| Affiliations: | |
| Project Leader: | Adrian Fisher solifuge9378@tamu.edu Entomology |
| Faculty Mentor: | Juliana Rangel, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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Spring 2017: Fridays 1:00PM |
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Team Size:
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3 (Team Full) |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Co-authorship on publications, opportunity to present work at a regional conference, possibly becoming a full member of the lab |
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Team Needs:
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No allergies to bee stings. |
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Description:
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The honey bee (Apis mellifera) contributes approximately $17 billion annually in pollination services for several major food crops in the United States including almond, which is completely dependent on honey bees for pollination. Almond growers face challenges to crop productivity due to several pests and pathogens which are often addressed with a multitude of chemical applications. For instance, insecticides are often applied in combination with other products to control insect pests. In this study, we intend to test the effects of commonly used insecticides on honey bee forager sucrose (sugar) sensitivity. Honey bees will be exposed to field relevant concentrations of select insecticides through simulated aerial application. The proboscis extension reflex (PER) assay will then be used to assess changes to sucrose sensitivity over the course of two days. If interested, a weekly class schedule will be requested |