative expression levels of AcMMP14 in the midgut of the newly emerged 1-day-old adult A. cerana workers at 1-4 d post inoculation with Nosema ceranae. 【Results】 AcMMP14 has a molecular formula of C₃₀₆₈H₄₅₈₁N₈₀₃O₉₁₅S₂₀, a molecular weight of about 68.00 kD, a liposoluble coefficient of 64.12, a theoretical isoelectric point of 5.85, and an average hydrophilic coefficient of -0.47. AcMMP14 contains one signal peptide and 36 phosphorylation sites, and can be simultaneously located in mitochondria, nucleus and cytoplasm. Three same structural domains and five same conserved motifs were included in MMP14 proteins from A. cerana and other 10 bee species. MMP14 of A. cerana and A. dorsata had the amino acid sequence identity of 94.23% and clustered into one clade on the phylogenetic tree. AcMMP14 was differentially expressed in egg, 3-day-old larva, 1- and 2-day-old prepupae and 4-day-old pupa of A. cerana workers, and the expression level of AcMMP14 was the highest in the 4-day-old pupa and significantly higher than those in the 3-day-old larva and 2-day-old prepupa. AcMMP14 was differentially expressed in different day-old adult workers, and the expression level of AcMMP14 was the highest in the 15-day-old adult and significantly higher than those in the 1-, 2-, 6-, 12- and 17-day-old adult. AcMMP14 was differentially expressed in the seven tissues of adult workers, and the expression level of AcMMP14 was the highest in the antenna and significantly higher than those in the brain, cuticle, fat body, venom gland, midgut and hypopharyngeal gland. The expression levels of AcMMP14 in workers’ midguts of adults at 1 and 2 d post inoculation with N. ceranae were significantly down-regulated, while those in workers’ midguts of adults at 3 and 4 d post inoculation with N. ceranae were down-regulated without significant difference as compared with those of the control group. 【Conclusion】 AcMMP14 is a potential hydrophilic and secretary protein. AcMMP14 plays a putative key role at different developmental stages and in different adult tissues of A. cerana workers. AcMMP14 in the adult worker’s midgut is activated and expressed at early stage of the 1st proliferation cycle of N. ceranae.

Transcriptomic insights into pupation resumption in Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) prepupae after low-temperature stress

CAO Ming-Jie, XU Hong-Zhi, XU Xin-Jian, ZHOU Shu-Jing, ZHU Chen-Yu, TIAN Yuan-Ming-Yue, ZHOU Bing-Feng, YAO Qing-Hua, ZHU Xiang-Jie

2025, 68(3): 291-299. doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.03.005

Abstract ( 11 )

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【Aim】 The development of honeybee eggs, larvae and pupae is markedly stenothermic, and low-temperature stress leads to arrested development. The purpose of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanism of pupation resumption in Apis mellifera worker prepupae post lowtemperature stress. 【Methods】 Transcriptomes were compared between pupae workers developed at the optimal temperature of 35 ℃ (CK) and pupae from prepupae recovered from low-temperature stress at 20 ℃ for 24 h (T) of A. mellifera workers. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the CK vs T comparison group were identified and annotated in GO and KEGG databases for enrichment. Five antioxidant-related DEGs (SOD2, Tpx4, GstS1, Prdx6 and Cu-Zn) were validated using RT-qPCR. 【Results】 A total of 1 335 DEGs were identified in the CK vs T comparison group, with 853 DEGs up-regulated and 482 DEGs down-regulated. GO enrichment result revealed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in such GO terms as intracellular ribonucleoprotein complexes, NADH dehydrogenase activity, and antioxidant activity. KEGG enrichment result showed that DEGs were significantly enriched into oxidative phosphorylation, ribosome, and proteasome pathways. The RT-qPCR results confirmed the upregulation of 5 antioxidant-related DEGs (SOD2, Tpx4, GstS1, Prdx6, and Cu-Zn), consistent with the transcriptome sequencing results.【Conclusion】 When recovered from low-temperature stress, the A. mellifera prepupae can resume development to complete pupation by increasing energy metabolism, protein synthesis and degradation, as well as the expression of antioxidant-related genes. This research provides insights into the development resumption mechanisms of stenothermic insects after experiencing low-temperature stress.

