La Trobe researchers have conducted the first nationwide assessment of honeybee pests and pathogens using environmental DNA (eDNA) from Australian honey, revealing major shifts in the distribution of key threats to bee health.
The assessment will inform strategies to address the ongoing decline of managed honeybees, a trend that threatens both global and Australian agricultural productivity and food security.
The study, led by PhD candidate, Gopika Bhasi, analysed from 135 honey eDNA samples collected across Australia to detect pests and pathogens that threaten the beekeeping industry.
“We found that the microsporidian fungus, Nosema ceranae, is the most prevalent pathogen, detected in 57% of the samples,” he says.
“The most common pests detected were the small hive beetle, which was found in 40% of samples, and the wax moth, present in 37% of samples. The hive beetle and wax moth are both are very destructive to beehives and must be controlled to protect the nation’s beekeeping industry.”
“In good news, we confirmed the absence of several key brood diseases and pests on Kangaroo Island. This shows the success a of ongoing surveillance to maintain the health and genetic purity of its unique honeybee population.”
The research comes as the ongoing decline of managed honeybee populations continues to pose a serious threat to global and Australian agricultural productivity and food security.
Professor Beddoe says the data highlights a shift in pest dynamics, which is crucial for informing targeted biosecurity efforts.
He adds that the research demonstrates that honey can serve as an archive of environmental DNA.
“This means honey can capture traces of environmental DNA, allowing us to quickly and accurately track changes in the spread of bee pests and diseases across Australia.”
