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The influence of temperature and pollen composition on the development and health of microcolonies of Bombus terrestris

Overzet, Claudia
(2023)

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Overzet_26891600_2023.pdf
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Details

Supervisors
Jacquemart, Anne-Laure ; Hance, Thierry
Faculty
Faculté des bioingénieurs
Degree label
Master [120] : bioingénieur en chimie et bioindustries, à finalité spécialisée
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a concerning decline in bee populations worldwide. This decline has captured the attention of scientists, researchers, and environmentalists alike. Various factors are believed to contribute to this alarming trend, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, disease, parasites, and the impact of climate change. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating plants, including many of the crops that make up a significant portion of the global food supply. Their decline poses a serious threat to ecosystems, biodiversity, and agricultural productivity. Urgent efforts are needed to better understand the complex interactions driving this decline and to implement effective strategies to mitigate its effects and ensure the continued well-being of bee populations and the ecosystems they support. The objective of this study was to analyse the influence of temperature by applying two distinct environments (18-28°C and 23-33°C temperature cycles), as well as the impact of the pollen chemical composition using two different blends (one mainly composed of Salix and the other of Brassicaceae). We assessed the impact of these experimental conditions on the development and vitality of microcolonies of the bumblebee specie Bombus terrestris as well as the cross-impact of temperature and diet could have. Observations related behavioural differences between bumblebees raised under 18-28°C conditions compared to 23-33°C. The higher temperature conditions led to increased pollen consumption, but decreased nectar consumption compared to cooler conditions. Furthermore, complex interactions between temperature and pollen composition emerged, particularly influencing ovary size and weight, as well as pollen efficiency. None of the experimental conditions clearly showed a superior colony development. However, forthcoming results about the gut microbiota composition of workers exposed to these experimental conditions could potentially shed new light on this matter.