Transcriptomic insights into pupation resumption in Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) prepupae after low-temperature stress

CAO Ming-Jie, XU Hong-Zhi, XU Xin-Jian, ZHOU Shu-Jing, ZHU Chen-Yu, TIAN Yuan-Ming-Yue, ZHOU Bing-Feng, YAO Qing-Hua, ZHU Xiang-Jie

2025, 68(3): 300-310. doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.03.006

Abstract ( 17 )

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【Aim】 The development of honeybee eggs, larvae and pupae is markedly stenothermic, and low-temperature stress leads to arrested development. The purpose of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanism of pupation resumption in Apis mellifera worker prepupae post low-temperature stress. 【Methods】 Transcriptomes were compared between pupae workers developed at the optimal temperature of 35 ℃ (CK) and pupae from prepupae recovered from low-temperature stress at 20 ℃ for 24 h (T) of A. mellifera workers. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the CK vs T comparison group were identified and annotated in GO and KEGG databases for enrichment. Five antioxidant-related DEGs (SOD2, Tpx4, GstS1, Prdx6 and Cu-Zn) were validated using RT-qPCR. 【Results】 A total of 1 335 DEGs were identified in the CK vs T comparison group, with 853 DEGs up-regulated and 482 DEGs down-regulated. GO enrichment result revealed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in such GO terms as intracellular ribonucleoprotein complexes, NADH dehydrogenase activity, and antioxidant activity. KEGG enrichment result showed that DEGs were significantly enriched into oxidative phosphorylation, ribosome, and proteasome pathways. The RT-qPCR results confirmed the upregulation of 5 antioxidant-related DEGs (SOD2, Tpx4, GstS1, Prdx6, and Cu-Zn), consistent with the transcriptome sequencing results.【Conclusion】 When recovered from low-temperature stress, the A. mellifera prepupae can resume development to complete pupation by increasing energy metabolism, protein synthesis and degradation, as well as the expression of antioxidant-related genes. This research provides insights into the development resumption mechanisms of stenothermic insects after experiencing low-temperature stress.

Flower visiting behavior and pollination effect of Bombus terrestris (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Camellia oleifera plantation

ZHU Xing-Sai, YUAN Bin, YUAN De-Yi, HU Fu-Liang, SU Xiao-Ling, FAN Xiao-Ming, LUO Yi-Bo

2025, 68(3): 311-320. doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.03.007

Abstract ( 10 )

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【Aim】 Camellia oleifera is a strictly cross-pollinated plant, and its fruiting heavily relies on insect pollination. However, due to the destruction of suitable habitats for pollinators by human activities, the pollinators of C. oleifera are decreasing, which brings serious pollination crisis to C. oleifera. Bombus terrestris is an effective pollinator for many plants, but little is known about its effectiveness and efficiency in pollinating C. oleifera. The purpose of this study is to clarify the potential effectiveness of the introduction of B. terrestris into C. oleifera plantation in pollination, comprehensively evaluate the pollination potential of B. terrestris on C. oleifera and provide a scientific basis for solving the problem of low yield of C. oleifera. 【Methods】 Through artificial introduction of B. terrestris into C. oleifera plantation, field observation and laboratory determination were used to comprehensively record the daily activity rules, flower visiting behavior, visiting density on flowers and flower visitation frequency of adult workers of B. terrestris, as well as the pollen loads on their body, the pollen deposition on the stigma and fruit setting rate of C. oleifera, and to systematically evaluate the pollination effect of B. terrestris on C. oleifera. 【Results】 During the whole flowering period of C. oleifera, the adult workers of B. terrestris showed active visitation to the flowers, with a double-peak daily activity pattern and being the most active at the temperature of 14 ℃ and the relative humidity of 70%. In a single flower visitation, (872.92±272.73) pollen grains were deposited on the stigma on average, B. terrestris could be considered as a highly efficient pollinator for C. oleifera. Moreover, the adult workers of B. terrestris could forage within a range of 35 m from their nest entrances, within this range, C. oleifera had an increase in the fruit setting rate ranging from 10% to 27%. 【Conclusion】 B. terrestris can provide high-quality pollination services for C. oleifera, significantly increasing the fruit setting rate of C. oleifera. Introducing B. terrestris into C. oleifera plantation for pollination is an effective measure to promote C. oleifera fruiting. This study provides crucial data support for the introduction and management of artificial pollinators during the flowering period of C. oleifera plantation.

