> Bees tolerant to Varroa were mainly characterized by differences in the expression of genes regulating neuronal development, neuronal sensitivity and olfaction. Differences in olfaction and sensitivity to stimuli are two parameters that could, at least in part, account for bee tolerance to Varroa; differences in olfaction may be related to increased grooming and hygienic behavior, important behaviors known to be involved in Varroa tolerance.  These results suggest that differences in behavior, rather than in the immune system, underlie Varroa tolerance in honey bees, and give an indication of the specific physiological changes found in parasitized bees. They provide a first step toward better understanding molecular pathways involved in this important host-parasite relationship.

> It has long been known that QMP stimulates the olfactory system of the bee, and the behavioral consequences of its releaser actions are well documented.  The tasks of adult worker honeybees change as they age, from in-colony duties, such as nursing larvae, to pollen and nectar processing, followed by outside responsibilities of guarding and foraging. Plasticity of ontogeny in behavioral development allows the colony to cope effectively with changing environments, including internal requirements such as the production of new workers, or external opportunities such as increased nectar flow. This organizational shift and its plasticity are well recognized, but its underlying control has been a mystery, likely involving hormonal and pheromonal components.

SEE:

Differential gene expression of the honey bee Apis mellifera
associated with Varroa destructor infection. M Navajas et al. BMC
Genomics. 25 June 2008

Queen pheromone modulates brain dopamine function in worker honey
bees. Kyle T. Beggs et al. PNAS. February 13, 2007

PHEROMONE COMMUNICATION IN THE HONEYBEE (Apis mellifera L.). KEITH N.
SLESSOR et al. Journal of Chemical Ecology. November 2005

-- 
Peter L Borst
Danby, NY  USA
www.people.cornell.edu/pages/plb6

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