Effects of glyphosate exposure on honeybees

• Published in: Environmental toxicology and pharmacology Vol. 90; p. 103792
• Main Authors: Tan, Shuai, Li, Guilin, Liu, Zhenguo, Wang, Hongfang, Guo, Xingqi, Xu, Baohua
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.02.2022; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Agrochemicals; Animals; Apis mellifera; Bees; Bees - drug effects; Bees - growth & development; Bees - physiology; Behavior, Animal - drug effects; Crop yield; Genetic diversity; Glycine - analogs & derivatives; Glycine - toxicity; Glyphosate; Glyphosate formulations; Herbicides; Herbicides - toxicity; Honeybees; Immune system; Parasites; Pesticides; Plant diversity; Pollination; Sublethal effects; Toxicity; Viruses; Weed control; Glyphosate formulations; Honeybees; Sublethal effects; Glyphosate
• ISSN: 1382-6689; 1872-7077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103792

Honeybees show an important pollination ability and play vital roles in improving crop yields and increasing plant genetic diversity, thereby generating tremendous economic benefits for humans. However, honeybee survival is affected by a number of biological and abiotic stresses, including the effects of fungi, bacteria, viruses, parasites, and especially agrochemicals. Glyphosate, a broad-spectrum herbicide that is primarily used for weed control in agriculture, has been reported to have lethal and sublethal effects on honeybees. Here, we summarize recent advances in research on the effects of glyphosate on honeybees, including effects on their behaviors, growth and development, metabolic processes, and immune defense, providing a detailed reference for studying the mechanism of action of pesticides. Furthermore, we provide possible directions for future research on glyphosate toxicity to honeybees.