Diversity of flower-visiting insects and the influence of environmental factors in Hangzhou-Ningbo Area, East China

JIANG Hu-Qiang, WU Fan, HUANG Jia-Qi, WEN Jia-Qi, WANG Lin-Xuan, LI Hong-Liang

2025, 68(3): 321-334. doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.03.008

Abstract ( 11 )

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【Aim】This study aims to explore the species diversity of flower-visiting insects and the effects of different environmental factors in the economically developed Hangzhou-Ningbo Area, East China. 【Methods】 We conducted a survey of flower-visiting insect taxa at 20 collecting localities in Hangzhou and Ningbo in spring, summer and fall (March 1st-November 31st) during 2019-2023, using the combination of random surveys and the sample line method. Firstly, we collected flower-visiting insects by netting and Malayan netting, then we analyzed the effects of habitats, altitudes and seasonal temperatures and other environmental factors on the Shannon-Weiner diversity index, Simpson’s dominance index, Pielou’s evenness evenness index and Margalef’s richness index of flower-visiting insect taxa in this area by using bivariate regression models and redundancy analyses.【Results】 There were 212 species of flower-visiting insects belonging to 65 families of 5 orders, including Hymenoptera (accounting for 40.91%), Lepidoptera (accounting for 29.00%), Coleoptera (accounting for 11.57%), Diptera (accounting for 9.94%) and Hemiptera (accounting for 8.57%). Among the different habitat types, wetland had the highest species diversity and the most stable community structure, followed by woodland, and mountain had the lowest species diversity and the least stable community structure. For different altitude gradients, species richness was ranked in the descending order of lower altitude areas (0-100 m), medium altitude areas (100-200 m), and higher altitude areas (>200 m), indicating that the species diversity of flower-visiting insects decreased with altitude increasing. In addition, the Shannon-Weiner diversity index was only significantly positively correlated with the mean temperature of the coldest quarter. Simpson’s dominance index was significantly positively correlated with the mean temperature of the driest season and the mean temperature of the coldest season, and significantly negatively correlated with the temperature seasonality, indicating that temperature was the key factor affecting the species diversity of flower-visiting insects in this region. 【Conclusion】 The habitat types and environmental factors in Hangzhou-Ningbo Area have a direct impact on the diversity of flower-visiting insects, which in turn affects the protection and stability of the ecosystem.

Morphological differentiation and genetic diversity of Apis cerana cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Shaanxi Province, northwestern China

YU Xiao, FANG Chong-Wei, WANG Dun

2025, 68(3): 335-345. doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.03.009

Abstract ( 6 )

