The effects of sicklepod extracts on honey bees

Monday, November 11, 2024

11:54 AM – 12:06 PM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 126 B, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

Mckaela E. Whilden (she/her/hers)

Graduate research assistant
Mississippi State University
Bryan, Texas

Co-Author(s)

ZY

Ziming Yue

Mississippi State University
Starkville, Mississippi
PT

Paul Tseng

Mississippi State University
Starkville, Mississippi
Priyadarshini Chakrabarti Basu

Assistant Professor • Biochem, MolBio, Entmology & Plant Path
Mississippi State University
Starkville, Mississippi

Sicklepod is a weed that is native to the Southeastern United States, and it is commonly found in agricultural settings. This plant naturally contains toxins, including anthraquinones. Anthraquinones are widely spread throughout the environment and have been shown to be effective avian and deer repellants. Because honey bees can encounter anthraquinones when plants, such as soybeans, are sprayed with these extracts, this study was conducted to evaluate anthraquinone’s effect on honey bees. A lab cage experiment was run, exposing honey bees to sicklepod extracts through sugar syrup and a gradient of doses were used. Consumption of sugar syrup, daily survival in the lab cages and honey bee physiology are being assessed to understand such impacts. Within this study, we explored botanical pesticides safety for honey bees, to gain a better understanding of non-target effects anthraquinones may have.