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【Aim】 Apis cerana cerana is a native bee species in China and an important pollinator in the ecosystem. As a major beekeeping province, Shaanxi Province in northwestern China spans three major climate zones from south to north, with significant regional differences in natural environment and rich varieties of honey source plants. In addition, there is a tradition of beekeeping in Shaanxi. Conducting morphological and genetic diversity research on geographical populations of A. c. cerana will provide the foundation for future utilization and protection. 【Methods】 Nineteen external morphological indicators were measured on 42 hives of A. c. cerana samples from 20 sampling localities in Shaanxi Province, and stepwise discriminant analysis and cluster analysis were performed. PCR amplification and sequencing were performed on gene fragments of tRNA^leu-COII, COI, ITS-1, ITS-2, and 18S rDNA, and phylogenetic tree was constructed based on nucleotide sequence using maximum likelihood method. 【Results】 A. c. cerana from the 20 sampling localities in Shaanxi Province exhibited differentiation in both morphological indicators and gene sequences of tRNA^leu-COII, COI, ITS-1, ITS-2, and 18S rDNA. The stepwise discriminant analysis based on morphological data showed that A. c. cerana in Baihe, Shangzhu, and Zhenping located in the Ta-pa Mountain were clustered into a group, while colonies HL2, HL4, HL9 and HL13 from Huanglong were clustered into a group. Cluster analysis based on morphological data showed that colonies YWC1, SD1, TJW1, KYM1 and KYM3 from the northern Shaanxi region were clustered into one branch, while colonies HX2, HX3, HX4, BH2, BH3, and SZ1 from the Tapa Mountain were clustered into one branch. Phylogenetic analysis based on the above gene sequences showed that colonies YWC1, SD1, TJW1, TJW2, TJW3, KYM1 and KYM2 from Yulin were clustered into one branch. Colonies HL1, HL2, HL3, HL5, HL7, HL8, HL9, HL10, HL11, HL12 and HL14 from Huanglong were clustered into one branch. Colonies BY1, BY2, YX1, YX2, BJ1 and BJ2 from the central Shaanxi plain and Hanzhong were clustered into one branch. Colonies HX1, HX2, HX3, HX4, QJP1, BH1 and BH3 from Ankang were clustered into one branch. 【Conclusion】 A. c. cerana in Shaanxi Province has high population diversity, and the collected hives can be divided into Northern Shaanxi type, Huanglong type, and Ta-pa Mountain type. A. c. cerana in the same region has higher similarity in morphological indicators and gene sequences, and there is also clustering of hives from different regions, indicating that A. c. cerana in Shaanxi faces the risk of population mixing and decreased diversity. Measures such as establishing more A. c. cerana conservation areas should be taken to strengthen the protection of geographical populations of A. c. cerana in the province.

Structural and functional properties of major royal jelly proteins and the influencing factors on their synthesis and secretion in the hypopharyngeal gland of honey bees

HU Yun-Xiao, ZHU Mei-Fei, YUAN Bin, YANG Shang-Ning, ZHENG Huo-Qing, LU Yuan-Yuan, LI Shan-Shan, HU Fu-Liang

2025, 68(3): 346-357. doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.03.010

Abstract ( 2 )

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Royal jelly is one of the favorite bee products by consumers, and the major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) play an important part in regulating caste differentiation and improving human health. The hypopharyngeal glands of worker bees are the “production workshop” of royal jelly proteins, and their synthesis and secretion activities directly influence the quality of royal jelly. In recent years, different studies have revealed the molecular basis for the regulation on MRJPs synthesis and secretion by honey bee breeds, developmental stages and environmental conditions at the morphological structure, transcriptomic level and proteomic level of hypopharyngeal gland, providing a theoretical basis for promoting the royal jelly quality. In this review, we summarized the composition and function of MRJPs, and gave an overview around the hypopharyngeal glands of honey bees, and the factors affecting the synthesis and secretion of MRJPs. We also recommended future research directions on the synthesis and secretion of MRJPs in the hypopharyngeal glands of honey bees: (1) better understanding the intrinsic mechanism of MRJPs synthesis in the hypopharyngeal glands; (2) mapping the action pathway of MRJPs synthesis in the hypopharyngeal glands; and (3) analysis of the key cell types and function for MRJPs synthesis in hypopharyngeal glands at the cellular level. This review will provide a new perspective for studying the synthesis mechanism of MRJPs.

Impact of the introduction of Apis mellifera ligustica on A. cerana cerana and the ecological balance in the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon National Nature Reserve and the corresponding conservation strategies

WANG Kai, ZHOU Rui-Qi, DA Wa, TU Yan-Li, LI Wan-Li, DAN Zhen, WU Li-Ming, HUANG Yuan

2025, 68(3): 358-365. doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.03.011

Abstract ( 4 )

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Apis cerana cerana is an indigenous bee species in China and the dominant pollinator in the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon National Nature Reserve, which is of great significance for maintaining the stability of ecosystems. However, with the introduction of A. mellifera ligustica, its impact on the survival of A. c. cerana and ecosystem in the reserve has received extensive attention. In this article, we explored the impacts of the introduction of A. m. ligustica on the native A. c. cerana and the ecological balance in Xizang, and proposed corresponding ecological conservation and restoration strategies. The introduction of A. m. ligustica poses multiple challenges to A. c. cerana, including weakening population competitiveness, decreasing reproductive efficiency, increasing the risk of disease cross-infection, and destroying the ecological balance, which are characterized by nectar competition for dominance, sexually induced interference, and pathogen transmission. However, the introduction of A. m. ligustica has also brought some positive benefits, such as promoting pollination of cash crops and improving crop yield and quality. In order to protect the advantages of native bee species and ecological balance, we proposed a series of ecological conservation and restoration strategies, including the delineation of A. c. cerana and A. m. ligustica breeding areas, standardization of beekeepers’ activities such as bee colony migrations, strengthening of the management of invasive species and the protection of native species, monitoring of biodiversity, and construction of an ecological compensation mechanism. These strategies aim to provide a scientific basis for decision-making by government departments, local farmers and all sectors of society, helping to promote the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable management of ecosystems in this region, and also offering a reference for the construction of ecological conservation development zones and the development of environment-friendly industries in China.

Promotion of nectar and pollen plant cultivation for the sustainable development of apiculture

GUO Jun, ZHAO Chong-Hui, JIANG Ye-Kui, WANG Wen-Juan, GENG Ming-Yang, YOU Zheng-Rong, ZHAO Yuan-Chong, TANG Hong, PENG Wen-Jun

2025, 68(3): 366-374. doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.03.012

Abstract ( 5 )

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Apiculture, as one of the key industries supported by China to help revitalize the countryside, has entered a period of steady development, and nectar and pollen source plant planting that goes with it also needs to be given sufficient attention. Nectar and pollen are the food sources of bees, which directly determine the nutritional structure of bee colonies, and pollen source plants provide nectar and pollen for bees, which are the material basis for the survival and growth of bee colonies. A single pollen source crop leads to the problems of a single nutritional structure of bees, bee colonies being forced to collect toxic pollen source plants, and the development of the bee industry being subject to the influence of the seasons with great fluctuations. Planting diversified nectar and pollen source plants enriches the biodiversity, which is a supplement to intensive agriculture monocrops, and bees can obtain a balanced diet, ensure the yield of bee products, and provide habitats for wild pollinating insects and natural enemies of pests, further improve the pollination link of crops, reduce the use of pesticides, and promote the healthy development of the bee industry and agriculture. The planting of nectar and pollen source plants requires scientific guidance, adequate investigation of local nectar and pollen sources and environmental conditions, and the selection of suitable plant species and planting modes according to local conditions. The promotion of nectar and pollen source plant planting requires the full cooperation of the government, enterprises and research institutes. In view of the significance of nectar and pollen plants in safeguarding the health of bees and maintaining ecological balance, we scientifically analyzed the impact of nectar and pollen source plants on bees and the significance of the planting of nectar and pollen source plants on beekeeping and rural revitalization, explored the relationship between the planting of nectar and pollen source plants and sustainable development of the beekeeping industry, and provided some references to the planting of nectar and pollen source plants with recommended measures in this article. It is a valuable guide for research in the field of insects.

Contents of Vol. 68 Issue 3

2025, 68(3): 375-375.

Abstract ( 4 )

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